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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
Best aspect is the teaching standards as well as the extra curricular opportunities and how personal tutors help you reach these roles. Worst aspect is the student union with there not being a great range of events.
The facility is amazing and the school has highly qualified teachers.
18-24 years
First gen student
The bad thing is how far the campuses are from town centre, and for a student it is best to live around town centre so then it creates a difficulty, the best thing however is that the university invests in the right things, for me being the sound studios and all the equipment which is extraordinary.
Good atmosphere here Tutors are bery friendly
Students frequently commend the quality of teaching, with many mentioning supportive professors and a focus on practical learning. Reviews often mention clean and well-maintained facilities, including a good library.
The other buildings and sites feel a bit stranded away from the main site, as there are always things going on in the atrium, but I can never go and see as my lessons always collide and I can't even go on a break as I'm at Britinia Mill.
Derby University is a great place to study according to me because of the experience i have being there for this period of time. Infact when i got admission into the said university, i was scared: 1. I looked at my age and imagined an above 50 year lady sitting in class with very young students. 2. I never knew computer or IT before and was doubting how i shall go on with studies. here i can assure anyone who has ambition to study ,and upgrade knowledge to come to the university of Derby for No one has ever looked down on me or give me bad response at any point in time ,instead they respect me my questions and answer clearly for me to understand. I am doing well with my peers and Tutors. Concerning the IT which i mentioned above that is not a problem for me anymore. I receive training in the library, in class and every where when i ask. every one to help me ,students even not in my class do help me. Tutors explain lessons no matter how many times you do not understand. really i am happy for making the decision of going to study in the university of Derby.
The best part would be finding new friends and new professors and getting to know more about the university and my course. The worst part would be the starting of my course where I was lost and not knowing anything but interesting.
The best aspects of uni experience are the facilities and the peer interactions. The worst thing is that some lecturers could be delivered online.
I really enjoyed my time at university. The teachers were helpful and made learning interesting. There were also lots of clubs and events, which made it easy to meet people and have fun. The campus had a great atmosphere too.
All my lessons being on the same campus makes it really easy to get from lesson to lesson which is really good. I like that there is a good mix of practical sessions and lectures. The university food on the Markeaton campus could be more varied and healthy. some flatmates I have lived with in student halls have been very messy and unclean but there has been attempts to remedy this.
best - staff a really nice and will help you with coursework if needed worst - student union take forever to reply
Derby Uni is actually a really good place to study. The courses are super practical, so you’re not just sitting in lectures all day—you get real hands-on experience, which makes a big difference when it comes to jobs. A lot of courses have placements and work experience built in, so you’re not just thrown into the deep end after graduating. The facilities are pretty impressive too. Depending on what you’re studying, there are things like a forensic house, proper healthcare training rooms, and high-tech engineering labs. The campus is modern and easy to get around, which is always a bonus. One of the best things, though, is the support. The lecturers actually care and are really helpful, plus there’s loads of career advice and mental health support if you ever need it. Derby itself is a decent city for students—cheaper than a lot of places, but still with enough going on. And if you fancy a break, the Peak District is right there for a bit of adventure. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you want a uni that helps you get ready for the real world.
The lecturers are all very pleasant and lovely to learn from and work with
Is a very friendly environment for both home and international students
Great services and support.
The facilities offered to photography students are industry standard, including colour darkrooms which most universities have got rid of. Derby is a small city, nearby the Peak District. It is easy to escape the city life at any time, but whilst you stay, there are plenty of places to shop, eat, and drink, and Derby promises a good night out. The student support on a course level is evident, with regular catch up meetings, however support from higher up in the uni does seem less evident. They do however have their careers service.
It’s nice to get your ‘head down’ and study here, it’s peaceful, a quieter city with nice study areas. I don’t like the nightlife much, and don’t recommend if that’s what you’re attending for.
The course is great but the location and parking are bad


45-54 years
First gen student
University of Derby is a fantastic place to study, though there is always room for improvement I would rate it 5 stars in almost every category. Above of all, the student life is vibrant and exciting. There are many societies and clubs to join, from sports to creative arts, which helps students connect and make new friends. The campus is always buzzing with activities, and the university organize various events like cultural nights and talent shows, making it easy for everyone to feel involved. In terms of student support, the University of Derby is doing great. The staff are always ready to assist with academic challenges, mental health, and personal development. Whether it's getting help with assignments or receiving guidance on career opportunities, the support system is very strong. They also organize workshops that help students improve skills like time management and stress management. The student union is also amazing. It's a hub for student activities, and it gives students a voice in decisions that affect the university community. The union always ensures that students have fun while also advocating for their rights and needs. In terms of campus outlook, the university has a modern and beautiful campus. The buildings are spacious, and the facilities are world class, including state of the art libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities. The location is also ideal, with Derby being a peaceful city with plenty of green spaces, shops, and restaurants. It’s easy to get around, and you are never too far from nature. The facilities, like the library, cafes, and study spaces, are well-equipped. But, one thing that could be improved is the campus transport. Though the university is well connected, more options to help students get around quicker would make it even better. University of Derby is a great place to study because it offers a strong sense of community life, excellent resources and facilities, and lots of opportunities for personal and academic growth.
University of Derby is an excellent place to study, the teaching style is really engaging, and the university does a great job of making sure students have access to all the materials we need to succeed. One of the best things about studying at the University Derby is the way lessons are delivered. The lectures are always clear and well structured, and the lecturers are very approachable. In addition to in-class teaching, the university provides access to recorded lectures, which is a massive help. Sometimes, when I don't fully understand something in class, I can go back and take a look at the lecture online at my own pace. This is so helpful for revision and really ensures that I don’t miss out on anything. The fact that teaching is accessible online means that even if I have to miss a class for some reason, I can catch up easily without feeling behind. The course hours are well-balanced. We get enough teaching time during the week, and the timetable is never too overwhelming. There is enough time for self study, which is important because it helps us learn independently and manage our time better. The university makes sure that the course hours are not too much, allowing students to focus on other things, like part-time jobs or extra-curricular activities. Another thing I really like about the University of Derby is the contact with lecturers. The lecturers are very supportive and always make time for their students. They offer office hours where we can go and ask questions if we don’t understand something. In addition, they are available through email and are quick to respond. They genuinely care about our success and well-being, which makes a huge difference in the learning experience. The teaching facilities are also great. We have access to high-tech classrooms, computer labs, and libraries that make studying easier. The resources available online are fantastic too. The university uses a platform called Blackboard, where we can access course materials, assignments, and even communicate with lecturers and classmates. In conclusion, University of Derby provides a solid academic experience with well-structured courses, excellent teaching methods, and plenty of opportunities for student support. The access to recorded lessons, helpful lecturers, and balanced course hours all make it an ideal place for studying.