Occupational Therapy with Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

University of Derby

There are lots of good lecture theatres and a good amount of additional vocational study areas, such as the OT kitchen and mock wards. We have guest speakers in to ensure that there is a varied information type.

Best experiences Going back to University at the age of 40 and committing to 3 years of studying was quite daunting, the University of Derby is a state of the art facility catering for a wide range of subjects. I have been impressed with the size of the University, giving plenty of room for class rooms, training areas and sports fields outside. The different areas of the campus are clearly signed making it easier to learn your way round, this has made the transition on coming again much more comfortable. The tutors I have had contact with have been supportive, professional, down to earth and have made the educational material fun and relatable. Worst experiences Pebble pad and library inductions were long winded and confusing, I understand that there is a lot of information to give and it needs to be done at the start of our studies, but this may need addressing to make more relatable and easier to absorb as a new starter,

I love the student union, the events they do. The fairs, and the stalls are so fun and interesting. I love DOTS (Derby Occupational Therapy Society) its such a lovely and fun group to join. It is run by some lovely people who are in my cohort. (I believe its the best society at the university). The blends coffee shop, is my favourite place to sit and chill out or study with a coffee and a snack.

The university campuses provide what student need and allow spaces for study however differs depending on the campus. At undergraduate I was based in three Britannia Mill campus which lacked prayer room facilitates and the only study space was a small library and it had only one canteen whereas kedleston provide study pods within their campuses as well as the new Cavendish building and Marketon campus have more areas to study in a quieter space. Kedleston offer a multi faith centre and sports centre on their campus too along with shops for food and franchises like subway, blends and other small business on stalls. Cavendish offer study rooms to book also within their library and have two floors where you can study. Marketon also. Britannia Mill seem to lack that although student courses there are not very popular the students should also be provided with same facilitates to avoid traveling between campuses. The lecturers have always been great. Programmes offer student support and the university environment is overall a positive one.

I like the atrium area, especially with Brownie Points and the other market stalls and events they have going on there. Derby is a compact city so you can walk or get a short bus ride anywhere. Good connections with London. The heating at Kedleston Road must cost a fortune though as it is always so so hot there. The money could be put towards other things such as staff salaries. Not all the tap in machines work as I recently found so my attendance hasn't been captured accurately. Other then that the lecture theatres and library are a nice place to work. There is always plenty of seating too.