Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.13.6
Located in the heart of England, the University of Derby is a widely renowned higher education institution, and is the only university located in Derbyshire.
The university combines teaching excellence, research innovation and industry engagement to create a learning experience that prepares students for long-term career success, as well as delivering a memorable student experience.
Derby was recently recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes, having been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
The university also enjoys a particularly high graduate employment rate, with 94% of its UK graduates in employment or further study (Latest HESA Graduate Outcomes survey) and is ranked 2nd in the UK for employability (Uni Compare Rankings 2026).
In addition to its superb academic reputation, the University of Derby is known for putting on a busy timetable of 5* events, which fosters a campus atmosphere like no other.
Prospective students can discover more about what puts the university in the Top 25 for overall student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2026 by attending an Open Day. During the Open Day, visitors can get a taste of what it's like to live and study in Derby and chat with current students to get the low down on what it's really like to be a student at the university.
After a warm welcome from the senior leadership team, there'll be plenty of opportunities for visitors to tour the award-winning accommodation, voted best in the UK for four years running (Global Student Living Awards) and the outstanding learning facilities at all teaching sites.
Prospective students can spend time within a subject area, meeting expert academics and talking to current students about the course. The university invites students to learn about the wide range of student support services available, and presents the opportunity to leave with a provisional offer.
University of Derby students on Whatuni say:
''The university of Derby offers a supportive and welcoming environment with excellent facilities, approachable staff, and a variety of extracurricular activities.''
''The place is great and accommodates everyone, its diverse and the welcome was great. Easy to mingle with other students and pleasant atmosphere. So far I haven't got any issues or any adjustments.''
''I can confidently say that university has been a great experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies, and the overall atmosphere of learning has been both stimulating and engaging.''
4.4The University of Derby provides superb facilities and industry-standard equipment, including dedicated film and television studio spaces, financial markets lab, replica Crown Court, architecture studio crime scene house for forensic training, and NHS-standard hospital ward.
The university continuously invests in campus facilities and has added a £17.6 million Bioscience Superlab and Research Lab, and a £75 million building known as The Cavendish Building in the heart of the city centre to house Derby International Business School. In this brand-new development, students can learn in a Google-style creativity lab, an extended reality suite, a simulation trading floor and a Harvard-style lecture theatre.
University of Derby students on Whatuni say:
''Facilities provided are excellent, and teaching quality is brilliant.''
''I think the school is great I enjoy the library''
''All of the university buildings are within around a 30 minute walk of each other, with free buses connecting them.''
4.1The university's seven halls of residence are all conveniently located close to the city centre, and to undergraduate teaching and learning spaces. Accommodation is inclusive of bills, meaning students don't need to worry about hidden extra costs.
All students who make the University of Derby their first choice and apply for accommodation by 31st July are guaranteed a room in halls of residence.
At the 2025 Global Student Living Awards, the university won ‘Best University Housing' for the fourth year running, ‘Best Environmental Management' for the third year running and Best Value for Money.
University of Derby students on Whatuni say:
''It is a really nice place to live, especially with it being close to the city centre and decently close to all of the campuses''
''The room is fairly sized and the en suite is good.''
''The staff in the hall are really friendly and have never made me feel rushed or annoying for asking simple questions about things around the hall.''
Derby seamlessly blends the fast-paced city life with beautiful countryside, meaning if the hustle and bustle ever becomes too much, students are never far from a green and peaceful setting. The Peak District is on the doorstep and promises fantastic weekend walking trips.
The city centre has a fantastic mix of mainstream restaurants and shops in the Intu Centre, and quaint cafes and boutiques in Cathedral Quarter.
Derby offers more than 70 clubs and societies, which are a great way to meet like-minded people, learn a new skill or try out a new hobby. Students will find everything from Warhammer to Medieval Re-enactment, Afro Caribbean to Ballroom and Latin Dance – and students have the freedom and support to set up their own society.
4.0Derby has a thriving Union of Students which is run by students, for students, and sits at the heart of the university's student experience. It represents the voice of the university community, while providing endless opportunities to socialise with new, like-minded people through societies and campus events. Whether prospective students are adventure seekers, nature lovers or sports enthusiasts, there really is something for everyone.
University of Derby students on Whatuni say:
''One of the best aspects of university life for me has been the opportunity to socialise and form meaningful connections.''
''Campus is located in the city centre so lots of things to do, places to shop and also clubbing!''
''The student union organises a variety of events and activities, so there's always something to get involved in, whether it's clubs, societies, or networking opportunities.''
2.8The University of Derby believes in powering the next generation of thought leaders, and integrates a strong emphasis on employability across all its courses.
