School of Humanities, Law and Creative Arts

We offer a great student experience, always focusing on you as an individual and working hard to prepare you for the challenges of graduate employment in the 21st century. Our courses are current, topical, relevant and designed to help you progress in your career.

Our strong creative community of staff and students, combined with a dynamic, energetic flourishing creative economy, will allow your talent to thrive and for you to realise your ambitions. We encourage collaboration, reflecting a professional real-world experience where these subjects feed off each other, share facilities and combine resources.

Humanities at the University of Derby

Whichever Humanities subject you choose, you’ll receive the same dedicated and personalised support from your tutors, which is what makes Derby different.

Add to that their experience and research reputation in their field of study, the links with cultural organisations and authors which feed into your studies, and access to a unique range of nationally and internationally important heritage sites on our doorstep – and you’ll have the foundations for a successful career in your area of specialism.

Our teaching teams strive to make a real civic impact in the city and wider region, in the cultural and creative industries and beyond, giving you an opportunity to apply what you learn in the classroom. Travelling further afield, as a Humanities undergraduate student you have the option to spend a semester of your second year studying abroad at one of our partners in Europe or the USA.

Our research

We have a longstanding reputation in all of our subjects and our staff are active researchers at the highest level. Staff within Humanities contribute to the Communication, Cultural and Media Studies unit of assessment in the Research Excellence Framework.

• Identity, Culture and Representation Research Cluster
• Postgraduate research
• Defining Freedom of the Press

Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby

In an ever-changing society that faces social disruption and changes, our portfolio of courses will help you make a real impact. We are looking for students who have drive, energy and ambition and want to make a positive impact to society today, tomorrow and in the future.

Law and Social Sciences encompasses law, criminology, policing and social sciences.

Get straight to the heart of the questions that matter. Our courses spark debate, ignite your curiosity and challenge you to think differently about criminal behaviour and social justice. You’ll develop high-level professional skills from day one – ready for a future where you can influence the decisions that affect us all.

Join our vibrant learning community at One Friar Gate Square and be inspired by lecturers who are passionate about their subjects and active in their research field. We set the bar high, with teaching underpinned by rigorous professional standards and a strong sense of citizenship – giving you the skills and expertise needed in our world today.

Global perspectives are an integral part of all our courses in the School of Law and Social Sciences. Recognising the importance of how other countries approach legal, justice and social issues, we offer each student the opportunity to go on international study trips which are included in course fees.

Creative arts at the University of Derby

Study in our dynamic, energetic and creative community, where you’ll work with students from across our arts courses to broaden your artistic horizons while developing your own personal style.

A place where talent thrives and ambitions are realised. Our impressive facilities range from our producing and learning theatre, photography lab and purpose-built studios.

You’ll join a creative community that is supportive in helping students shape their individual identities and styles. Our courses focus on graduate employability, helping you to establish yourself as an artist; this may be through work placements, real world projects and the chance to showcase your work at events including the end of year Degree Show.

Our courses are led by practising artists, designers, performers, makers and creators with key industry contacts. Their fresh and dynamic approach to teaching encourages students to learn through risk-taking and experimentation; and through this pedagogic approach the next set of creatives are shaped and developed.

Explore our courses pages to find out about student success stories and realise your own creative ambition.