Sunderland University (Detailed Info)

Founded: 1969 as Sunderland Poly, from colleges founded 1860 onwards. University status 1992.

Location: 3 town centre sites within 10 min walk.

Getting there: Bus and coach services from Park Lane Interchange, rail services from Sunderland station (or Durham/Newcastle nearby); by road, from A1M, take A690 then A19. Metro links 3 sites.

Special features: Students from over 50 countries. Most buildings are accessible to mobility-impaired students.

Academic features: Franchise scheme; modular credit scheme.

Awarding body: Sunderland University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, BEng, FDS.

Length of courses: 2 or 3 years full time; 4 years sandwich (3-5 years part-time).

Library & IT facilities: Libraries on each site; total of 450,000 volumes, 1850 periodicals, 70,000 slides and photographs and 1850 study places. Online catalogue, large CD-Rom networks, access to 200 databases etc. Annual expenditure on information provision, £83 per (FTE) student. Separate IT service (access 24 hours/day); ratio workstations to students 1:6. Access to library from 172 machines, to internet from 648. IT support from 4 full-time, 2 part-time library staff and technicians throughout university; numerous induction sessions for new students on library and information services and IT skills; also subject workshops, surgeries etc.

Other learning facilities: Art gallery; language centre; media resources unit; journalism suite; computer network with 24-hour access to mini-computers and main computer.

Study abroad: 800+ students spend a period abroad; students on many courses have the chance to study in universities/colleges in America (north and south), Australia, Japan, China, New Zealand, and western Europe.

Careers & Jobs: Information, advice and placement.

Student advice & services: Counselling service, financial adviser, professional welfare officer, solicitor through SU, chaplain, nursing sister on call for first aid, 2 day nurseries.

Amenities: SU with 46 sporting and recreational societies (including ski club, all weather pitches), travel centre, shop; 2 SU bars, 1 cafe bar and nightclub, Manor Quay. 2 bookshops on site.

Sporting facilities: Sports centre with fitness suite, swimming pool and sports hall. Special access to local leisure centre and sports facilities.

Accommodation: All first years (and continuing students) who want it are in university accommodation, 65% of all non-local students. 2100 places available, average rent £50-£57 self-catering (£64 ensuite), Sept-June. Privately owned accommodation, £36-£60 per week for self-catering. 15% of first degree students live at home.

Living expenses budget: No university-recommended minimum.

Term time work: Some work available on campus in SU, library, student bars, clubs, societies, administration or as student ambassadors. Jobshop advertises on and off-campus jobs.

Financial help: £747,000 government funds, 1650 helped.

Special help: self-financing students and those with dependants. Also help from sponsors and trusts on some courses. Advice from Helpline (Tel: 0191 515 3000 or email: student-helpline(at)sunderland.ac.uk).