This means that students don't just gain the academic qualifications for a job, but that they also acquire the skills, resilience, and experiences needed to build a meaningful and impactful career across a range of employment sectors. They'll become adept with professional-grade software and resources as part of their course, enabling them to adapt to the demands of their future professions, while building a versatile set of skills that make them desirable to future employers.
Career experts are there to guide, support and advise students throughout their time at university. Whether students need help with their placement applications, enhancing their CV or finding work experience, the university will be by their side every step of the way, making sure that they're on the path to success.
Derby's outstanding careers teams provide an extremely high level of service and are proud to report that 94% of the university's UK graduates are in employment or further study (Latest HESA Graduate Outcomes survey).
Entry requirements for the University of Derby vary depending on the course that students are applying for.
The university accepts a variety of qualifications and uses the UCAS Tariff. Each course will have typical entry requirements, shown as UCAS Tariff points. Students will also need to have GCSE Grade C in Maths and English. Some courses also have extra requirements such as DBS checks and skills tests.
Scholarships and bursaries offer eligible students a reduction on their tuition fees, making the prospect of university education more achievable.
There are a number of scholarships and bursaries available. Students must apply for a place to study with Derby before they can be considered for a scholarship. Their options include:
Going to university represents a significant investment in students' future. Students have two main costs to consider – tuition fees and living costs.
Tuition fees are the money paid for their chosen course of study. These vary depending on whether the student is full-time or part-time, and if they are a UK student or an international student.
Most UK students will be able to apply for a loan from the Student Loans Company to help pay for their tuition fees. Depending on their personal circumstances, additional grants, bursaries, and scholarships may also be available to subsidise the cost of study.
Students can check the university's website for further information relating to course fees.
The University of Derby offers an exciting range of undergraduate courses in a variety of subjects, with options to study full-time, part-time, on-campus or online.
Outstanding teaching from industry experts in first-class facilities ensures that students develop all the right knowledge and skills for the workplace of the future. The university is consistently recognised for the high quality of its teaching, and uses strong industry links to help students apply their learning through practical, relevant experiences.
The university is ranked in the Top 25 in the UK for overall student satisfaction, with seven individual subject areas ranked Top 10 for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2026). Even the courses that are not ranked as highly provide an excellent experience for all who complete their studies.
Within all courses, there is a strong emphasis on employability – 94% of the university's graduates are in employment or further study within a short time of completing their course (Latest HESA Graduate Outcomes survey).
University of Derby students on Whatuni say:
''The teachers are friendly and help you when you ask for help.''
''Classes have been engaging, and I appreciate the depth of knowledge I am gaining.''
''Overall lecturers and tutors are always happy to help whether you're unsure with something or you need help with work.''
At Derby, students will be learning from the best. The university employs leading academics that are wholly committed to delivering an industry-relevant and research-informed curriculum, designed to stretch and challenge every student, and help to fully unlock their potential.
Within Derby's first-class facilities, students will develop all the right knowledge and skills for the workplace of the future. The university is recognised for its high quality TEF Gold teaching, and it uses strong industry links to help students to apply their learning through practical, relevant experiences, all while using the same quality of tools, learning materials and software as students will use in their future careers.
Most of the university's academics are active researchers and are engaged in pioneering work, set to make a positive impact on lives, businesses and communities around the world. Students who choose to join the University of Derby will be working alongside those tackling the heart of the issues that matter the most.
University of Derby students on Whatuni say:
''The organisation of resources and accessibility of academic materials have helped ensure that I stay on top of my coursework.''
''All facilities are good, tutors are very friendly and lectures are very interesting''
''They have a great team in order to help you achieve the right placement or graduate scheme if you look into doing a placement during your second year or after you graduate.''
4.2Moving to university is a new and exciting chapter in students' life, but it can also feel like a big and sometimes scary step – especially if this is the first time they are living away from home. To help with the transition, the university has a team of friendly, caring and supportive staff who are trained to help with specific concerns around courses or wellbeing or simply to provide that little piece of reassurance that students may need.
Their support is wide-ranging and can include budgeting tips to dealing with exam anxiety, finding part-time work alongside university life and meeting new friends, as well as managing significant and serious problems if they arise. The university's services are completely non-judgemental, and they work with students to create a bespoke plan that meets their needs, allowing them to focus on their studies and make the most of their time in Derby.
The university website has more information on the support services offered to all students.
University of Derby students on Whatuni say:
''Student wellbeing centre and student office are also a great help with any financial wellbeing help or anything you need help with in university''
''It's a friendly environment''
''They really put effort Into supporting us and putting things in place like writing retreats to get assignments done.''
4.3
