OUR HISTORY Sunderland has been an important centre for education since 674AD, when Benedict Biscop founded St Peter’s Church and monastery, which was home to the Venerable Bede and England’s largest scriptorium. Here we take a look back at some of the key developments of the 20th and 21st Century which have helped create the modern University of Sunderland. Special courses for HM armed forces and the Ministry of Labour introduced during the Second World War.
Sunderland Technical College opened, built at a cost of £27,800. The Principal, Mr Branford, was also responsible for the School of Art, run from the Town Hall.
Departments of Naval Architecture and Pharmacy established.
The College of Arts and Crafts moved to new accommodation in Ashburne House.
1901
1921
1934
1942
Sunderland Technical College became Sunderland Polytechnic.
Sunderland Polytechnic established the UK’s first degree course in Glass Design.
1969
1982
1908
1922
1939
1964
1973
1992
Sunderland Teacher Training College opened.
Sunderland Teacher Training College became ‘women only’ and remained that way until 1959.
Priestman Building opened, home to the departments of Mathematics and Mining.
A new complex of buildings on Chester Road was opened by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Sunderland created the UK’s first parttime Bachelor of Education programme.
University of Sunderland established after receiving university status.
Priestman Library at the Sunderland Technical College – now part of the Sunderland University Priestman Building was named after philanthropist Sir John Priestman.
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