The University of Sunderland is a member of the highly respected Design and Art Directors Association (D&AD), an influential body that rewards creative excellence. The prestigious D&AD Award is well-regarded in the world of advertising and design and recognised globally as the ultimate creative accolade. In addition to our strong industry contacts we have ‘world-leading’ research in Art and Design, according to the latest Research Excellence Framework. Our alumni form part of an international network of creative individuals who have shaped, and continue to shape, the culture surrounding all of us. For example: - Callum Prior and Marc Rayson beat 22,000 other entries to win a prestigious D&AD Yellow Pencil in 2013 - Ryan Davies is owner and Managing Director of digital developers Gospelware. With an impressive portfolio of global clients, Gospelware design and build software systems for multiple devices that focus on apps for mobile and web technology - Tim Holman works as a model maker in New Zealand and his credits include two of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy of films – ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ and ‘The Two Towers’ - Andy Sandoz is the president of the internationally influential D&AD. Our Fashion and Textiles courses are 14th in the UK according to the Guardian University League Tables 2018 and our graduates embark on a range of exciting careers in design, brand development, fashion publishing, marketing and many other fashion-related creative industries.

The main destinations for graduates are expected to be fashion-related creative industries. These include design, brand development, fashion publishing, production, design consultancies, PR and fashion retail. Some graduates may become freelance consultants or self-employed designers, or go on to further study or teacher training.