With a history of 180 years, the University of Derby is a public British university located in the city of Derby, in the heart of central England. Its presence at the centre of British industry and its partnerships with global corporations such as Toyota, Rolls-Royce, and Bombardier have established it as a highly innovative university. With a strong research output and study programmes closely aligned with the labour market, the university is committed to enhancing the employability of its students.

The university consists of 2 University Colleges, 7 Academic Schools and 1 Academic Institute:

College of Health & Humanities

  • School of Health & Social Care
  • School of Humanities, Law & Creative Arts

College of Science and Engineering

  • School of Computing
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Science
  • School of Sports & Exercise

Derby International Business School

Institute of Education and Skills

 

Core Values of the University

  • Focusing on Solutions
    Leveraging sector expertise to ask the right questions, find answers, and influence public policy, innovation, and development.
  • Shaping Tomorrow Today
    Applying high-impact research to build a stronger, safer, and more sustainable future, with a focus on pressing contemporary issues such as low carbon emissions, data security, public services, and cultural equity.
  • Growing Innovation & Business
    Accelerating the growth of small businesses, removing barriers, and creating unique opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate and thrive—central to the university’s mission.
  • Partnering for Impact
    Investing in the global future by collaborating with leading industry partners to promote innovation and create an environment where research makes a real-world impact and graduates can flourish.
  • Powering the Next Generation
    Empowering the next generation of thinkers, innovators, creators, and leaders. The university maintains strong ties to industry, offering students direct access to top-tier companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota, and the NHS.

 

Recognitions and Rankings

The University of Derby has been awarded the Gold rating for Teaching Excellence (TEF GOLD) in the last two assessments by the Office for Students (Teaching Excellence Framework – 2017, 2023), placing it among the best institutions in the UK.

It has also received multiple national recognitions within the UK. According to the Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2027, it is:

  • The No1 university in the UK
  • No1 for graduate employability
  • 2nd for the quality of its programmes

According to the Complete University Guide 2026, it ranks:

  • Among the Top 20 universities for overall student satisfaction

According to the Guardian University Guide of 2025 and 2026, it ranks:

  • Top 5 in Marketing
  • Top 15 in Education
  • Top 25 in Psychology

Based on the most recent graduate outcomes survey by HESA (UK Higher Education Statistics Agency):

  • 96% of Derby graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduation

International Recognition

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the University of Derby is listed among the top 601–800 universities globally, with even higher rankings in specific disciplines:

  • Business & Management: 301–400
  • Psychology: 301–400
  • Education: 501–600

Research Excellence

In the most recent UK Research Excellence Framework (2021), the university’s research was rated as either “world-leading” (4*) or “internationally excellent” (3*), underscoring its high level of research quality and impact.