Art and Design Outreach

We offer a range of activities, both on and off campus, that are perfect to excite your students across the breadth of Art and Design courses that we offer. We can run activities covering any of the following areas: Animation, Fashion, Fine Art, Graphics and Illustration, Photography.

We also offer outreach activities in related areas such as Film and Performance and Journalism and Media.

Whether it's part of a campus visit, an in-person session at your school or college, or a virtual experience, we're here to inspire and engage your students throughout the year. Some of our activities are set on particular dates throughout the academic year. If you are not able to make these particular dates, but are still interested, then please let us know and we can look to arrange a bespoke activity for you.

Set Visit Dates

We do have a few set dates for this academic year, where everything has already been pre-planned to give your students a fantastic insight into what we do at Derby. If you would like more information on the events below, please click through to our specific webpage.

An abstract image of paint being thrown

Creative Industries Taster Days - 1 & 15 October 2025

Our creative industries taster days are an exciting and interactive opportunity for your Year 12 and 13 students to find out all about the creative courses that we offer at Derby

Find out more about our October eventsFind out more about our October events

Made It Degree Show Infographic

Annual Arts Degree Show - 9 & 10 June 2026

This exciting and interactive day will give Year 12 students the opportunity to explore our Made It Degree Show. The Degree Show is the culmination of our third-year students' time with us and allows them to showcase their passion and expertise.

Find out more about our Degree Show in 2026Find out more about our Degree Show in 2026

Taster Days

Our visit days allow your students to experience Derby fully and can be tailored to your and your group. All of our taster days include subject sessions, led by our passionate academic team. These sessions are aligned to the curriculum and will help prepare your students for further study. In addition to subject-based sessions, we can run Information, Advice and Guidance talks or campus tours to give your students an insight into university life.

Based at: Markeaton Street or Britannia Mill, Derby

When: flexible to suit

Who: Year 12 or 13 students

Discipline(s) covered: Art and Design (Animation, Fine Art, Fashion, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography). We can also cover sessions around other creative industry-based disciplines such as Film, Media, Music or Theatre

If you would like to book a visit with us, please get in touch with the team.

UCAS Create your Future Exhibitions

In October and November we will be exhibiting at the national UCAS Create your Future exhibitions. These events are a fantastic opportunity for your students to explore their Post-18 options in the creative industry.

We will be at the following exhibitions for you and your students to visit:

London Create your Future @ ExCeL London

When: Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 October

Where: Stand 83

Manchester Create your Future @ Manchester Central Convention Complex

When: Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 November

Where: Stand 72

To find out more information about these and book on please visit the UCAS website.

Masterclasses and Talks

Our talks and masterclasses are designed to be delivered when it is best for you. Aligned with the current curriculum, they will give your students an insight into our academic expertise and elevate their subject knowledge. Below are just some of the topics that our academics can deliver to inspire your students.

If you would like the team to deliver one of the below masterclasses, or have a topic in mind that is not listed then please get in touch with the team.

What is the Creative Industry?

With 1.9 million people working in the creative industries, there are endless possibilities for a career in the sector. From designing children's books through to shooting blockbuster movies, your students can specialise in any genre that is appealing to them. In this session, we will overview the variety of pathways into the creative industry and how our courses at Derby help you to prepare yourself for a career in that sector. 

An image of a music mixing desk

Making the Most of Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is there to help demonstrate your high level of engagement with the subject area you want to study at university, and we want to make sure you make the most of this resource. We want to see what motivates you and what inspires you. This session will help you to understand what we look for in your portfolio and help you to make sure it's something you are proud to showcase.

Student digital portfolio showcasing art and creative inspiration

How to Risograph Print

This workshop gives students the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a graphic design or illustration student at the University. Students will take part in a risograph printing workshop that will allow them to focus on creative exploration through drawing, typography and found imagery.

Vector set of colorful geometric shapes in trendy risograph print style. Diverse geometric forms. Vector illustration

Teacher CPD

In addition to support for your students, our academic and technician team are able to support you with being able to cover topics as part of your curriculum. From giving guided tours of our facilities to offering advice and support around practical activities, we can ensure you are keeping up to date with the latest practices and procedures.

If you would like to arrange a meeting with the team to discuss this further, please get in touch.