Bumper turnout expected for University’s first Open Day of new academic year

Bumper numbers of people are expected to descend on Derby this Saturday as the University hosts its first Open Day of the new academic year. 

With bookings to attend the Open Day up 11% compared to this time last year, the event will provide prospective students, parents, guardians and carers the opportunity to experience what the University of Derby has to offer – showcasing its state-of-the-art facilities, as well as welcome talks, subject talks, campus and accommodation tours.  

Aligned to the University’s recent success in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in which the University was rated Gold, guests will have the opportunity to meet and hear from the University’s expert teaching team as well as find out about the ground-breaking research taking place at Derby.   

Hannah Wright, Associate Director – Recruitment at the University of Derby, said:

“We are really looking forward to welcoming prospective students and guests to this Saturday’s Open Day, which is guaranteed to be a fantastic event for all. 

“Open Days provide an invaluable opportunity for anyone who is thinking about studying at university to find out what life is like as a student and to see where they will be spending the next three to four years of their lives. We recognise that choosing which university to go to is a critical and lifelong decision, so we encourage people to attend an Open Day to really get a feel for the place and what it has to offer. 

“At Derby, our Open Day is designed to work for you, at your pace. You will have the chance to meet our expert academics, who are leading impactful research, see our award-winning accommodation, and speak to staff who run our support services about everything from student finance to wellbeing support.” 

During the day, a Support Services panel session will take place in the University’s Kedleston Road Atrium. Staff will be talking about the extensive support packages in place for Derby students. A parents, carers and guardians panel will also be hosted, providing an opportunity to learn more about the details of university life from experts and offering additional assurance.  

For those who cannot attend Saturday’s Open Day, a Facebook livestream will be taking place from 10.30am-11.30am, featuring interviews with senior academics, virtual tours of some of the University’s facilities and additional slots with Derby alumni, the Union of Students and halls of residence teams. People will be able to ask questions live while the Stream is live.  

The University of Derby was ranked in the Top 20 nationally for assessment and feedback in the National Student Survey 2023, in the Top 20 for teaching quality in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, and in the Top 20 in the UK for overall student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2024.  

Find out more about the Open Day, which runs from 9.30am-3pm, and book your place, here.

A guide on how to make the most your Open Day, can be found here.