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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 food selection is not great
The best aspects are the new friends I have made, the worst experience is the fact that I have to pay money for uni bus as Derby student
Its very versatile and great place because it has alot of mixed cultures and people from all around the world that we get to study witha s well as the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, its the best place to study
I think something like being able to pick up other modules from other subjects like other universities do would be extremely helpful and motivating for a lot of students. Especially myself.
Everyone’s friendly and whenever you need support you get it from the lecturers even if it’s a technical problem or a stupid question then it isnt one.
Nothing was worse except the buses running late and other than the whole experience this semester has been awesome ❤️
The University of Derby, specifically the Kedilston Campus is amazingly structured and easy to get around. The cafe, shops and study areas are amazing. The access to help and library is great. It could be improved if there were more halal options and places to sit to eat. And if they were more individual/rooms that can be used to eat and study.
The worst part about my uni experience is, Firstly, I think students should get their own equipment for joining their chosen course. This includes equipment such as a laptop/Ipad should be provided for students to keep, as many other universities provide those. My university does not provide anything to keep, which is a shame. Students should receive the right tools to achieve their success no doubt. I think this needs to improve down the line. The second worst aspect of my university experience is that the campus has old furniture and weird green coloured furniture, which I don't like. I find the colours they used are aimed more at boys than girls. There are no pink colours around the university, and I think this should change. I want to see pink furniture and even a pink room dedicated to girls to help them study better. They could chill in this room as it is pink and girly and symbolises a cool aesthetic. The best aspects of my university experience are that I have made some good class friends. I got lucky this year. I get along with them so well and we have fun just learning the same course too. Me and my friends always get pizza and coffee at university which is great. The coffee here is amazing.
The redundancies for the university are putting people on edge as well as never having working elevators. I love the lecturers but there should be more communication between them for more structure on my course
The university provide us such a nice opportunity to have an experience in workplace especially, the relationship with professional orgnisations. the biggest reason that i chose to study in this university was because it gives me placement opportunities alongside studying. if i have to mention one thing that the uni could improve is that accessibility from city centre to the main campus. they used to provide free bus around the city, now even the students have to pay for buses.
Great place to study, friendly staff & students
All the different amenities the uni bus the different campuses
• Derby has been ranked in the UK’s Top 10 universities by student ratings, with particularly high scores for course quality and employability.  • It holds a Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), showing excellent teaching standards.  • The curriculum is often industry-aligned and focused on real-world skills, helping students prepare for future careers.  Outstanding Industry Links and Employability • Strong ties with major employers (including Rolls-Royce, Amazon, BBC, Netflix and Goldman Sachs) help students access internships, placements and work experience.  • Many degrees include practical elements, live briefs, placements and employer projects — boosting job readiness.  Modern Facilities & Campus Environment • The university has invested significantly in facilities — from labs and studios to specialist spaces like simulated hospital wards or forensic training.  • The new Cavendish Building expands cutting-edge learning spaces and fosters collaboration between students, academics and industry.  Location & Student Life • Derby’s central location in England makes travel easy; the city feels accessible while still offering culture, entertainment and access to the Peak District.  • Accommodation has won awards, and the campus community is known for being welcoming.  Supportive Community & Student Services • Students highlight inclusive, diverse atmosphere and support networks that help with academic and personal wellbeing.  • Careers and wellbeing teams provide ongoing advice from first year through to graduation (and sometimes beyond).  Research & Innovation • Derby is developing areas like carbonomics — interdisciplinary work that connects sustainability, economics and practical industry solutions — adding to its research profile. While many students are happy with their experience, some common suggestions for improvement include: More Affordable and Better Accommodation • Some students feel that housing (especially private/near-campus) can be expensive or limited, and more budget-friendly options would help.  • Continued investment in upkeep and modernization could make student residences even more appealing.
They have really good facilities, supportive staff and lots of good workspace to go and study. It could be improved by adding a cafeteria to the friar gate building.
The staff are super friendly and kind. There is a lot of support and the campus is lovely. Derby is a great city to study in.
The environment is very good and the place looks amazing and the place is calm
18-24 years
Beautiful place, but it is kind of in the middle of nowhere. Nice teachers.
4.3
The best aspect of my university experience as an adult student was studying with purpose. I returned to education knowing why I was there, which made learning more meaningful and motivating. My life experience helped me contribute confidently to discussions, manage my time effectively, and stay focused on long-term goals. I also valued the sense of achievement that came from balancing study with work and personal responsibilities. The worst aspect was the constant pressure of juggling competing demands. Unlike younger students, I had limited flexibility and less time for socialising, which could feel isolating at times. Financial strain and fatigue were also challenges. Despite this, the experience strengthened my resilience and reaffirmed my commitment to personal growth.
The best aspect of my course was its blended learning approach, which combined in-class sessions with online materials. This flexibility made it easier to balance study with other commitments while still benefiting from face-to-face discussions. Lecturers were approachable and responsive, and regular tutorials provided useful opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback. The course content was relevant and encouraged independent thinking, which helped develop practical and analytical skills. The worst aspect was the intensity of the workload during peak periods. Assessment deadlines clustered together with placement period, making time management challenging. Some online materials felt inconsistent in depth, and there were times when clearer guidance on assignments would have been helpful. Overall, however, the structure supported effective learning and skill development.