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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
Nice environment with good study space areas
25-34 years
First gen student
* The University in Derby has few campuses located in the city which solves problem of overcrowding. * There are free buses for students that helps get to the campuses. * Lecturers are not focusing only on theory by providing mix of theory and practices. They are also very supportive and willing to spend their own time by providing feedbacks and advices. * There are accommodations close to the campuses. * Equipment on the campus is new and available for students at any time * Very diverse place with students from all around the world There is much more than that but it is just better to come and see in own eyes, and experiencing it something I strongly recommend.
35-44 years
First gen student
University of Derby operate a hollistic student-centred programs. Not just Academics, the whole being is positively shaped towards achieving yur career path. Every resources to achieving your goals are made readily available at your disposa. Getting admitted into any program there might be mental draining due to the influx as its the best student friendly University in the United kingdom. But once you are in, you are In.The halls of residence is top-notch, hassle-free accomodation.
With the amount of campuses the university of Derby has there's so many different disciplines that they offer with a bunch of different tools and resources. I've enjoyed using and learning the varied amount of them.
the best thing is the location of the university and the halls, None are more than half an hour walk away from each other however student life could be better as there are only 3 main student places open frequently and that are expensive. Nothing really opens through the week or weekend apart from the 3 clubs.
The university is very welcoming and comfortable, providing many cosy study spaces around campus. The library is divided into different 'noise' zones to provide a quiet environment to concentrate. Staff are very welcoming, and each student's individual needs are recognised and supported. The free unibus needs to run more frequently, as buses are often over-crowded and full, so it is not guaranteed if you are travelling under a time limit. Throughout the day the bus only runs every half an hour, so many students need to get on in one go. Despite receiving student discount in many stores, the prices inside the university are higher than usual. This may contribute towards student's financial issues, and encourage less eating during the university day.
its nice and modern - not much one-to-one with staff
University of derby is a good place to study in terms of access to the library and its good lecture halls and lecturers. It could be improved in terms of student support
great atmosphere in general, as I have met loads of fascinating teachers.
The university is situated in close proximity and the staff are helpful and understanding. On the other hand the schedule can become very busy due to revision lectures.
The lecturers are the real assets to the university, especially the ones that fall under the education umbrella. The passion, the knowledge and the willingness to allow us as student teachers to blossom brings the university experience to life. I have thoroughly enjoyed my master's level work, it's made me feel like a true academic. Being a student with a child, I feel there could be better provisions for parents. A daytime creshe would be helpful, especially when I need to stay late to catch up with university work.
Friendly and welcoming environment, always people willing to help!
At the beginning I had a big problem with submitting the application, which caused my start at the university to be delayed by two weeks. It was very stressful but I am very happy that I managed to get to Derby. The teachers are very friendly and helpful. Lectures are conducted with passion, thanks to which it is nice to listen to them. There's a great student voice here, which makes me feel important.
University of Derby is the best place to study any course but specially BSc Adult Nursing as the teaching is 100% better than other university I’ve been to. Staff are very good at welcoming students with different abilities and backgrounds to reach their potential. From my experience I know I’d get help with academic, financial or social help. Derby has 4 campus including Chesterfield. The staff are very knowledgeable and try to help where they can, the students are incredibly friendly, and it definitely helps reduce the initial fear of studying. The resources are very helpful in the library and staff are very helpful in finding resources for students. Student services are very helpful with any inquiries we have around our studies.
18-24 years
First gen student
Positives: Friendly staff and small cohort sizes results in effective teaching. Workload is not overwhelming Close to city centre and transport links are good Negatives: The union shop is quite expensive Night life is awful.
The best parts about derby university is that they are Supportive with students in terms of they’re well being which is really important when studying. They have great multiple facilities for students to use and get involved in such as religious spaces and gym and library sessions which support students in multiple ways such as academic writing. To be improved it could have more events for students to come and join in or events that allow students studying to come and get goodies such as stationary. The accommodation prices are quite high and I feel there should be more student deals or reduced prices to allow students to have enough finance to enjoy uni life aswell as pay for accommodation.
There is so mudch student support available for each student and especially in final year when doing your dissertation. I would reccomend for anyone moving from a small town to uni as it's a great middle ground as the city isn't too big but it's big enough to feel it's a change of scenery. Furthermore with Criminology there are so many interesting topics to learn throughout the entire three years with loads of flexibility given to students to do their assignments on what most interests them whilst still being within the module that the assignment is for
The campus itself it lovely with plenty of study space, clean classrooms that are comfortable to sit in. Only downside is only available canteen onsite is Starbucks which can be expensive. Lecturers are great, depending on modules it's sometimes blended so some on campus and some online. Lecturers are all really supportive and helpful with assignments and any other issues.
I believe it would be better if the campus was all closer together as I'm currently studying at the law campus which is away from the main university which takes away from the university experience a fair bit. The local area could be better in a sense as it doesn't always feel like a university city.


The university is very welcoming and it is easy to feel like a part of it quickly. The unibus is a great asset allowing easy travel between campuses and university accommodations. There are lots of opportunities to work and earn money with the university which give flexibility around your university work. There are many academic activities to get involved on to build up your CV and the careers service is very helpful. There could be a bit more emphasis on the social aspect of university, as it is with the academic aspect, pushing more social events that don't necessarily need to involve alcohol. The university is always looking for ways to improve and listens to its students. Overall the University of Derby is a lovely place to be and I have never regretted coming here!
The course is generally a good course and offers good career prospects due to the shortage of quantity surveyors in the labour market. The content however is not always relevant to the activities we will be doing on the job after graduation. The delivery of the content is also not always engaging and can sometimes be explained poorly. work placements are not included within the course, so if you wanted to get a summer or industrial year out placement, you would have to source it yourself. The university however, will provide guidance and make resources available to you within your year out. Overall the facilities, resources and contact time with lecturers and tutors is very good especially because it is typically a smaller group of students. It has been a more positive than negative experience studying quantity surveying at the University of Derby and I have gained a lot.