The University of Derby is a top-rated institution, with outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Derby is Top 20 in the UK for overall student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024) and has a strong reputation for providing excellent teaching and a wealth of support for students, with more than GBP 200 million invested in facilities in the last ten years.
Employability and practical skills are at the heart of Derby's teaching, with a range of courses available. The University of Derby offers a wide range of subjects, with 11 subject areas ranked Top 10 for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024), distributed across 4 colleges:
Business, Law and Social Science Science and Engineering Health, Psychology and Social Care Art, Humanities and EducationThe city of Derby is renowned as a centre for innovation, with global companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Bombardier based there. The university is investing in its global future, partnering with sector-leading businesses to offer graduate talent the opportunity to flourish.
Derby is welcoming and friendly and has Purple Flag status – this recognises its safe, diverse and enjoyable nightlife. Its central location means that it is easily accessible by rail and road.
Daniel Nang-Tege Ekumah, MSc Intelligence, Security and Disaster Management graduate from Ghana says: ''Derby is the ideal city for me – it offers almost everything the bigger cities can offer, with the calmness of countryside life. That was one reason I picked this university over the other offers I received to study in the UK.''
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 carbonCourses 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''.
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.
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 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.
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 testingAdditionally, 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.
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.''