University of Sunderland Ranking

Latest Update; The University of Sunderland was honored with the Gold Cycle Friendly Employer Award, the UK's highest cycling accreditation, recognizing its commitment to sustainable transport and staff well-being.

University of Sunderland is a modern public institution located in the northeast of England. The university is recognized for its strong ties to business and vocational sectors, and offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. 

The University of Sunderland is ranked #33 in the UK by The Guardian 2025 and #442 in Europe by QS 2025. As part of the University of Sunderland ranking achievements, it is well-regarded for its strong academic programs and research opportunities, offering a supportive environment for students studying in the UK.

The University of Sunderland has been recognized for its exceptional student support, earning the University of the Year for Student Support award from The Daily Mail. Alongside its strong national ranking, Sunderland is placed #1201 globally by Times Higher Education 2025, emphasizing its global recognition and commitment to quality education.

For those interested in studying in the UK, Sunderland presents opportunities for academic development with a focus on practical skills.

University of Sunderland  Rankings 2025

The University of Sunderland has consistently improved its position in both national and global rankings, reflecting its dedication to academic excellence and research. 

For the 2024/25 academic year, Sunderland is ranked #442 in Europe by QS, marking a positive trajectory in both regional and international categories.

Here is a summary of the University of Sunderland's rankings across major global ranking agencies:

Ranking Body	2023	2024	2025
QS (Europe)	NA	#445	#442
THE (World)	#1001-1200	#1201-1500	#1201-1500

To help you visualize the trends in the University's global rankings, let's take a look at the graph below.

:The University of Sunderland has seen a notable rise in the QS University Rankings, moving from being unranked in 2023 to securing the #442 spot in 2025. This upward shift highlights the university's growing global recognition for its academic programs and research contributions. 

In the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, Sunderland maintains a steady position within the #1001–1200 range, reflecting a consistent global presence while working to improve its performance across multiple disciplines. 

Beyond overall rankings, Sunderland excels in specific fields. Let’s explore how its subject programs are ranked so that you can assess the quality of education in your area of interest.

Subject-wise Rankings of the University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland continues to make impressive strides in academics, with strong programs in Pharmacy, Media, and Nursing. 

In 2025, The Guardian ranked its Pharmacy & Pharmacology course #1 in the UK, while THE placed its Medical and Health programs in the 801–1000 global range.

Here is a breakdown of Sunderland's rankings across these major global ranking agencies:

QS Ranking (2025)

Sunderland’s Pharmacy and Pharmacology program is among the best globally, with the university ranked within the top range in key subjects. The QS University Rankings by Subject place Sunderland’s Pharmacy and Pharmacology program in the #101-150 range. 

Moving on, let's examine how Sunderland performs in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, which reflect its strength in medical and health sciences.

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2025

Sunderland also demonstrates strong performance in Medical and Health Sciences, positioning itself as an emerging global contender. Ranked 801–1000 for Medical and Health by Times Higher Education 2024, Sunderland continues to grow in global academic recognition. 

Here is how Sunderland ranks in these subjects, arranged in ascending order:

Subject	Rank
Medical and Health	801–1000
Social Sciences	801–1000

Now, let's take a closer look at Sunderland’s rankings in The Guardian rankings, which highlight its continued success across several disciplines.

The Guardian Rankings 2025

The University of Sunderland is making significant strides in various academic fields, particularly in Pharmacy, Media, and Nursing. Ranked #1 in Pharmacy & Pharmacology by The Guardian 2025, Sunderland is considered one of the top universities for Master's in Pharmacy.

Let's explore how Sunderland ranks in key subjects for 2025.

Subject	Guardian Rank 2025
Pharmacy & Pharmacology	1
Media & Film Studies	3
Film Production & Photography	5
Journalism	6
Drama & Dance	10
Fine Art	8
Physiology	22
Tourism and Hospitality Management	20
Animation & Game Design	19
Graphic Design	19
Biomedical Science	36
Psychology	40
Business & Management	40
Sports Science	39
Nursing	55
Mental Health Nursing	55
Social Work	46
Accounting & Finance	42
Mechanical Engineering	44
Law	74

Beyond subject rankings, Sunderland has received numerous recognitions and accreditations, highlighting its diverse strengths. Here are some other essential recognitions and accreditations that reflect its overall quality.

Miscellaneous Ranking and Accreditation 2025

In addition to its global rankings, the University of Sunderland has received recognition from various reputable platforms and accreditation bodies, underscoring its commitment to high academic standards and student success. Sunderland is ranked in the Top 10 in the UK for Careers Prospects, highlighting its focus on employability and graduate outcomes. 

Here are some of the key rankings and accreditations for the University of Sunderland in 2025:

Ranking Agency/Accreditation	Details/National Ranking 2025
Webometrics	#1748
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)	MBA program is accredited by AACSB
Chartered College of Teaching	First UK university to be accredited as a Chartered Status CPD Partner (recognizing high-quality CPD provision in mentoring)
Daily Mail University Guide	Named University of the Year for Student Support (2024) Ranked 77th overall
The Complete University Guide	Ranked #72 in the University League Table (2025) 1st in the North-East for Student Satisfaction (2025)
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide	Ranked #95 overall (2025) 1st in the North-East for Teaching Quality (2025)
What Uni Student Choice Awards	Top 10 UK for Careers Prospects (2023)
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)	Subject to QAA's quality assurance reviews, ensuring rigorous academic standards.

