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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
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The lecturers are absolutely amazing. They come with a lot of industry experience and they’re very supportive.
It is very diverse
I wouldn’t really say there is a negative aspect about the uni overall. I am enjoying my course which has a wonderful team and geek and the support from everyone is absolutely outstanding.
More support for disabled students, particularly with travel (bus fares are unaffordable for many)
great support network, clean and safe environment. A lot of different areas to study. More food variety and less lecture hours for one lecture.
The location is great is not too far from student accommodation and it is a 30 minute walk from the city centre. The canvas is not too big and overwhelming. It's easy to navigate around to find where you need to be and if not the student union is at the very front of the building so you can get all your help easily and quickly
Really good for sports and studies, but not the best for nightlife
Best- the consistent social events make the uni welcoming Worst- can't think if any
35-44 years
First gen student
Overall I cant complain. The uni easily helped me with my choices as I was torn between 3 different degrees. Atudent hib was amazing helping support me with my learning difficulties, helping me thrive in my 1st year. Gave me great advice and where to get further help from. The tutors so far are GREAT! They all pitch in work extremely well together and give the course a hint of fun as well as professionalism. Can wait to progress further and give future feedback.
comfortable atmosphere. Friendly staff. The only issue I have encountered was the student parking, as you cannot park at Keddleston campus.
Teachers are very supportive and the campus itself is clean, and the people are very friendly.
From the first day arriving at Derby Univeristy I knew I had made the right choice with my apprenticeship OT course. Derby Uni has the student at the heart of its focus. The univeristy has a great feeling about it when you walk through its doors. There is something "pure dead brilliant" about when you walk through the doors, open spaces, warm and inviting areas with good spacious areas to work and study. The support I have had since starting my course has been brilliant, doesn't matter which dept all staff have been happy to support and answer questions. I cant really say any negatives in regards to my course at all. I would mark small minors down on location and transport, mainly due to buses being packed to get to the univeristy in the morning from the train station. I have walked it a few times but its a good 50minutes with a full bag of books can be a bit of a workout! Like anything more transport links, parking and possibility of free bus again would be advantageous.
The University of Derby offers a well-rounded experience for students, combining modern facilities, supportive staff, and a vibrant campus life. The main campus at Kedleston Road features a four-storey library, a state-of-the-art sports centre, and various eateries like Starbucks and Subway. Which comes in handy if you forget lunch! Lecturers are generally praised for their expertise and approachability, though experiences can vary across departments. Student life is enriched by numerous societies, events, and accessible accommodations, fostering a strong sense of community as a student - you will always feels welcome. The Student Hub at Derby serves as a central point for support, offering services ranging from academic advice to mental health resources. Overall, the university provides a balanced environment conducive to both academic and personal growth.
The University of Derby is a fantastic place to study - I am in my third and final year of my BSc (Hons) in Nursing. My lecturers on the course have always been willing to help out and answer any questions that myself or my peers have. They go the extra mile, to make sure we are not only doing well in our academic studies and clinical placements, but also wellbeing. They take our feedback on board and make changes where possible. An example of this, has been the introduction of clinical skills clinics, to allow us the opportunity to practice clinical skills, with the opportunity to ask for help guidance and support. Nursing can be a particular demanding course, due to having to juggle clinical placements with academic studies, but the University of Derby truly understand that. I have been fortunate to have studied at Derby and am incredibly proud that in less than a years time, I will be a newly qualified nurse from the University of Derby.
The facilities are great, with new ones coming online. The lecturers are knowledgeable and make the learning fu,n and are extremely supportive. Negatives? Few, in my opinion. However, although ideal for me, the main building does necessitate bus travel for some and is no longer free.
Studying Nursing at the University of Derby has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life so far. The course is well structured, combining theory with plenty of practical experience that prepares you for real healthcare settings. From day one, I felt supported by lecturers, practice assessors, and mentors who genuinely want you to succeed and grow both professionally and personally. Of course, the workload can be demanding, and balancing assignments, placements, and reflection time isn’t always easy. But it’s worth it. Every challenge has made me stronger and more prepared for my future role as a registered nurse. Overall, the University of Derby provides a supportive and professional learning environment that truly shapes you into a compassionate, competent, and confident nurse. I’d highly recommend it to anyone considering a career in nursing or healthcare.
From my point of view, the University of Derby is a great place to study because it feels supportive and welcoming, with approachable lecturers, good facilities like the library, skills labs, and Everyday Active gym, and plenty of opportunities to grow both academically and personally. The smaller class sizes compared to bigger universities make learning feel more personal, and the careers support helps me think about my future. However, I think it could be improved by providing more consistent placement organisation and communication for students, as well as more affordable accommodation and extra study spaces for when campus gets busy.
18-24 years
First gen student
The University of Derby offers a fantastic, grounded educational experience, delivering on its promise of practical learning in a friendly setting. It feels like a university that genuinely cares about getting you into a job post-graduation. If you value supportive tutors and excellent industry connections, Derby is a great choice. They just need to polish up the internal bureaucracy and sort out a few commuter issues to make it a truly seamless experience.


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