Art and Design

Why Art and Design at Sunderland

The university’s creative programs have earned national recognition, with Film and Photography ranking 3rd in the UK according to Guardian University Guide 2026. Students on the BA (Hons) Photography, Video and Digital Imaging program gave their course 100% positive ratings for teaching engagement and academic preparation in the National Student Survey 2024. Industry partnerships, including Game Republic Ltd, provide access to real projects and internships, while technical facilities feature everything from Apple workstations and VR headsets to 3D printing, laser cutting, and traditional workshops for woodwork and metalwork.

Animation and Games Art

BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art bridges traditional and contemporary animation techniques, teaching fundamental principles of character animation alongside industry-standard software. Each student receives a personal studio space equipped with professional tools, including Shadow Motion Capture systems and a specialized Dragon Stop Motion room for frame-by-frame work. The course maintains strong industry connections through Game Republic collaborations and festival briefs for Encounters, RTS competitions, 11 Second Club, and E4 Stings. Graduates have contributed to Grand Theft Auto, Hey Duggee, Corpse Bride, and The Lord of the Rings.

Fashion Design and Promotion

BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Promotion covers the full industry spectrum. Those pursuing design develop concepts, research materials, and master pattern-cutting, sewing, textile printing, and CLO 3D software for three-dimensional garment modeling. The promotion track explores market analysis, trend forecasting, branding, visual merchandising, and event organization, including fashion shows. Students gain expertise in graphic design, styling, and photography while accessing faculty knowledge in fashion journalism. Alumni work at Abercrombie and Fitch, River Island, Urban Outfitters, and All Saints.

Film and Media at University of Sunderland

BA (Hons) Film and Media combines cinema theory with production practice, immersing students in historical contexts and contemporary debates. They collaborate with scholars from the Centre for Research in Media and Cultural Studies alongside screenwriters and practitioners, creating an environment where ideas and professional growth intersect. The curriculum spans cinema history and criticism, global media studies, creative storytelling, and sensory cinematic experience. For their final project, students plan and execute their own mini film festival, developing both analytical and organizational skills while participating in cinema trips and the Spark Sunderland media platform.

Graphic Design

BA (Hons) Graphic Design tutors are practicing specialists in branding, illustration, exhibition design, interfaces, animation, and motion graphics who bring their professional experience directly into teaching. The course received 100% positive student ratings in National Student Survey 2024 for creating motivation, teaching engagement, and pushing creative boundaries. Students explore visual communication, motion design, visual effects, and user experience while working with Adobe Creative Suite and augmented and virtual reality tools. International speakers like Andy Altman from Why Not Associates and Andy Sandoz, honorary graduate and former president of Design and Art Direction, enrich the program.

Photography, Video and Digital Imaging

The Northern Centre of Photography offers BA (Hons) Photography, Video and Digital Imaging students access to professional photo studios, digital production halls, and traditional darkrooms. Under guidance from expert photographers and specialized technicians, they learn to create high-quality digital and traditional images, tell visual stories about subjects that matter to them, and develop their own recognizable visual language. Graduates pursue careers in medical, music, sports, and event photography, work as studio and gallery assistants, curate exhibitions, manage commercial photo businesses, teach, and participate in community projects and publishing.