University of Derby

Institution Profile

Hello from the University of Derby Schools and Colleges Liaison Team.

Located in the heart of England, we are the only university in Derby and Derbyshire. We combine teaching excellence, research innovation, and industry engagement to create a high-quality learning experience. Awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, the University of Derby is recognised for its outstanding teaching and student support. We are ranked in the Top 25 for teaching quality (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and Top 25 in the UK for overall student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025), reflecting our commitment to an excellent student experience. The University of Derby is also a leader in graduate employability, with 96% of our UK graduates in employment or further study (latest HESA Graduate Outcomes survey). We are a university of degree apprenticeships, providing students with excellent opportunities to enhance their careers by connecting with top employers and working on real-world briefs. We partner for impact, creating a collaborative environment where graduate talent can flourish.

For those living on campus, our accommodation is consistently recognised for excellence. We have been named Best University Housing in the UK & Ireland for three years running in the Global Student Living Awards (2024, 2023, 2022), and our halls of residence team has been certified as a Gold operator for Global Student Living. The Schools and Colleges Liaison team hosts a range of experience days on campus, providing students with an exciting introduction to university life. The team also attends HE fairs and recruitment exhibitions across the UK, delivering inspiring talks to students, parents, teachers and career advisers.

Information for teachers and careers advisors

Our Schools and Colleges Liaison team offer a programme of activities to help Year 12 and 13 students plan their future. These are designed to showcase the breadth of our course options, and the careers are available. Whether you are looking to visit us on campus to soak up the atmosphere and tour our facilities or receive virtual/pre-recorded resources to inspire your students back in your classroom, we can support you and provide a bespoke experience to help your students feel more confident in taking their next step.

Our activities include:

  • ‘Careers in...’ talks - hear from academic experts and current students who will discuss the variety of careers on offer within a specific industry.
  • Information, advice and guidance talks – our trained experts will support your students in making well-informed decisions about higher education. Topics include how to choose a course, how to write a personal statement and apply through UCAS, and how to navigate the world of student finance.
  • Our in-person masterclasses - offer an immersive learning experience right here at the university. Engage with expert academics, ask questions, and explore various subjects in a lecture-like setting.

Visit us at Derby

There is no better way to experience everything our gold-standard University has to offer than to come and visit us on campus, and we have lots of opportunities for you and your students.

For teachers and career advisers, you can join us at one of our bespoke CPD days where we will keep you up to date with the latest developments in higher education.

Sessions could include:

  • An update on the University of Derby: course changes, new facilities and student support
  • Reference writing guidance from our Admissions team
  • Apprenticeships update
  • Support students as they transition to university
  • Top tips for students applying to interview courses
  • Student wellbeing support packages
  • Q&A panel with current undergraduate students

We also host several Open Days and run regular campus tours throughout the academic year. For more information and to book your place, please head over to our website.


Events without a specific start date

Regional Contacts based at University of Derby

Heather Parr

Schools and Colleges Regional Lead (Staffordshire & Northwest)

Will Watson

Schools and Colleges Regional Lead

Dan Mitchell

Schools and Colleges Regional Lead for Lincolnshire & Yorkshire

Wisia Rossi

Schools and Colleges Regional Lead

Chloe Andrews

Schools and Colleges Regional Lead for West Midlands

16 Upcoming events

Located in the heart of England, we are the only university in Derby and Derbyshire. We offer industry-relevant, expert teaching, study and research.