The Discipline Representative (DR), usually referred to as a Discipline Rep, is a volunteer leadership role that serves as a vital link between students, Sunderland Students' Union, The Graduate School and the University. Discipline Reps volunteer to represent the views of students on their course, about their course. Each Discipline Rep is responsible for their own specific research area, tied to their relevant School within the University. They work with their PGR Rep, the Graduate School, and academic staff to ensure that Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) feedback is acted upon. They attend meetings to highlight trends from student feedback and develop their leadership. Discipline Reps make a real difference to improve students’ academic experience and develop skills and experience that furthers their own employability and personal development.

For each School there is at least one Discipline Rep, representing Postgraduate Researcher  students.

How to apply:

Please note that you must be a Postgraduate Researcher student at the University of Sunderland for the academic year 2026/27 to apply for this role. You cannot apply for this role if you graduate in the summer of 2026.

CVs and covering letters will not be accepted.

To express an interest in this role, please view the job description for further details and complete the following steps:

The Postgraduate Researcher Representative (PGR Rep) is a volunteer role that serves as a vital link between Discipline Reps, Sunderland Students' Union, and the University’s Graduate School. PGR Reps are the lead for representation in their research area. This means they are responsible for building relationships with Discipline Reps and Graduate School staff to escalate any academic concerns and work to find solutions for PGR student feedback. They sit on high profile meetings and committees to elevate the student voice and develop their leadership. PGR Reps make a real difference to improve PGR’s academic experience and develop skills and experience that furthers their own employability.

There are 4 PGR Reps across Sunderland-based routes, representing PGR students related to their academic faculty. 3 are ringfenced for each academic faculty.

How to apply:

Please note that you must be a Postgraduate Researcher student at the University of Sunderland for the academic year 2026/27 to apply for this role. You cannot apply for this role if you graduate in the summer of 2026. In order to apply to be a PGR Rep, you must also express an interest in the Discipline Rep role.

CVs and covering letters will not be accepted.

To express an interest in this role, please view the job description for further details and complete the following steps:

The Course Representative (CR), usually referred to as a Course Rep, is a volunteer leadership role that serves as a vital link between students, Sunderland Students' Union, and the University. Course Reps volunteer to represent the views of students on their course, about their course. Each Course Rep is responsible for their own specific year group within their programme. They work with their Student Voice Rep, Programme Lead, and academic staff to ensure that student feedback is acted upon. They attend meetings to highlight trends from student feedback and develop their leadership. Course Reps make a real difference to improve students’ academic experience and develop skills and experience that furthers their own employability and personal development.

There are hundreds of Course Representatives across Sunderland based courses, representing undergraduate and postgraduate taught students.

How to apply:

Please note that you must be an enrolled Student at the University of Sunderland to apply for this role.

CVs and covering letters will not be accepted.

Engaging with our students is fundamental - everything we do is for them. We are now seeking to appoint two Student Trustees who are passionate about helping shape the future of the organisation.

Your perspective as a current student is essential to ensuring student voices are represented at a strategic level. As a Trustee, you will play a key role in both supporting and constructively challenging how we deliver the best possible student experience.

To continue improving what we do, we must understand what matters most to our students and ensure they are at the heart of every decision.

If you are passionate about enhancing the student experience at the University of Sunderland, we encourage you to apply.

You must be a current student studying during the 2026/27 academic year to apply. No previous experience is required, and full training will be provided.

The role is for an initial term of one or two years, as agreed by the Appointments Committee, and commencing in accordance with the Byelaws. The term of office may be shorter or longer on a transitional basis to coincide with the alteration of the year start or end. A Student Trustee may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms, subject to remaining a student for the duration. You will no longer be able to be a trustee once you graduate.

For an informal discussion about the role, please email centralservices@sunderland.ac.uk

To apply for this role, please provide:

• A covering letter (maximum one side of A4) outlining your motivation for applying. Please include your course and expected start and end dates.
• A personal statement (maximum two sides of A4) demonstrating how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification.
• An up to date CV outlining your relevant employment history and experience.
• A completed EDI Monitoring form.

Please send your documentation in Word or PDF format to centralservices@sunderland.ac.uk by clicking on the 'Apply Now' button below or emailing directly.