Our history
We're proud of our history and connections with the North East as University of Sunderland's London base. Together we are part of an innovative, accessible and inspirational higher education.
Coat of Arms
When you graduate with us, you will receive a degree parchment which bears the University of Sunderland's coat of arms.
Understanding the Coat of Arms
The Crest: the ship is a Lymphad (a single-masted ship propelled with sails), reflecting the University's connection with the sea and coal. The Coat of Arms is repeated on the sail.
The Arms: the Mitres (or ceremonial head-dress worn by bishops and abbots) refer to Bishopwearmouth and Monkwearmouth, with St Peter’s keys (which open the gates to heaven).
The Sun: this symbolises the light of learning, and is also a play on word 'Sunderland'.
The Shield: The shield is divided into eight pieces, or 'gyrons'. This shows that the University is made of numerous elements and alludes to our large number of courses.
The Supporters: the gryphon on the left represents wisdom and looking into the future. The lion on the right is a reference to the lions in the Durham Coat of Arms. Sunderland was historically part of County Durham.
The Motto: 'Scientiam Dulce Hauriens', is taken from the closing prayer of the Venerable Bede’s Ecclesiastical History of the English People. It translates from Latin as "sweetly absorbing knowledge".