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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).
4.04.13.61409 Student reviews
Sort:Latest reviewsThe University of Derby is a supportive and welcoming place to study. The lecturers are approachable and genuinely interested in helping students succeed, and the smaller class sizes make it easier to get individual support. The course content is practical and career-focused, which helps build real-world skills and confidence for employment. The facilities are modern and well maintained, especially the library and study spaces, which create a good learning environment. The university also offers useful career services and placement opportunities that help students prepare for life after graduation. To improve, it would be great to see even more industry partnerships and networking events, as well as extended opening hours for certain facilities during busy assessment periods. More social events and societies could also help students connect and build a stronger campus community. Overall, it’s a friendly university that provides a good balance of academic support and practical experieNce.
As an international student, facilities lack as compared to how much I pay.
18-24 years
Good facilities and easy spacious campus
Best - the course content, union, union/communal spaces, great library Worst - lack of transparency/warning regarding redundancies and major changes to courses. No longer offering services they highly advertised during open days (e.g. free access to uni buses)
Honestly not much to complain about, I haven't really seen much yet but it's good so far
The facilities and lecturers are excellent however in terms of student support the fact that the university refuses to allow extra time and deadline extensions for students with disabilities is a letdown and makes studying increasingly more difficult for those that face academic challenges. The fact that the bus is also no longer free feels like it’s taking advantage of students who may not be able to walk to university by forcing them to pay.
I like the site however parking is a nightmare and expensive
It’s in a good location that’s easily accessible, and has great facilities to help with my studying
Stop the redundancy issues that get rid of our lecturers
The location, near the peak district, is just beautiful. Derby is such a well connected city, transport wise, making it easy to travel in from neighbouring towns. The size of the university plays to an advantage, which is close knit classes and groups. The lecturers are passionate and involved. The lectures are enjoyable and interactive. The sign in processes, library processes, online digital tools, etc. are convenient and easy to understand.
Overall is fine
One of the best aspects of my university experience has been the supportive learning environment, particularly within the Mental Health Nursing programme. The lecturers are knowledgeable and approachable, and they genuinely want students to succeed. The blend of theory and clinical placement has helped me grow both academically and professionally. Simulation sessions, mock OSCEs, and reflective learning have improved my confidence and clinical reasoning skills. I also appreciate the diversity of students, which enriches discussions and broadens perspectives in mental health care. Another positive aspect is the placement exposure. Being able to learn in real clinical environments has strengthened my communication skills, resilience, and understanding of person-centred care. The university provides clear learning outcomes that help guide practice development. However, there are areas that could be improved. Communication regarding timetables and placement information could sometimes be clearer and more consistent, especially for postgraduate students who are balancing work and study commitments. Additionally, more structured support around academic writing at Master’s level would be beneficial, particularly for international students adapting to UK academic expectations. Overall, my experience has been challenging but rewarding. The course has pushed me to develop professionally and personally, and it is preparing me well for a future career in Mental Health Nursing.
18-24 years
Studying at the University of Derby has genuinely been such a positive experience for me. What makes it a great place to study is the level of support that is actually put in place for students, especially when things feel overwhelming. I’ve had moments where balancing everything felt difficult, but the teams here have really helped me manage staying on my course and continue pushing forward. I’ve been able to receive the help and support I needed without feeling judged or dismissed, which makes such a difference. The staff are approachable, understanding and proactive. It never feels like you’re just another number. There are clear systems and facilities in place to support wellbeing, academic progress and personal challenges, and that structure has helped me stay focused and motivated. Knowing that there are people who genuinely want you to succeed makes the environment feel safe and encouraging. If I had to suggest an improvement, it would be continuing to make students more aware of the full range of support available, especially early on in the course. Sometimes you only find out about certain services when you really need them. Making that information even more visible could help students access support sooner.
Best: really supportive members of staff and of the student union, always there whenever you need them. Worst: none.
the best is it have a lot of cool stuff here and facilities the worst is uncertainty of my future and social support
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.
The best elements of my uni experience is learning all the new elements but the worst thing is when we have to do any group work we are left to choose our own groups. So everyone just gets in their friends groups and that leaves me out a little and a few others.
The main campus is a great environment, bright, spacious and welcoming, with a good range of food outlets. Teaching rooms are nice. Good facilities like a forensic house and labs. Library is well stocked and accessible. It would benefit from better layout due to noise persisting in the silent study areas. Parking on campus can sometimes be limited.
The best is the facilities the university has to provide for practical sessions that help us develop industry experience. Also, the staff are helpful when it comes to fulfilling any needs or queries. The worst part about my uni experience is the clubs that the uni provides as there aren’t many good clubs beside the sports ones that they have to offer. Also, the student nightlife isn’t so good as the clubs the city have to offer aren’t that good compared to other uni cities.
4.3
Best - lecturers are so helpful and friendly - course is interesting and specific to what I want to do - made some really good friends Improve - I don’t live on campus so I feel as though I don't get the full student experience, but that's just me personally - Sometimes difficult to balance uni with work life - struggle motivating to complete assignments
In my uni campus, i have both a courthouse and a cellblock, which is great for practical learning. Lecturers are comfortable with us, friendly and genuinely nice people. No notes