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About University of Derby

Country the United Kingdom
Number of courses 271
Year founded 1992
Number of students 16947
Number of full-time students 11068
Number of part-time students 5879

About University of Derby

Located in the heart of England, the University of Derby has built on their region’s heritage of innovation to provide industry-relevant, expert teaching, from foundation and undergraduate degrees through to postgraduate study and research.

Derby’s academic strength is backed up by practical experience to ensure students are ready for a successful career. They offer a wide range of subjects which will help students develop the skills and confidence to aim high.

We are awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, making us one of the top universities in the country recognised for outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

The campus includes four different sites: Kedleston Road which is the largest site and home to the main library, Markeaton Street for art and design studios, Britannia Mill for dance and fine art, and One Friar Gate Square for law, criminology and social sciences. The new Derby Business School is set to open in 2024/2025, serving as an international centre of excellence. In a prime city centre location, the Business School will also be a focal point for Derby’s business community, providing a place where students can network with and learn from local business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Home to more than 2,000 international students from 100 countries, Derby is a diverse and welcoming city students can call their second home. The Purple Flag awarded the city of Derby as being a welcoming and safe place with lots going on for international students to really experience British culture.

Our Courses

Derby has an exciting range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses, which subjects including business, arts, engineering, science and much more.

With a focus on applied learning, Derby’s courses have excellent student satisfaction:

  • Top 20% for a range of subjects (Guardian University Guide 2024)
  • Top 20 in the UK for overall student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2024)
  • Top 20 for overall assessment and feedback (National Student Survey 2023)
  • Top 20 for teaching quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)

The academics at Derby have industry expertise and connections to ensure students get the relevant experience needed to boost their employability. There’s also a dedicated Careers Service to help with finding work experience, internships and jobs.

Life in Derby

Derby is compact, multicultural and diverse, with both city life and countryside combined. There are lots of shops, restaurants and cafes, and entertainment and bars located close to university and accommodation sites. It’s also one of the most affordable cities in the UK with a low cost of living.

Derby is renowned as a centre for innovation, with global companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Bombardier based there. Its central location means that it is easily accessible by rail and road and you can explore the rest of the UK with ease.

Services for International Students

At Derby, students will find lots of services, advice and social activities to help with settling into life in the UK.

You will discover secure, affordable accommodation in their award-winning halls of residence. As winners of Best University Housing and Best Moving in Experience (Global Student Living Awards 2022), Derby’s accommodation offers students a safe and comfortable place they can make friends and feel at home. The fixed-price rent includes all gas, water, electricity and WiFi bills to help manage budgeting, leaving no unexpected costs. There is also 24/7 staffing and a secure entry system. Not to mention, the Student Living team arrange free events to help you explore Derby and settle into life in the UK.

To help make travelling to the UK easier, the accommodation team provides a free arrival pack, bed pack and kitchen pack for international starters in halls of residence. They include essential items of food, cutlery and bedding.

Derby’s Union of Students offers a variety of sports and social clubs. There are lots of societies students can join, including cultural, course-related and sports societies, as well as plenty of fun events on campus. Getting involved with the Union is a great way to meet people who have similar interests to you or who can share their life experiences.

Learn more about University of Derby

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Courses at University of Derby

There are 271 courses listed from University of Derby. These are displayed below in alphabetical order:

Student reviews of University of Derby

Find out what students say about University of Derby

Student

Daniel Nang-Tege - Ghana

To all prospective students joining us, I want to assure you that the Derby is incredible, the lecturers are very  supportive and the city is lovely. So, when you arrive, be yourself and live your dream.

Student

Mohika Shankar - India

Derby will soon become your home away from home. I’m certain this is going to be your most cherished experience and you’ll get to make a lot of fun memories with the most amazing people. We can’t wait for you to join us!

Student

Barbora Horackova - Czech Republic

My experience at Derby is really amazing. As an international student, I was anxious about this new life abroad but moving to Derby was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Location of University of Derby

University of Derby main campus location is shown on the map below:

Map showing location of University of Derby

Videos from University of Derby

Fees, Funding and Scholarships at University of Derby

Derby offers a range of scholarships, bursaries and discounts, which you may be eligible for, to help reduce your tuition fees. You can apply for a scholarship once you have an offer to study at Derby.

Scholarships include the GREAT Scholarship, Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, International Excellent Student Scholarship and the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship.

Accommodation Information for Students

Derby's halls of residence are owned and run by the University so you can be sure of good quality accommodation - a real home from home. There's a wide choice of student accommodation, with both rooms with bathrooms and standard rooms, as well as single, double and studio accommodation. Our halls are all close to the University sites, city centre, bus and train station, so you can explore Derby and the UK.

The award-winning halls are the ideal place for you to live during your time at university and the good news is that you can live in halls throughout your studies if you want to.

Most first year students live in halls as they are a great place to make friends and settle into university life.

Derby’s accommodation team organise lots of free events like day trips and social evenings to help you meet people.

Rent is between £115-£157 per week and all gas, electricity and water bills are included in this fixed-price rent. You also will receive a free welcome pack with kitchen and bedroom essentials.

Accommodation sites are monitored by round-the-clock staffing and a secure entry system to keep you safe.

A room in halls is guaranteed to all first year and overseas students who make the University of Derby their first choice and apply for accommodation by 31 July.

Study Abroad Information

Deciding to study abroad is a big decision. Make the right choice. Choose the University of Derby...

  • An internationally recognised qualification We're a fully recognised and accredited English university, so your qualifications will be recognised worldwide.
  • Fantastic facilities We've invested over £200 million in the last ten years to give you some of the best and newest facilities in the UK.
  • One of the top universities for student experience We're the number one modern university for multicultural learning, as well as the top countries, Derby is proud to be the UK's best modern university for multi-cultural learning and Top 10 in the world for international student learning experience, with award-winning accommodation.
  • Safe campuses Our campuses are friendly and safe, with a good standard of living at reasonable cost.
  • Develop the skills employers want We will focus on building your employability skills from day one, with employer mentoring schemes, fairs and conferences.

Facts about University of Derby

  • Year institution founded: 1992
  • Total enrolled: 16947
  • Number of Full-time students: 11068
  • Number of Part-time students: 5879
  • Number of academic staff: 543
  • Number of Professors: 14
  • Percentage of staff with a PhD or Masters: 51.4

Download a prospectus

Download a prospectus from University of Derby for more information.

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