University of Derby

The University of Derby is Top 20 in the UK for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024), with a community of expert academics, many of which are still in practice in their field or are working on life-changing research. Students receive a world class education that is grounded in excellence and innovation, with teaching and learning underpinned by industry connections. Academics nurture and support students' growth, and the university is Top 10 for satisfaction with feedback (Guardian University Guide 2024).

Teaching is informed by research, with a focus on making a positive impact in the world. The university's core research themes are:

• Biomedical and clinical science
• Creative and cultural industries
• Data science
• Business, economic and social policy
• Public services
• Zero carbon

Courses are continually developed with input from cutting-edge research and industry insights, giving students the most up to date skills and knowledge in subject areas​.

Nta Ita, an LLM Commercial Law graduate from Nigeria, says that ''The course fits my aspirations, and the lecturers are friendly and have given lots of support''.

Huyen Le, who came from Vietnam to study an MA in Careers Education and Coaching, has found that ''The lecturers are passionate and have a deep knowledge of their subject''.

The campus is spread over several sites, close to student accommodation and the city centre. Kedleston Road has the main library, Markeaton Street contains art and design studios, Britannia Mill is for dance and fine art and One Friar Gate Square is where law, criminology and social studies are based. A new Derby Business School will open in 2025 focused on empowering the next generation of business and innovation, while strengthening industry links with local businesses.

Over the last 10 years, the university has invested GBP 200 million in its facilities. These include:

• Financial Markets Lab – The university's dedicated trading room offers students direct use of financial data-including Bloomberg market data-information and analytics.
• Replica Crown Court – Tor law students to gain experience in a courtroom setting.
• STEM Centre – Provides the latest computer studios and specialist facilities for engineering, technology and computing students.
• Engineering workshops – Including motorsport, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, wood, metal and craft workshops so students can get hands-on experience.
• Crime Scene House – Students can explore the dynamic world of forensic science using seven replica domestic and commercial scenes, a blood spatter room and fully panoramic CCTV and audio.
• Creative spaces – facilities include a TV Studio and Green Room, Digital Design Hub, Media Loan Hub and Print Studios.
• Derby Theatre – Students can experience what it's like to perform and work in a real theatre, alongside professionals on top-quality theatre performances.
• NHS-Standard Mock Hospital Ward – This six-bed hospital ward offers a range of equipment to provide a lifelike taste of working in a modern hospital.
• Sports Centre – Includes a gym and fitness studios, sports hall, squash and badminton courts, climbing wall, treatment rooms and clinical teaching rooms for sport therapy.

See 360 views and helpful videos with the University of Derby's virtual tour.

The university's award-winning accommodation helps international students feel at home in Derby. As winners of Best University Housing 2022 and Best Moving In Experience (Global Student Living Awards UK & Ireland 2022), students can expect a fantastic choice of halls and a welcoming team.

There's a variety of student housing, including en-suite rooms and standard rooms, as well as single, double and studio accommodation, to suit all budgets and needs.

All bills are included in the fixed-price rent, so students don't have to worry about paying for gas, water, electricity, or WiFi as extra. Students will also receive a free welcome pack of kitchen and bedroom essentials when they arrive, so they don't need to worry about packing them or rushing to the shops.

Derby's halls of residence are a short distance from campus sites and within easy reach of the city centre. All halls are all close to the university sites, city centre, bus and train station, making it easy to explore Derby and the UK. Students can be assured that their safety, comfort and wellbeing will be looked after, with 24-hour security and CCTV, as well as a friendly halls team on hand for support. Halls are a great place to make friends and settle into life in Derby – the halls team even run free events to help students socialise, as well as explore Derby and its surroundings.

Mohika Shankar, a Psychology graduate from India says: ''My parents are very protective. Me being in halls gives them a reassurance that their child is safe. And it's extremely comfortable, and very convenient.''

The university offers a range of support and advice services for students. Expert teams can provide practical help and advice with questions around finance and budgeting, study skills and living and working in the UK.

The International Student Hub offers dedicated support for international students, from opening a bank account, to working while studying, and visa queries.

The university's careers and employability service offers guidance for students in finding jobs or work placements, and can help with writing CVs and cover letters.

For those who require additional English language support, the Derby English Language centre is on hand, with pre-sessional and in-sessional courses.

Personal academic tutors provide advice and guidance as students progress through their studies.

The university also provides a wealth of free and confidential support for students' health and wellbeing. This includes helping students juggle competing demands, taking care of mental health, supporting students with disabilities and specific learning differences, and advice for mature students and student parents.

Derby is an incredibly welcoming city that has a reputation for safety. So much so, in fact, that it gained Purple Flag status in recognition of its night time safety.

The university of Derby's security teams provide a range of services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure the safety of everyone across its campuses. These include:

• Foot patrols of all the University's sites
• Round-the-clock staffing at halls of residence
• Advice to students on security issues
• CCTV
• Swipe-card access to all sites
• Intercom entry system to halls of residence
• Fire alarm testing

Additionally, the university website includes a hub of safety information and emergency procedures, as well as information about campus-wide initiatives and a directory of emergency service numbers, which students can use if necessary.

Virtual Tour

Prospective students can get a first look of Derby's campus, teaching facilities and accommodation through its Virtual Tour. It also offers subject information and the opportunity to get advice from current Derby students.

Digital Prospectus

To find out more about Derby and its courses, students can order their personalised digital prospectus. They can select the courses they're interested in and what topics they'd like to find out more about, including wellbeing, student life, paying for university and much more. Students can see blogs, videos, and more information tailored to them.

New Business School

The University of Derby is excited to announce plans for its new Business School, set to open in 2024/2025. This will be based in Derby city centre and is set to welcome 6,000 students by 2030. Through a combination of teaching and research, it will continue the university's focus on leading business innovation.

Student stories

Marcus Chan, from Kuala Lumpur, studies Business Management (International Business). He admitted to being a little nervous when he first started, however the services provided by the university really helped him feel at home. He says, ''You will make new friends through the university societies and events. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I have never regretted.'' His top tips for prospective international students? Be calm and confident, as all will be well, and be sure to pack some warm, comfortable clothes.

Mohika Shankar moved from New Delhi to follow her passion for dance. Mohika admits that the experience of moving from India hasn't always been easy, but has been critical in building her character. Her advice to prospective international students is to keep an open mind and learn as much as possible. She said, ''I was a very shy and introverted person when I first arrived, but the time I have spent with people coming from diverse backgrounds has made me much more confident.''