Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries (Undergrad)

1. Performing Arts BA (Hons)
2. Screen Performance BA (Hons)
3. Music (Top-Up) BA (Hons)
4. Film Production BA (Hons)
5. Media Production BA (Hons)
6. Film and Media BA (Hons)
7. Media, Culture and Communication BA (Hons)
8. Social Media Management BA (Hons)
9. Animation and Games Art BA (Hons)
10. Screen Performance BA (Hons)
11. Mass Communications (Top-Up) BA (Hons)

The Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries is where creativity comes to life and imagination becomes reality. Our courses range from arts, design and performance, to film, media, English and journalism.Teaching is structured to support the individual development of each student as they pursue their own creative vision. Our academics are active practitioners and researchers, working nationally and internationally in the creative and academic sectors. We also welcome a wide range of visiting professors who are experts in their field and regularly work with our students.

With the creative industries being the fastest-growing sector of the UK economy, we provide opportunities for our students to develop the necessary skills to move into their chosen area of work, be that freelance, in small creative companies, or major employers such as Sky and the BBC. Uniquely, we work closely with Sunderland Culture, which means our students can experience real-world work opportunities, from exhibiting in professional settings to working with, and learning from, leading cultural professionals.

Our Faculty is supportive and nurturing, with fun being central to our approach.

School of Art and Design
Our Art and Design students are makers, using their creativity to make artworks, designs and products that enhance or even change the world. We have a range of distinctive courses, in the areas of Fine Art, Photography, Glass and Ceramics, Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion, and Animation and Games Art. Sunderland was a pioneer of the PhD in art and design and we currently have around fifty research students.

The School is career and industry focused; lecturers are all creative practitioners or scholars in the field, while courses feature live and industry led projects, as well as chances for students to present work externally. Additionally, our partnership with Sunderland Culture provides exclusive opportunities for our students for example work experience and exhibition opportunities.

The School of Media and Communications
Our industry-focused courses enable Media and Communications students to prepare for rich and rewarding careers, particularly in the booming creative sector. All students can learn alongside working journalists from BBC Newcastle and can broadcast on our community radio station SparkFM, as well as gain unique insights through our strategic partners such as Live Theatre, Dance City, Sunderland Culture, and Tyne and Wear TV.

Students benefit from world-leading research in media and the humanities and are supported by expert scholars and practitioners to find their voice, nurture their talents and collaborate in exciting, innovative learning spaces such as the mediaHUB. Our courses are endorsed by professional bodies such as Screenskills, the National Council for the Training of Journalists, and the Professional Publishers’ Association and are connected to businesses and communities of practice in the city and beyond.

Whether you’ve already checked us out at an Open Day and want to know more, or have never even heard of Sunderland, we’re sure there’s a few things about the city and the University that you don’t know. Here’s ten great reasons to choose Sunderland:

Ranked within the top 50 UK universities
We’re pleased to say that the University of Sunderland has been placed within the top 50 UK universities by the Guardian University Guide 2023. This achievement recognises our immense efforts towards providing teaching excellence, being professions facing and employability-focused. At the heart of everything we do here is the drive to help our students reach their potential and get where they want to be after graduating. This commitment has also been reflected by our standing as the best university in the north-east for teaching quality according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.

Investment in facilities
We’re always investing in new facilities, like our Living Lab and Helen McArdle House which features mock hospital wards, a pharmacy dispensary, training ambulance and a hi-fidelity simulation suite. We’ve also invested over £1m in engineering and computer science facilities, including a dedicated mechanical lab and a fluid lab and a 3D interactive igloo space. Acclaimed independent production company Fulwell 73 – makers of Netflix show ‘Sunderland ‘Til I Die’ – has even launched a new regional office in our David Puttnam Media Centre.

Great transport links
Getting between campuses couldn’t be simpler. The Connect Bus service and the Campus Circular service are both free for students with a valid student card. There is also a metro stop situated on our City Campus. If you prefer getting fresh air when travelling, we also have a cycling hub and on foot it will take around 20 minutes to get between the two campuses. You’re never too far from where you need to be.

An inclusive university
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion was celebrated when we were named University of the Year for Social Inclusion (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021). No matter your background or circumstances, we will help you to achieve your potential.

