Studying online

Online learning fits around you like no other learning can. You can join a live seminar from anywhere in the world, study while you commute, or chat to fellow students online after you’ve put the children to bed. That's why studying online has become so popular. 

For your career today — and tomorrow

Developed with employers and professional bodies, our online courses can take your career to the next level, or in a new direction. Through work-related tasks and projects, you’ll quickly understand how to apply your learning and see its value as you start to use it to make a difference.

We think beyond the qualification, ensuring you leave with not just an award, but the practical skills you need to go further in your career, as well as greater confidence and self-belief. It’s a winning combination for you and your employer.

Man sat with laptop on lap smiling

Professionally accredited courses

We have more accredited programmes than any other online education provider in the UK. Find out why that's good news for your career.

More about accreditationMore about accreditation
5,500students **currently studying with us
130countries represented
Goldstandard teaching**Teaching Excellence Framework

Gain internationally recognised qualifications

You will be studying with a UK university for an internationally recognised degree or other qualification. Our courses have to meet the same strict academic standards that all UK university courses do. Online courses are just as challenging and are worth the same as equivalent on-campus courses. Read more about our quality standards.

Join a diverse community

When you join one of our programmes, you join a global professional network who you can learn from - not just alongside. We currently have 5,500 online students studying with us, from 120 different countries; all with unique experiences and skillsets.

Because of this you'll take part in some really fascinating discussions that will help you think about the topics in a global context. Expect to be surprised and challenged.

Get extensive support

You'll get great support from across the University, thanks to the 'cloud campus' we've built over the last decade. This ensures you get access to the full range of student services, from the library and IT support to wellbeing and the Union of Students. 

This ready-made support network will help you stay on track and help you succeed. It will also help you really feel part of the University of Derby. 

A group of graduates in mortarboards at a graduation ceremony

Attend a graduation ceremony

If you would like to attend a graduation ceremony at the end of your course, you can do! It will be held in England and it's a truly special day - a chance to celebrate your achievement.

More about GraduationMore about Graduation

Build relationships and digital skills

Although you will be learning remotely, our technology makes it easy to build relationships with tutors and other students, even across different time zones.

Our virtual learning environment has built-in tools to enable discussion and group work, including:

It also integrates with popular collaboration platforms such as Microsoft 365. If you're using these kinds of tools at work already, it will feel very familiar, and if you're not, you will have the support you need to develop valuable new digital skills.

How it works

This short video explains more about online learning environment, known as the Student Portal: how it works, what it looks like and what support you'll receive.

Introduction to UDO Your Online Learning Environment

View Introduction to UDO Your Online Learning Environment video transcript