University of Derby

Launch your career at the University of the Year 2027

Named University of the Year 2027, voted 1st for employability and 2nd for course quality in the latest Uni Compare rankings, you can begin to build your dream career from day one at the University of Derby.

Work with our global partners including Rolls-Royce, McDonald’s UK and Ireland, Intercontinental Exchange and the NHS to gain future-focused skills and a genuine advantage in today’s job market.

Derby is in the centre of the UK, nestled between the cities of Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield. Close to the M1 motorway, East Midlands Airport and with a large train station, Derby benefits from excellent transport links meaning trips home and weekends away are always within easy reach.

Industry engagement

We believe the best learning happens when education and industry work together. Every course integrates meaningful, industry-relevant experiences such as employer-set live briefs and placement opportunities to give you a genuine career advantage. But career success takes more than experience alone - you will be supported to develop the confidence, curiosity and ambition to make a positive impact.

Our teaching team is made up of industry experts and active researchers who are at the forefront of their field. They are making an impact in our region and around the world by using their expertise and experience to drive innovation and positive changes. And you can be part of that story.

Exceptional facilities

We are continually investing in our campus facilities to enhance your learning experience.

One of our most significant investments to date is the Cavendish Building; a £75m, seven-storey development in the heart of the city centre which opened in September 2025 as the new home to Derby International Business School. Designed to inspire innovation and collaboration, it features a Google-style creativity lab, an extended reality suite, a simulation trading floor, a Harvard-style lecture theatre and our Institute of Carbonomics, where game-changing research will take place to support the race to net zero.

The building is open to all students and offers a dynamic environment where you can work alongside the businesses based there to co-create, share ideas and build valuable connections.

We have also recently invested in a Bioscience Superlab to support specialist teaching in haematology, immunology, histopathology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, cell/tissue culture and microscopy. Its adjoining Research Lab with a confocal laser scanning microscope room and a Tissue Lab completes the £17.6m development at Kedleston Road.

Research

We are a problem-centric, solution-focused university with a strong philosophy around shaping tomorrow, today. Within this, we have one simple promise – to make a positive impact.

Our research is tackling some of the world’s most urgent challenges - from pioneering work in Carbonomics which will protect our planet, to innovative coral reef restoration helping to safeguard fragile ecosystems. By studying with us, you will learn alongside experts who are changing the world, gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence to play your part in shaping a better future.

Our research centres and groups showcase the broad range of research areas that the University is involved in. Each centre and group is led by an experienced researcher who is committed to providing a stimulating and immersive learning environment. You will have plenty of opportunities to grow, evolve and thrive in our inclusive research community.

Visit us

The University of Derby is an inspiring place to be where you’ll be stretched and challenged to reach your potential. But don’t just take our word for it – join us at one of our Open Days to discover more about our life-changing research and studying with us.

We’re known for our 5* events where you can meet and chat to our academic teams about our courses, understand more about postgraduate life and explore our state-of-the-art facilities.

We're really looking forward to welcoming you to our next event. There’s no better way to find out whether the University of Derby is right for you. Book your place online.