The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. We have a simple promise, and that is to make an impact. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. From the heart of England, we empower people across the globe to achieve their potential and make a positive contribution to society.
We are pushing the boundaries of knowledge to create a better, fairer and more sustainable future for everyone. Our thriving community of researchers, professionals and practitioners are influencing the creation of new knowledge and sharing their expertise. We are committed to delivering research that makes a real-world impact.
We are experts in online education and with a wide-range of part-time online courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level, we can help you achieve more and be more.
While studying online with us, you will engage with your course materials, your tutor and fellow students through the virtual learning environment and your student portal.
Through our distinctive approach to online learning design, we ensure that your study experience is rich and engaging, with highly current study materials and opportunities for you to engage with your fellow students to share knowledge, experience and best practice. Our approach is designed to enrich your learning and understanding and will help you in your assignment and assessments.
Online learning is a flexible way to further your skills and qualifications. With a busy life to juggle, home, work, family, friends and of course ‘you time’, it can be difficult to fit in a weekly visit to a local university. Studying online allows you to manage your studies around your commitments.
A wide choice of part-time, online courses to suit your busy lifestyle
You can choose from our wide range of career-focused courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. For many of our courses, you can choose to start in January, May or September. Subject areas include:
- Accounting and Finance
- Business and Management
- Computing and IT
- Psychotherapy
- Education
- Ergonomics and Human Factors
- Built Environments
- Environmental Sciences
- Hospitality Management
- Nursing, Health and Social care
- Psychology
Explore our online courses for full details or try one of our free course tasters to explore how your course materials will look.
We provide a structured online learning environment with assessment deadlines based around trimesters. As a part-time, online student you will typically study one module per term and have three x 10-week terms per academic year.
As a guide, you will need to dedicate arond 20 hours per week to study. In some cases there is the option to study at an accelerated pace of 2 modules per term and 40 hours per week, thereby completing the programme in a shorter timeframe.
Industry-led, accredited degree courses
Many of our online courses hold professional accreditations or endorsements. Our close relationship with industry-specific professional bodies and employers means that you can be confident that our courses will support your professional progress.
Our courses are accredited by a range of professional bodies including:
- The British Psychological Society (BPS)
- The Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- The Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
- The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
- The Institute of Hospitality (IoH)
Join our live webinars, wherever you are in the world
Our live webinars are free and cover a range of areas from online learning at Derby to course-specific sessions. You will have the opportunity to view an engaging presentation and ask any questions that you may have.
Don’t worry if you are not able to attend a live webinar, simply register and we will send you the recording of the webinar for you to listen to at your leisure. You can browse and register for one of our forthcoming webinars here.
Your study experience at Derby
We are dedicated to ensuring your chosen course is academically rewarding, with real-world applications that prepares you for professional attainment once you graduate.
Once you have enrolled onto your chosen programme you will have access to a modern online learning environment which will connect you to a wealth of stimulating digital course resources, whilst allowing you to network with both expert academics and your fellow students from around the globe.
We offer a variety of engaging online learning tools - which you can view any time by mobile, tablet or computer - so you can study 24/7 and in a way that suits you. The virtual learning environment has various learning aids for you to explore including: lively discussion boards and forums, easily-navigated course materials, videos, activities and assessment information. It also provides a useful virtual space for you to work on group projects.
You will be guided through your course by our expert team of academics, who have developed our courses to ensure they are academically rigorous as well as relevant to the modern workplace. Our academic team combine their cutting-edge research with industry experience and their online teaching expertise to bring your course materials to life; providing a course that is truly current and engaging. They are committed to providing timely feedback to help you navigate your course successfully and supporting you to fulfil your academic potential.
You can find out more about our innovation and research on our website. To ensure you have all the help you need, our academics are available by email, through your virtual learning environment and live sessions, via Teams chat or calls, and at the end of the phone.
University student services at your fingertips
We take pride in ensuring that our students have the guidance, support and resources they need to succeed in every step of their student journey, whether you are studying on campus or at a distance, online.
You will have access to our extensive e-library and resource centre, which is available to you 24/7. Here you can access the digital texts and e-journals on your reading list at any time, as well as a range of online databases. Our team of librarians are readily available should you need help in navigating the e-library system. You also have the option to join one of the library’s live webinars on topics such as study skills or using the virtual library enquiry desk.
You will also have the opportunity to utilise the full breath of student services including:
- Develop@Derby
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Services and wellbeing
- Career and Employability Service
- The Union of Students
Dedicated pastoral support
When you study an online qualification with us you will receive regular guidance from our team of Online Learner Advisors. Our advisors can provide advice on non-academic issues such as the enrolment process, your course modules, dealing with exceptional circumstances, assignment deadlines and advice on fees and funding. If you have a question and you’re not sure which department to enquire at, our advisors will be delighted to point you in the right direction.
Affordable fees and payment plans
To make your studies more affordable, we offer a choice of a Pay As You Study payment plan allowing you to spread the cost over monthly payments.
Student loans are available for part-time students. You may be eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan to help pay for your tuition fees.
If you are a University of Derby alumni and considering postgraduate study, you can also take advantage of our alumni discount.
For more information on paying for your course fees, please visit our website.
Join a global online community of students and broaden your horizons
Online learning at Derby allows you to become a part of a vibrant and diverse community of professionals from several exciting professional backgrounds. Our students represent a range of diverse experiences and join us from countries all around the world; from Australia to Zimbabwe.
As an online student at the University of Derby, you will have the unique opportunity to join a whole new international network of like-minded people in a broad range of roles, enabling you to exchange ideas and knowledge, share best practice and, of course, forge professional and personal relationships with ambitious learners from all across the globe.
Contact us today, and change tomorrow
For more information about online learning with University of Derby, contact us or visit our website, to take the next step in your professional and personal development.
