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The overall ranking is decided by students from this institution rating them in a 2026 Whatuni review. This forms the basis of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs for short).
1409 Student reviews
A brilliant university in beautiful surroundings. The staff are helpful and engaging and the course is well structured.
All of the lecturers are supportive and there is lots of support when completing coursework.
Great environment and facilities and access to equipment, clinical areas and placements. The lecturers are supportive. The union and wellbeing hub and careers advice service are all excellent. I have had no bad experiences it's been a fantastic two years.
Its ok not bad.
Stuff will help us we have all access to the print rooms whenever we want them and also having technicians for help when using machines when we need it.
The best is people are great The worst part is they increase the students fee.
It’s a good university with good staff and I don’t see any room for Improvement
Always somewhere to socialise No uni life due the the course I’ve picked Verbnice and modern toilets in some areas of the uni
I had to commute four times a week to attend my classes.
My time at Derby University has been a rewarding and memorable experience, largely due to the supportive staff and the incredible people I’ve had the chance to meet. I enrolled in the Criminology course, and it has been both engaging and thought-provoking. The academic content has certainly challenged me, but it’s been manageable, thanks to the approachable and helpful lecturers who really care about student success.What truly stands out to me, however, is the people. The community at Derby is fantastic I’ve met some amazing people, both in my course and outside of it, who have made my time here feel special. The friendships I’ve built are definitely the highlight of my experience.
University was an incredible experience, filled with personal growth, lifelong friendships, and academic challenges that shaped who I am today. From the first day, stepping onto campus felt like entering a new world—one full of possibilities. The lectures were engaging, and professors were passionate, always pushing us to think critically. Study sessions in the library turned into late-night bonding moments with classmates, and group projects, though sometimes stressful, taught me teamwork and resilience. Beyond academics, university life was enriched with extracurricular activities—joining clubs, attending social events, and even spontaneous road trips with friends. Living in dorms was an adventure in itself, creating an unbreakable bond with roommates over shared meals and endless conversations. There were difficult times—exams, deadlines, and moments of doubt—but overcoming them made me stronger. Graduation felt bittersweet, but I left with unforgettable memories, a wealth of knowledge, and confidence in the future ahead.
Derby university is a fantastic place to study, especially for humanities subjects like History and English. The careers team are also excellent at finding internships and opportunities for students, as well as giving great advice about career planning and applications etc. The university is well situated for social stuff, as well, being relatively close to the Peak District National Park, as well as Derby City, which has great food, museums and travel links to many other places in the country- direct trains to Edinburgh and Plymouth for example. Student life is fun. I have enjoyed taking advantage of the music resources in particular. Even though I'm not a music student, I still have access to a wide range of professional recording and rehearsal studios. I have never had a major problem with my studies or wider university experience. I suppose the campus isn't the most central which could bother some people (I prefer it). Derby isn't the most "studenty" town either but it has a good art/museum scene and is a bit more low-key than many other university towns that I have been to which can be a bit overbearing. Derby's main advantage is that it's easy to commute into (and out of), it's central location enables students from all over the UK to commute to with ease.
Good access to materials Poor quality lectures for some modules
I think there could be more societies as it's limited s but with mostly sports societies.some of the societies have been shut down due to lack of people running it.However, the university us close by and the accommodation is right in the centre of town where all the necessary shops are unfortunately they got rid of the blackwells 100 pound book voucher.
18-24 years
First gen student
As a first-year student the university was very welcoming, which is a good thing as it is very stressful moving away and going to a new city with new people. In the first week of uni teachers made sure to give us all details about what we will be studying and how hard it could get, they also offered a lot of support and had one on one meetings with us to get to know us, they have explained everything we need to know about assignments and deadlines and word counts. I also find it very helpful that we get a free bus to university and back, the meals are amazing starting from Starbucks to blends to subway and even the shop which offers good prices, the university cantine is affordable and has good meals, the staff always offer to help you if you are lost or need help with any other thing, students are very friendly and kind, everyone minds their own business. I would recommend this university with pleasure to anyone who is thinking of joining!! Don’t have to worry of not finding the classrooms as there are guides everywhere!!
Nice university but the bus times aren’t great.
I feel this uni has been completely sufficient in every way so far
1 - nice campus 2 - large space 3- student support could be better


Support is easily accessible as well as course content. Not enough access to maps.
Content is easily accessible through blackboard and lecturers are supportive