For American student Joshua DeMille Gray, choosing the University of Sunderland’s LLB (Hons) Law programme was about more than just getting a respected law degree. He wanted to “experience a different culture and meet new people.”
He knew a UK degree would be superior to one from home. Plus, it is shorter, less expensive and just as internationally-recognised as one of the best in the world.
Gray reaped these perks, plus a whole lot more, from new skills to friends for life. “Studying at the University of Sunderland has been a brilliant experience,” he shares.
The University of Sunderland has an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research. Ten areas of its research are considered “world-leading,” according to the most recent Research Excellence Framework, which assesses the quality of research in all of the UK’s universities.
Step beyond its campuses — located on two main sites at Sunderland — you’ll be in close proximity to Roman historical sites, Durham’s Norman Castle and Cathedral (which doubled as “Hogwarts” in the Harry Potter homes).
This port city is also just a short rail trip away from York — the Roman capital of England and an historical jewel — as well as Edinburgh. London is a high speed rail trip away, Newcastle is 30 minutes away on the metro. That’s not all. With a daily ferry from the nearby Port of Tyne that runs to The Netherlands, the best of Europe is practically at your doorstep.
At home, Sunderland’s beautiful beaches, historical sites and a modern city centre are just as dynamic. Explore its 12 beaches, ranging from small and rugged to wide, sandy beaches with quintessentially British fish and chip shops, a promenade and an enticing range of watersports on offer. From wanderlusters to adrenaline-seekers, you’ll be enriched by the various offerings.
A great value education in the UK
Studying in the UK means saving a full year of expenses and time. Programmes span nine terms in three years compared to eight terms in four years in the US. This means you can get both an undergraduate and master’s degree in the same time as you get only a BA in the US, and for less money. Without extraneous “elective” courses unrelated to your main degree subject, there is less to pay too.
MPharm Pharmacy student Crystal Kline finds this structure “super beneficial.” “I enjoy how the years of study are laid out,” she shares. “Being from Canada, we are used to taking individual courses so we have a total of five courses a semester, which means five finals. However, here at Sunderland, it is all taught as one.” When it’s time to study, everything “lines up as you are learning it including pharmacology, chemistry, pharmaceutics and the clinical aspect,” she adds.
After three years, your English degree should meet your undergraduate degree requirements for admission to law school, medical school, and other professional degrees or courses — one year sooner. If you choose to continue at Sunderland, you’ll get an alumni discount on your master’s degree — including MBAs — tuition.
North American students are eligible for a range of scholarships and discounts. As Sunderland is part of the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programme, you can apply for a loan if you have accepted an offer of a place at Sunderland. Alternatively, compete for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. This is a fantastic opportunity to save over 3,000 pounds in living costs.
For Kline and Gray — and almost all graduates — the highlight of their Sunderland experience is its people. When Kline had a family emergency back in Canada, the University “did everything” to help her. “The lecturers at the Uuniversity are all very approachable and always willing to help better your understanding with any of the topics we cover,” adds Kline. “You are given a personal tutor in the first year that not only helps with any aspects of your school but is also there to help when you are dealing with any personal matters.”
Gray agrees. “There are helpful lecturers who are always there to assist with any questions, help you with the coursework and are understanding of individual personal circumstances,” he enthuses.
Beyond Pharmacy and Law, Sunderland has a wide range of academic departments, offering short, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the arts and creative industries, sciences, computing, engineering and manufacturing, sport, education, law and tourism and more.
At the Sunderland Business School, a suite of business and management courses are designed to put you at the forefront of this ever-changing industry. Whether it’s the BA (Hons) Business and Management or MBA, you’ll be equipped with the skills to stand out in your field after graduation.
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