University of Sunderland named among best in UK for Student Support and Teaching

The University of Sunderland has been named among the Top 10 in the UK for the support it offers students, its high standards of teaching, and its commitment to getting more first-generation students into higher education.

According to the Daily Mail University Guide 2026, the University is 4^th in the UK for its excellent student support services, 6^th for encouraging first generation students into university, and 8^th for teaching excellence.

Overall, Sunderland is ranked 83^rd in the country, on the back of a number of accolades in recent years, including being shortlisted for University of the Year by the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards in 2024.

The University was also ranked as 13^th in the country for overall student experience, according to the new Daily Mail Guide.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “We are incredibly proud to be named among the top 10 universities in such a diverse range of categories.

“These accolades reflect our deep commitment to putting students at the heart of everything we do – from world-class teaching and learning, through wellbeing support, to preparation for life beyond graduation. It is recognition too of the hard work of our staff, and the determination of our students to thrive and succeed.”

The University’s courses in Computer Games and Animation, Social Work, and Computer Science ranked 2^nd, 3^rd and 5^th in the UK respectively.