Convenient location
Sunderland is a vibrant city that benefits from a metropolitan city centre and coastal scenery. Roker beach is a short stroll from Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s where you can treat yourself to ice cream and fish and chips. Sunderland is also only 30 minutes away from Newcastle Upon Tyne, another lively city, and we are in easy reach of Gateshead and Durham.

Opportunities to engage in cultural experiences
While in Sunderland, there are always opportunities to engage with cultural activities. You can catch a show at the Empire Theatre, listen to some live music at at an eclectic mix of clubs and bars or learn something new at one of the many museums. The Stadium of Light has hosted some of the world’s biggest artists such as Beyonce, Foo Fighters, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran and Elton John.

Access to sport
Here in Sunderland, we love sport. We have over 50 sports clubs and societies and have excellent facilities such as a 70 station fitness suite and an indoor climbing wall. If you are more of a spectator, the Stadium of Light is home to Sunderland AFC, a football club that has a dedicated fanbase.

Famously low cost of living
The north-east is famous for low living costs. Sunderland is the third most affordable city in the UK according to a 2021 ‘Graduate salaries in the UK’ survey conducted by Prospects Luminate. With rent being as low as £77.79 a week and the average price of a pint costing just £3.30, we are accessible for all budgets.

A welcoming community
Coming to Sunderland means you will be joining a community of both home students and international students. There are 20,000 University of Sunderland students spread across our campuses in Sunderland, Hong Kong, and London. 156 nationalities are represented within our student body. And whether you are a mature student or a school leaver, you are sure to fit in with our community.

Enhanced employment prospects
Our huge range of extracurricular activities coupled with our incredible courses will leave your CV bursting at the seams. Sunderland Futures offer careers fairs, appointments with career advisors, and help with sourcing placements, internships, and jobs. Our Enterprise Place and Digital Incubator also provide dedicated support, workshops and funding opportunities for students and graduates looking to set up a business or embark on a freelance career.

So there you have it, ten reasons to choose Sunderland. If you’re still not convinced, there are plenty more.

• Sunderland is one of the UK’s leading widening participation Universities and was named The Times/Sunday Times University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2021
• A shortlisted as University of the Year by the THE – Times Higher Education, and our We Care programme picked up the Widening Access Initiative (Retention and Progression) Award at the 2020 NEON awards.
• # 101-150 , QS WUR Ranking By Subject.

How much you spend is up to you and your budget – for this reason, we’ve provided three versions: a budget option, an average option and an expensive option. You can also use this online student budget calculator to help you put together a budget for living and studying at the University of Sunderland or try our PANDA budgeting tool.

Living costs in detail

• Accommodation: £300 – £540 per month Rents vary depending on whether you choose university or private accommodation, the facilities available and the size of living area. University accommodation tends to include some utility bills with the rent, making them even better value for money. The cost of our university accommodation starts from approximately £72 per week for a standard room in Clanny House.
• Everyday travel: £0 – £17 per month Sunderland is a compact city, and the two campuses and all university accommodation are within walking distance of each other. If you don’t want to walk, the University also provides a free campus bus. For trips further afield, a return train ticket to Newcastle is about £4, to Durham is about £9, and to Middlesbrough is about £10 (and with a Young Person’s Railcard you can get an additional 33% discount).
• Food: £100 – £200 per month How much you spend on food is up to you. Cooking is the cheapest option, but there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Sunderland with great student deals – look out for happy hours and 2 for 1 offers!
• Course materials: £15 – £50 per month Depending on your course, you may need to pay for field trips, specialist clothing or books. Remember that the University has 2 libraries, so you may be able to borrow all the books you need during your course. You may be eligible for a StudyPLUS award which will help you with your costs.
• Clothes, toiletries and grooming: £15 – £75 per month How much you spend on clothes, shoes and haircuts is, of course, a matter of personal choice. Just remember that your student card entitles you to an additional 10% discount from many shops in the city of Sunderland.
• Social life: £40 – £150 per month There are a huge number of social activities available in the University and the city. Here are just a few examples:

1. Empire Cinema ticket: around £6
2. Pint of beer in Sunderland city centre: around £2.85
3. Cappuccino in Murray Library: around £2.50

Our Gym membership costs are typically £130 for the full year.

• Other miscellaneous costs: £15 – £52 per month

1. Mobile phone: £5 – £30 per month
2. TV licence: £12 per month
3. Laundry and household items: £5 – £10 per month