Sunderland's research breakthroughs and top rankings can influence your University of Sunderland admission decision. Let's explore some of its key accomplishments.

University of Sunderland: Excellence and Achievements

The University of Sunderland offers a strong 94.2% graduate employability rate, reflecting its commitment to career readiness. Ranked #33 in the UK, it stands out for both academic quality and student satisfaction. 

Below is a breakdown of its accolades, making it an excellent choice for international students.

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

Sunderland’s academic strength is highlighted by over 70% of its research being rated as "world-leading" or "internationally excellent." The University of Sunderland courses have earned national recognition for their high academic standards. 

Now, let's explore the details of its academic achievements.

Category	Recognition
Guardian University Guide 2025	Ranked #33 in the UK, marking a significant rise from previous years
Times Higher Education Awards 2024	Shortlisted for University of the Year, highlighting institutional excellence
Complete University Guide 2025	Ranked #1 in the North-East for student satisfaction
Research Excellence Framework 2021	Over 70% of research rated as "world-leading" or "internationally excellent"

Sunderland's positive impact extends to its campus life. Let's take a closer look at how it supports its community and promotes a balanced student lifestyle.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

Sunderland is committed to sustainability, reducing energy use by 16%, and offering top-tier mental health support. Ranked among the top 17 UK universities for student well-being, it also provides University of Sunderland Scholarships to support students.

Initiative	Impact
Net Zero Campus	Generated 400,000+ kWh of solar power; installed 4,000 LED lights, reducing energy use by 16%
Mental Health Charter Award	Recognized among the top 17 UK universities for student mental health support
People & Planet League	Ranked #97 UK, with a 2:2 Class sustainability rating

In addition to academic and community-focused recognitions, Sunderland also stands out for its contribution to the cultural and creative fields.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

Ranked #3 for Media/Film Studies, Sunderland promotes creativity and alumni engagement. The university's events bring together over 20,000 alumni annually, creating a strong and connected community. 

Let's look at its cultural and creative achievements.

Activity	Achievement
Degree Shows 2025	Exhibits like Capturing Hidden Disabilities showcase student artistry
Team Sunderland	Over 30 sports clubs; Basketball recognized as a #1 pathway sport; Football in BUCS leagues
Cultural Events	Homecoming ceremonies uniting over 20,000 alumni

Sunderland's rankings are impressive, but it is essential to understand the competitiveness of the admissions process. 

Now that you know about the University of Sunderland's achievements, let’s compare its ranking with the  University of Sunderland acceptance rate to give you more insight.

University of Sunderland: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

With an overall acceptance rate of 15.2%, gaining admission to the University of Sunderland, especially in highly ranked programs like Media (#3) and Journalism (#6), requires careful preparation. 

Below is a breakdown of how the acceptance rate varies across different programs.

Program	Guardian Rank 2025	Acceptance Rate
Media & Film Studies	3	15.2%
Journalism	6
Business & Management	40
General Nursing	55
Biomedical Science	36

Behind each ranking is a specific methodology. To truly understand Sunderland's standing, let's break down the ranking systems that contribute to its global and national reputation.

Ranking Methodologies

The University of Sunderland has earned an overall 4 Stars rating in the QS Stars rankings, highlighting its solid reputation in teaching, employability, and global engagement. This ranking reflects its commitment to providing quality education and supporting student success. 

Let's explore how Sunderland performs across various QS Stars categories.

QS University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings assess academic reputation, global research impact, employability, and international diversity. The University of Sunderland, ranked #442 in the QS Europe rankings, demonstrates its strengths in research and global presence. 

Academic reputation and citations per faculty collectively account for 50% of the total score, significantly influencing the university's ranking.

Here’s how QS measures the University of Sunderland’s performance:

Focus Area	Indicators	Weightage
Research and Discovery	Academic Reputation	30%
	Citations per Faculty	20%
Employability and Outcomes	Employer Reputation	15%
	Employment Outcomes	5%
Global Engagement	International Faculty Ratio	5%
	International Research Network	5%
	International Student Ratio	5%
	International Student Diversity	0%
Learning Experience	Faculty Student Ratio	10%
Sustainability	Sustainability	5%

These ratings demonstrate Sunderland's strengths in teaching, employability, and facilities, offering a well-rounded education that prepares students for success.

Now, let's get a conclusion on University of Sunderland’s ranking.

Wrapping up: University of Sunderland Ranking Analysis

The University of Sunderland is placed in the 1201-1500 range in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, reflecting its solid academic performance and high student satisfaction. It holds the #442 position in the QS Europe rankings, marking its steady presence on the international stage.

Sunderland stands out in specialized fields such as Pharmacy & Pharmacology, where it ranks #1 in the UK according to The Guardian 2025, and in Media & Film Studies, ranked #3. However, the university's engineering and medical programs have room for improvement in global visibility and research output.

With strong recognition in student support and graduate employability, Sunderland continues to build its reputation as a comprehensive institution of higher education.