University of Sunderland leaps up national rankings

Sunderland jumped 30 places in The Guardian University League Tables 2017, up from 109 of 119 to 79.

The Guardian University Guide ranks universities by subject and institution, using data from sources including the National Student Survey and Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey.

Sunderland Vice-Chancellor Shirley Atkinson said: "We are thrilled that all of our positive work has had such a clear impact on our place in the Guardian University League Tables.

"Our University has - and always will - put students at the heart of what we do. We encourage, support and inspire our students in a first-class, world-renowned teaching environment. Our academic colleagues excel at ensuring teaching is research-informed, contemporary and work relevant.

"The fact that we have made this leap in what is a challenging time for the sector, and when so many of our students join us from low-income backgrounds and without any family history of higher education makes me very proud, both of all the University team and the students and their families who entrust their higher education to us.

"We know we are making a life-changing difference to the lives of our graduates, and we are resolute in our ambition to create the leaders of tomorrow; today’s league table results mean that now others will know too.”

The Guardian University Guide ranks universities by subject and institution, using data from various sources. These include the National Student Survey (NSS) which measures the percentage of students satisfied with their course, teaching and feedback, as well as the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, which measures the career prospects of graduates.

Accolades for the University of Sunderland within the Guardian University Guide League tables include the following subjects:

· Best in the North East for satisfaction with teaching in Sociology

· Joint best in the North East for satisfaction with course in Law

· Best in the North East for satisfaction with course in Pharmacy

· 11th place in the UK and Best in the North East for satisfaction with teaching in Fashion

· 17th place in the UK for satisfaction with course in Tourism

· 11th place in the UK for Media and Film Studies

· 13th place in the UK for Film Production and Photography