Student Reviews
SUGGESTED KEYWORDS
Course
Choose one or more
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
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 reviewsThere 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.
One of the best aspects of my university experience at the University of Derby has been the opportunity to study civil engineering in a practical and supportive learning environment. The course combines theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, which has helped me understand how engineering principles are used in actual construction and infrastructure projects. Another positive aspect has been the support from lecturers and staff. They are approachable and always willing to help when students have questions or need guidance with assignments or projects. This has made the learning experience much more engaging and encouraging. Working with other students on group projects has also been a highlight. Civil engineering often requires teamwork, and collaborating with classmates has helped me develop communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that are essential for future engineering careers. Finally, the facilities and resources available at the university, such as engineering labs and software used in the industry, have allowed me to gain practical skills that will be useful when entering the professional world. Overall, studying civil engineering at the University of Derby has been a valuable experience that has helped me grow academically and professionally. And for the worse aspects, honestly there isnt any, this university and the courses are absolutely outstanding
I wish was more supportive for parents afternoon hours access lessons
I hadn't experienced anything bad yet for me it's everything is going good should keep going like this and more better
strong career and employability focus, high-quality teaching and learning and a supportive student environment
tutors are amazing and very helpful.
Best experiences would be with the football teams at the university. Worst experience would be arriving late to the university as the bus took over an hour to reach its destination
Lectures help a lot on good side but too many students at one class hard to control the class and hard to concentrate
The facilities are great, lots of freedom to use labs etc. Campus’s are on great locations and student accommodation is too. Student union doesn’t seem very active but you do here small things every now and then
The facilities are great however it doesn’t attract as much people as other schools in the midlands
Good facilities such as library, sports centre. But not much atmosphere in the uni.
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,
You could be more accommodating for students who are more mature with family responsibilities
The facilities are modern and well-equipped, especially the libraries and study spaces, which make it easy to focus on coursework. I also like the friendly atmosphere on campus — it feels welcoming and inclusive. There are tons of opportunities to get involved eg student union, career development opportunities which can help students with confidence. The onsite shops are quite expensive- which can be difficult as a student. Also, joining unions could be made more accessible for students who commute.
Sometimes certain methods aren't taught as clear as what should be, leaves you struggling slightly.
good
25-34 years
First gen student
Easy access, there is a car park if you have a permit, food is good. Staff are helpful, supportive, kind etc. I have additional needs and staff are incredible at enabling me to manage it on campus and at home with further study, essay writing, exam revision. The library is fully stocked with all the books I could ever need and more and the staff there are also super helpful; they run extra curricular sessions in many supjects for students who feel they need it. The only thing i dislike is there were mandatory staff layoffs right before christmas, really awful thing to do right before christmas. Maybe the higher ups should have taken a pay cut..
All the resources available make it great and the teachers are very helpful. The new campus doesn't have parking, that could be improved.
They're quite well in supporting the students as well as staff at the university
4.3
18-24 years
First gen student
I personally think the prices on food in the cafeteria and shops on campus are exaggerated, and the should be put down on some products, besides i think markeaton campus needs a little makeover, it looks good but old now that we got the new cavendish campus, even kedleston looks more modern, other than that, there should also be more and better self study spaces on markeaton, at the moment for self study i go in my regular default classroom at most, we need something like kedleston and cavendish, maybe 2-3 rooms next to the self study area downstairs (towards the road entrance) other than that i really like the campus it’s a calming place to study and work on our stuff, even britannia mill, personally i really like it, it has a special feel to it, doesn’t need any updates or anything it’s perfect, makes me feel like in the 1st year
the teachings need a bit more interaction, not just presenting a presentation and then we do self study or go home. in music production we have about 8 hours a week on campus, i’d like to make the most of it and learn as much as possible