Powering ambition through exceptional teaching
Delivering a first-class learning experience that results in positive outcomes for our students is what we do best at the University. In recognition of this, we achieved an overall Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework – the highest possible rating. Our outstanding academic team go above and beyond to create immersive learning opportunities that help all students to build the foundations of a successful future.
- Teaching at its best
- Innovation through impact
- Inclusive learning
- Looking ahead
Teaching at its best
Outstanding in Education
As a leading provider of teacher training, Derby’s Institute of Education & Skills continued to earn national recognition. In 2024, we maintained our ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating across Primary, Secondary and Post-14 education – the highest judgement possible.
We were also ranked in the upper quartile for Education in the Guardian University Guide, with strong results in student satisfaction, learning resources and graduate outcomes. Our subject-level performance in the National Student Survey reinforces this strength, with Teacher Training and Childhood Studies courses receiving excellent feedback for learning opportunities and support.
Derby’s academic expertise continues to shape national education policy. Researchers from our International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) played a leading role in the 2025 refresh of the Gatsby Benchmarks, the national framework for careers guidance. Their contribution directly informed updates to the Department for Education statutory guidance, impacting thousands of schools and young people across England.
Award-winning course quality
ln the Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2026, which is solely based on the reviews of more than 28,000 students, the University came out 2nd for course quality. This impressive accolade is a true testament to our dedicated lecturers who are passionate about delivering a curriculum which his enriched with industry engagement and career-building opportunities.
The University also placed 2nd for employability, and overall, secured a spot in the Top 10 out of 100 universities across the country.
Teaching for the future
Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) remains a standout marker of our institution’s quality and ambition. Our continued focus on applied learning, inclusive practice and outstanding student support ensures the University remains a destination of choice for learners from all walks of life.
In line with our strategic commitment to fairness and clarity, the University has launched new Academic Regulations for 2025/26, designed to enhance student confidence, consistency and transparency across all taught courses. Co-created with students and staff, these changes ensure we continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards of academic delivery and assessment.
Top 2% Scientists
At Derby, our students are taught and supervised by academics who are not only passionate educators but global leaders in their fields. This year, four more Derby academics were named on Stanford University’s prestigious Top 2% World Ranking of Scientists, joining several colleagues already on the list. In 2024, the following colleagues received recognition:
- Abid Khan, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science
- Michael Sweet, Professor of Molecular Ecology
- Miles Richardson, Professor of Human Factors and Nature Connectedness
- Samuel Oluwarotimi, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science
Their inclusion reflects the impact of their research and the depth of academic expertise embedded across our teaching teams. Whether guiding student projects, supervising dissertations or bringing the latest knowledge into the classroom, our academic staff are helping shape the next generation of innovators, educators and critical thinkers.
As well as being added to the Top 2% World Ranking of Scientists, Professor Sweet won a prestigious Times Higher Education award, crowning him Outstanding Supervisor of the Year for his commitment to supporting the next generation of marine scientists.
Innovation through industry
This year saw the launch of our BSc (Hons) International Business and AI – a fast-track, industry-led degree created in collaboration with Rolls-Royce. The first-of-its-kind course integrates business acumen with AI capability, preparing students to thrive in tech-driven, global markets. With immersive learning, real-world case studies and live briefs led by Rolls-Royce professionals, it offers students a direct route to high-level graduate careers.
Our longstanding partnership with Rolls-Royce also continues to flourish through the Nuclear Skills Academy, where apprentices are developing specialist knowledge at the cutting edge of engineering. In February 2025, HRH The Princess Royal visited the Academy during National Apprenticeship Week to meet students and see first-hand the state-of-the-art facilities shaping the UK’s future nuclear workforce.
In our healthcare portfolio, Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England, visited our Kedleston Road campus to engage with students and experience our Clinical Skills Suite, including a mock labour ward and neonatal equipment. These high-fidelity spaces, combined with our exceptional practice partners, are preparing Derby graduates to enter the profession with confidence, compassion and competence.
Built for impact
In July 2025, we celebrated a major milestone as the keys to The Cavendish Building – the new home of Derby International Business School – were officially handed over. This £75m city-centre development includes a Bloomberg-powered trading floor, XR lab, Harvard-style lecture theatre and collaborative spaces designed to blur the boundaries between teaching and industry.
Opened in September 2025, The Cavendish Building is a hub for applied learning, knowledge exchange and co-creation, bringing together students, academics, businesses and entrepreneurs under one roof.
Inclusive learning
Our commitment to accessible, inclusive education was recognised on the international stage this year, as Derby was awarded the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Catalyst Award by Anthology. This honour celebrates the work of our Digital Learning and Online Content team during the launch of a new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – Blackboard Ultra – where inclusive practice was embedded at every level.
Through mandatory staff training, the rollout of the Anthology Ally accessibility tool, and a strategic focus on equity in digital delivery, we’ve created a VLE where all students can thrive. The project exemplifies how technology, when guided by values, can empower learners from all backgrounds.
Looking ahead
As we prepare to welcome a new cohort of learners, our mission remains the same: to deliver a transformative academic experience that unlocks potential, drives progress and prepares students for life beyond university.
With a bold curriculum, talented educators, and sector-leading facilities, we continue to raise the bar for what academic excellence can achieve.
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