University of Derby

The University of Derby dates back to 1851, the year a diocesan institution that trained schoolmistresses opened in the city. A succession of mergers led in 1977 to the creation of Derby Lonsdale College of Higher Education, and university status was conferred in 1992. It teaches some 19,000 students in higher education, and further education provision also forms part of the institution through Buxton & Leek College. Four Derby sites host the majority of degree courses. Kedleston Road, the main campus, contains the sports centre and a library on four storeys; the others are One Friar Gate Square, which houses the law school, Britannia Mill and Markeaton Street. Nursing education is the specialism of a further campus in Chesterfield.

Subjects sit within Derby International Business School, the College of Health and Humanities and the College of Science and Engineering. More than 300 programmes are offered. Continued investment in facilities has created specialist teaching environments, among them courtrooms, a spa, a forensic science house and a simulated hospital ward built to NHS standards, which support hands-on learning geared to the professions on many courses.

Information for International Students

The University of Derby's international team helps applicants with enquiries and applications, and approved international recruitment agents also work with the university. StudentHub@Derby coordinates wider student support, and published guidance covers visas, enrolment, English language tests and the CAS process. IELTS 6.0 or an equivalent is normally required, though this differs between courses. At Kedleston Road the university runs its own International Foundation Programme, a one-year course with September and January intakes that builds English and academic skills, gives progression to a variety of Derby degrees and accepts entrants from IELTS 4.5. Separately, the Derby English Language Centre offers full-time Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes on campus in courses lasting five, eight or 12 weeks, scheduled to lead into September and January degree starts.

There are seven halls of residence, and international students booking a place do not require a UK guarantor. Residents receive bedding, kitchen and arrival packs, and a Residence Life events programme helps them settle in. Induction and enrolment form part of welcome week. The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship and other international scholarships cut tuition in the first year, and the Graduate Route is open to eligible graduates.