The Gogglebox star Baasit Siddiqui, an alumnus of the university and a former teacher, is helping to spearhead Derby’s popular Get Ready for Uni programme. It supports students with the transition to university via skills-based workshops covering topics such as academic writing, cooking, and building self-confidence. It is just one of many outreach activities offered by the university, which is committed to improving social mobility. The East Midlands institution has also been awarded £1.2 million by the Office for Students to develop its degree apprenticeship programme to address skills gaps in the region, building on existing tie-ins with industry such as a partnership with Rolls-Royce and a first-of-its-kind degree apprenticeship through the Nuclear Skills Academy. 

What is the University of Derby’s reputation?

A university since 1992, Derby traces its roots back to the Diocesan Training Institution for School Mistresses founded in 1851 and its hallmarks are industry engagement and a curriculum informed by research. Although it is rated gold in the government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023) — with gold for the student experience and silver for student outcomes — the university has slipped from the top 20 for student satisfaction with teaching quality in our latest National Student Survey analysis, where it is down seven places to 23rd. It has also fallen six places to 42nd for responses about the wider undergraduate experience.

In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), education and geology produced some of the best results, helping to raise the university six places in our research quality index to 111=. Derby’s scientists lead on sustainability research with their international work on restoring damaged coral reefs. There is also research strength in biomedical and clinical science; creative and cultural industries; data science; business; economic and social policy; public services and zero carbon. 

What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available? 

There are more than 60 new degrees in 2024, including programmes incorporating sociology, international relations, entrepreneurship and media content creation, history and law. 

In 2024 a suite of applied programmes in AI were added to the curriculum, with a focus on the use of the technology in criminology, digital marketing, healthcare, human resources and psychology. 

Degree apprenticeships in occupational health, social work, and physiotherapy have been introduced.

What are the University of Derby’s entry requirements – and my chances of getting in?

The majority of 2024 applicants had predicted results of 120 Ucas tariff points, equivalent to BBB at A-level. The university’s grade requirements range from 112-136 points, reduced by two grades or 16 points by a contextual offer. Applications were down by about 8 per cent in 2024 but enrolments went in the other direction, with more than 3,300 new starters.

What are the graduate prospects?

According to our analysis of the Graduate Outcomes survey, tracking the numbers in highly skilled work or postgraduate study within 15 months, Derby continues to improve slightly. In our 2023 guide it was 93rd, rising to 88th a year ago: now it is 83rd. Mentoring by employers is available to help students build a network, aided by careers fairs and other business links with employers such as JCB, Aldi, and HMRC.

What is the University of Derby’s campus like?

The campus spans four city sites, the largest of which — the Kedleston Road site — hosts most teaching subjects as well as the students’ union, a multi-faith centre, the main sports facilities, and from 2025, a £12 million biomedical super laboratory for 200 people, and a new business school building.

Derby offers applied, hands-on learning in simulated “real world” environments such as a crime scene house for forensic science students, a replica crown court, a Bloomberg financial markets laboratory and an NHS-standard hospital ward. Hospitality students gain experience in industrial kitchens and a fine dining restaurant. The university has a main auditorium for about 530 people and a 110-seat studio theatre.

What about student accommodation in the University of Derby?

Derby’s halls were voted best university housing in the UK in the Global Student Living Awards for two years running (2022 and 2023). There are enough spaces to guarantee a spot to all first-years who apply by the end of July.

Everything you need to know about the University of Derby’s student life and wellbeing support

Derby has its own live music venues and student-friendly nightlife but those in search of brighter lights can take the bus to Nottingham, 15 miles away. Sheffield, another student hub, is also within reach.  

The £10.8 million sports centre at Kedleston Road has a HiPAC (high-performance analysis centre) as well as an upgraded gym, a climbing wall and an eight-court sports hall, with two all-weather pitches and outdoor tennis courts next door. There are more than 30 sports clubs, some of which compete in the Bucs (British Universities and Colleges Sport) league. 

Students in crisis can get help from counsellors and mental health practitioners. The TalkCampus app provides 24/7 support for mental health and wellbeing, and a student life team runs workshops on issues such as sleep, nutrition and money matters. 

What do the students say?

“Derby is a home away from home with a diverse and inclusive community. Beyond academia, there’s an impressive variety of sports, societies and student-led services. There are plenty of ways to dive in, develop skills and boost your CV along the way.”
Holly Lloyd, Derby student's union vice-president (education) and creative arts graduate

How diverse and inclusive is the University of Derby

Derby is sixth for recruitment of students from deprived areas (24.8 per cent) and 18= overall in our social inclusion index, a rise of three places year-on-year The university’s commitment to inclusivity has also gained it Athena Swan Bronze and the Advance HE Race Equality Charter.

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at the University of Derby

University of Derby bursaries of up to £1,000 are awarded according to a sliding scale of household income. Almost a third of students receive financial support.