About us

Research lives in our classroom. We explore, innovate and discover solutions to the challenges facing us all now and in the future – here in our city, our region and across the world. And we apply this to our teaching, powering the next generation of gamechangers, nurturing talent and helping our students to develop the skills, resilience and curiosity they will need to make an impact. 

Key research strands include:

• Our omics research in metabolism brings together biomedical scientists, data scientists, and regional medi-tech industries to undertake research - a £1.7m investment
• We are building an understanding of the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease, which represents 64% of all dementia cases
• Our research into low-carbon renewable energy technologies to reduce global warming looks at developing solar desalination for water-stressed regions of the earth

And our innovative Undergraduate Research Scholarship Scheme also allows our students and staff to work together as partners to design, develop, review, support undertake and disseminate research projects. And, beyond our classrooms, our high-quality online learning is powering the professionals of tomorrow, wherever they are.

Our identity

Focusing on solutions

We use our industry expertise to ask the right questions, find answers, and influence public policy, innovation and growth.

Shaping tomorrow today

We are applying our valuable research to build a stronger, safer and more sustainable future for everyone by focusing on the issues that matter today, such as low-carbon alternatives, data security, public services and cultural equality. 

Growing innovation and business

Accelerating small-business growth, breaking down barriers and creating unrivalled opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate and thrive – that is what we are all about. Here at the University of Derby, we are closing the gap between research and impact to make a real difference. 

Partnering for impact

We are investing in our global future, partnering with sector-leading businesses to drive innovation and create a collaborative environment where research has real impact and graduate talent can flourish.

Powering the next generation

We are powering the next generation of thinkers, innovators, makers, creators and leaders. We are an industry-connected university and we put our students in front of leading global and national brands such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota and the NHS.

A civic (and global) university

We are rooted in our city and region. Through our Civic University Agreement, we are supporting our communities and playing a key role in the long-term prosperity of the city of Derby and the county of Derbyshire. 

We know our local industries and communities and are passionate about using our knowledge and resources to support them - from helping local businesses to decarbonise, to training our region’s public service providers.

We think globally too. From coral reef restoration to reducing global warming, we work with partners around the world to foster innovation, develop impactful research and promote growth. 

The University of Derby Group

The University of Derby Group includes:

• Buxton & Leek College, which provides further education and university level courses
• Derby Theatre, our very own established professional theatre
• Derbyshire Student Residences Limited (DSRL), which offers accommodation for our students