Published: 11 April 2022
The University of Sunderland in London is ten years old this month. To celebrate, we have been looking at some of the things that make us a unique place to study.
A lot has happened in the last decade, but the story of the University, its origins and location go far beyond even that.
1) A long history
You know the campus started as an offshoot of the University of Sunderland, itself celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
But were you aware its origins go back much further? All the way to 674CE in fact.
It was then that Benedict Biscop built St Peter’s Church and monastery on what would become the site of our main campus.
Students have been taught there since, including the famous scholar known as the Venerable Bede.
2) We have a coat of arms
When you graduate your certificate will include the below image
This is our official coat of arms, an ancient type of design used to mark people, institutions and families of distinction that dates to the 12th century.
Ours includes symbols connecting us to the city of Sunderland including a lymphad (or boat) representing coastal trade, mitres (or bishop hats) for our connection to the original St Peter’s Church, and a Sun to play on the word Sunderland.
3) Latin everywhere
Alongside our coat of arms, the University, like many institutions around the UK, has a Latin motto.
It is a long-held tradition in British educational institutions to represent their ethos this way and we are no different.
Our is ‘scientiam dulce hauriens’ which translates to ‘sweetly absorbing knowledge’.
Coming from the Venerable Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People, it represents our role as passionate advocates of education.
4) Students from all over the world
We are extremely proud of our diversity as it makes the University a more interesting, exciting, and engaging place to study.
In fact, in 2022, we currently have students from over 20 different countries including India, Nigeria, Sweden, Italy and Uganda to name just a few.
5) Dogs and canaries
The University of Sunderland in London is based a stone’s throw from the financial centre of Canary Wharf on the Isle of Dogs.
The ‘dogs’ is thought to come from the fact that King Edward III kept his greyhounds here and the ‘canary’ is connected to the huge amount this area did with the profitable Canary Islands.
6) Sailing to Sunderland
In 2018, to emphasise our connection with Sunderland, and highlight the historical importance of sea routes for both campuses, we took part in Tall Ships.
The event saw two of our students boarding a sailing boat named the Atyla to sail from just outside the Marsh Wall building all the way up to Sunderland Harbour where they joined a five-day celebration of maritime culture.
7) 15,000 students
During the last ten years, we have welcomed over 15,000 people to come study with us. In fact, that number is growing rapidly.
By our five-year anniversary, just 5,000 students had studied here, with 10,000 in 2019.
That means we have tripled the number of people learning about business, tourism, finance, events, nursing and more in just half the time.
8) More to learn
We are also adding further study options. When we first opened, the courses were limited to a small selection of those taught at the University of Sunderland.
Since that time, we have added things like the business and tourism foundation degrees, events, and entertainment management and even the MSc Oil and Gas Management which is unique to our campus.
Plus watch out for more to come soon.
9) We are green
For a university that cares deeply about the environment, we really could not have chosen a better spot for our London campus.
Just opposite both the Marsh Wall and HX4 buildings is South Quay DLR Station, the city’s only electric, self-driving public transport, meaning you can get to class without worrying about your carbon footprint.
Plus, you are just minutes from the parks of Canary Wharf meaning you can always find green space when you need it.
10) We care about your journey
Ok, you might know this already if you are a student at the University of Sunderland in London. But what we think sets us apart is our culture of support and guidance which means our students get the most from their degrees.
With small class sizes, lessons two days a week and four intakes per year, life here is designed around making things easier for you.
That is why we have dedicated support services like Careers and Employability and Health and Wellbeing, alongside expert academics and a dedicated Library.
You will have everything you need to succeed.
Want to find out more about the University of Sunderland in London? Book your place on an Open Day now.
Keep an eye on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels all month using #WeAreSunLon10 for the latest on the 10th Anniversary celebrations.