University of Derby

Virtual open days

Prospective students will now have the opportunity to explore the university digitally through the provision of the recently launched Virtual Open Day. Available on the university website, students can tour teaching facilities, from the replica courtroom to the clinical skills suite. They can also get advice from current students and explore the award-winning university accommodation. It's a great way for students to get an idea of what life at the university is like, as many students may not have the opportunity to visit in person.

Student stories

Marcus Chan, from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia came to the University of Derby to pursue his academic aspirations. Marcus admitted to being a little nervous when he first embarked on his study abroad adventure, 6,500 miles from home. However, he soon found his feet and noted that the services provided by the university really helped him feel at home, including the airport transfer, accommodation facilities and access to amenities. Marcus soon found his place amongst a vibrant and diverse student community, building lasting friendships. His top tips for prospective international students? Be calm and confident, as all will be well, and be sure to pack some warm, comfortable clothes.

In 2017 the University of Derby was awarded a gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework as a recognition of the high quality teaching provided at every level.

Courses at the University of Derby are taught by academics involved at the forefront of research within their field. There is a strong emphasis on practical, experience-based learning in order to prepare students for life after graduation

The University of Derby is home to several research centres and groups and has invested heavily in them in recent years. They are geared towards providing the best environment for students to work, in a variety different academic disciplines. Some of these centres and groups are:

• Centre for Educational Research and Innovation
• Centre for Business Improvement
• Data Science Research Centre
• Nature Connectedness Research Group.

University of Derby students speak highly of the teaching at the university. Andy Heyes, a BA International Hospitality Management student praised the lecturers for their ability to, ''test your practical and mental abilities to the maximum'' and their ''enlightening and inspiring'' way of teaching.

BA (Hons) International Tourism Management student Rebecca Handley believes that Derby's lectures give students, ''insight into a range of opportunities'' and ''empowered them to take on any task without hesitation.''

The University of Derby offer a range of scholarships and discounts for international students and it's easy to apply. International students will be automatically assessed for scholarship eligibility by the international admissions team, so there are no separate forms to complete.

Some of the scholarships available to University of Derby International Students are:

Vice Chancellor Scholarship: For international students with excellent academic results and achievements in extracurricular activity. This scholarship is the cost of a full year of undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees.

Excellent International Student Scholarship: A GBP 5,000 scholarship awarded to international students with academic results exceeding entry requirements and demonstrable achievements in extracurricular activity.

Regional High Achievers Scholarship: A scholarship that is available to high achieving students from one of the following regions: South East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia), China (including Hong Kong), South Asia (India, Pakistan), Africa.

January 2021 Scholarship: A scholarship of GBP 2,000 that is awarded to eligible international students who start a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course in January 2021. The scholarship is awarded automatically on enrolment.

International students are also eligible to apply for one of several sports scholarships made available by the university. Students are encouraged to consult the university website for more information on scholarships, and the terms and conditions thereof.

The University of Derby has a campus and sites across the city of Derby with outstanding facilities to ensure students gain the hands-on practical skills and experience employers are looking for.

Over the last decade, the university has invested GBP 200 million to improve its facilities. Some of the standout facilities available to students are:

• Forensic training house - offering a stimulating learning environment for students to explore the dynamic world of Forensic Science. The facility offers seven replica domestic and commercial scenes, a blood spatter room and fully panoramic CCTV recording and two-way audio feedback.
• Replica court rooms - for law students to experience a mock trial
• Bloomberg financial markets lab - one of the few universities in the UK offering direct use of Bloomberg data, information and analytics in a dedicated trading room which provides a simulation of what it's like to work on a real trading floor in the financial district.
• Derby theatre - Students have a rare and exceptional learning experience at Derby Theatre. The institution is one of the only universities in the country to own and run a professional producing and receiving theatre.
• NHS Standard Mock Hospital Ward - This hospital's six-bed ward provides students with a taste of what working in a hospital is like.
• Sports Centre - Gym, climbing wall, 3G pitches, physiology laboratory, strength and conditioning suite, biomechanics and performance suite, and a VICON camera system.

Student support comes in many forms at the University of Derby with staff available to help in a number of ways. The university is committed to providing a supportive environment for students to positively impact on learning and the overall student experience. Staff support international students with a wide range of targeted and expert services that include help with:

• Financial difficulties
• Learning support
• Disability support
• Counselling for students with mental health issues

The Student Wellbeing Centre is open to students on weekdays during and out of term times, so that students have significant access to the resources that they may need. Specialist advisers can help students make the most of their time studying at the University of Derby. There is also a free counselling service and several workshops held throughout the year.

The University of Derby's security teams provide a range of services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure the safety of everyone across its campuses. All the work done by the team is in order to create a safe, pleasant environment for students to live and study in. Some of the services and initiatives provided by the security team include:

• Foot patrolling of all the university's sites
• Advice to students on security issues
• Investigation of security related concerns
• A CCTV system
• Access control
• Fire alarm activations
• Management of emergencies
• Secure parking facilities
• Pro-active campaigns and surveys educating students about safety issues and necessary precautions.

The university recently introduced new measures to improve campus safety including requiring all visitors to report to the main reception to be collected.

All students and staff are encouraged to report incidents to the campus security office either in person, by phone or email.

The city of Derby was recently awarded Purple Flag status which recognises it as a welcoming, diverse and safe place offering an enjoyable night out experience.