IT

Why IT in Sunderland

Sunderland holds second place nationally for digital sector growth outside London, which has turned it into fertile ground for startups and tech ventures. The university’s Computer Science programs ranked 11th in the UK for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and 7th for student feedback satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026). Its David Goldman Technology Centre houses hundreds of workstations running professional software, while Cisco Academy accreditation provides access to two labs equipped with routers, switches, and terminals, alongside platforms for high-performance computing and a public mobile network.

Applied Computing

This conversion course welcomes those transitioning into IT from unrelated fields, covering software development, network systems, databases, and web development through fundamentals that employers prioritize. Students explore computer science principles and system architecture while gaining opportunities for internships or project work in the university’s Digital Incubator. By graduation, they’re equipped not just with theory but with the ability to design, implement, and maintain IT systems, contributing to research and collaborative projects using current technologies that mirror actual workplace environments.

Computer Science

The program blends hands-on development with theoretical depth, exploring how and why computing systems function as they do. Students work with AI, DevOps, IoT, robotics, and cybersecurity using industry languages like Javascript, C#, Python, and SQL within the David Goldman Technology Centre’s specialized labs. Beyond core modules covering software development, databases, and emerging technologies, University of Sunderland offers additional industry certifications that strengthen graduates’ market positions, preparing them for diverse roles across the sector through practical engagement with professional-grade tools.

Cybersecurity at University of Sunderland

This master’s program addresses one of the fastest-growing specializations amid rising digital threats. Students engage with network security, forensic analysis tools, cryptography, secure programming, and resilient system design through entirely practical assessment—coursework, research papers, and a capstone project replace traditional exams. Internationally recognized academics lead sessions that combine lectures, seminars, and group discussions, where theoretical concepts immediately apply to real attack scenarios facing contemporary organizations. The curriculum builds specialists capable of defending against sophisticated threats through hands-on experience rather than memorization.

Game Development

Students immerse themselves in game creation using engines, VR headsets, console controllers, and simulator peripherals within the specialized Game Development Lab. The program earned 100% positive ratings in National Student Survey 2024 for intellectual stimulation, professional competency development, and pushing students toward excellence. Its lab features industry-standard equipment—i7 processors with RTX 3060 Ti graphics, official console controllers, an arcade cabinet, and VR gear—where students build portfolios demonstrating programming mechanics and crafting engaging experiences. Projects span PC, mobile, and virtual reality platforms in conditions replicating actual studio workflows.