Sunderland University announces changes to glass and ceramics programming

Sunderland University announces changes to glass and ceramics programming

The University of Sunderland has been exploring the option of relocating a restructured glass and ceramics programme from the National Glass Centre (NGC) to Priestman Building on City Campus, as part of its work to find alternative locations for activity based in the current NGC building.

An external project team was commissioned to assess the scope and viability of relocating, and to provide a high-level cost estimate. The report concluded that moving equipment and undertaking the necessary changes to the building, e.g. ventilation and extraction facilities, would cost in the region of £9.4 million.

Based on this report, and considering the number of glass and ceramics students, the University’s Board of Governors has concluded that relocating glass and ceramics is not financially viable and decided that the academic programme should close in summer 2026.

Consultation has begun with all staff affected by this decision. The University has also triggered its Student Protection Plan and informed the Office for Students (OfS).

This announcement does not have an impact on work to find alternative locations for other activities based at the NGC. The University remains in active discussion with its key partners, Sunderland Culture and Sunderland City Council, including on the potential to take space in the Culture House. In the meantime, the National Glass Centre building and the activities within it remain open until summer 2026.