Studying a semester abroad

Studying or working abroad will enable you to see the world from a different viewpoint, gain confidence and independence, and improve your communication skills. These are all qualities that employers value highly, so your time abroad could boost your CV and help you on the way to your future career. 

Not to mention, spending time abroad will provide you with unforgettable memories, the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures, and develop a global network of friends and connections.

Where you can go

Your choice(s) of destination depends on your course.

You can find out more about the degree courses at Derby that are currently offering exchanges on our study abroad partners page.

Financial information

You pay no fees to the host institution and your fees remain unchanged from the University of Derby. Many countries we exchange with also have lower rents and general living costs than the UK.

Financial support

Subject to annual Government agreement, you may be able to apply for Turing Scheme Grant funding to contribute to your living expenses at a rate of between £360 and £540 per month abroad, which is distributed by the University of Derby. The amount depends on your destination and your personal circumstances.

Getting a Turing Grant has no effect on the amount you receive in Maintenance Loan from Student Finance England. This amount will not go down, and in many cases will go up because you study abroad.

You can apply through UniHub and the workflow will guide you through it. You will be able to see at a glance where you are at any point.

If you have any questions please email goplaces@derby.ac.uk.

Extra funding

Students who meet widening access criteria may have the opportunity to apply for additional support, including an uplift to the cost of living, travel costs and contributions to other costs which can include visas, vaccinations, and other country-specific costs.

Find out more about funding on UniHub.

 Eligibility

The following groups are eligible:

• Students on undergraduate courses which have at least one exchange partner institution.
• Home undergraduate students.
• International undergraduate students.
• Part-time undergraduate students.

Unfortunately, online or postgraduate students are not currently eligible for exchange study. However, postgraduate students and online students living in the UK can apply for short-term or longer placement opportunities.

Places are currently allocated entirely on a first come, first served basis. Some destinations like Spain and the US are always popular and we have a waiting list in place for high demand options.

Most students get a place, and almost all get their first-choice destination where more than one possible destination exists.

Timelines for studying abroad

Psychology/Forensic Psychology students go abroad in the Autumn semester of the third year due to the requirements of their programme.

All other disciplines go in the Spring semester of the second year.

All exchange students remain abroad for the entire semester, following the academic calendar of the host institution. There is no year-long exchange option.

Studying abroad does not extend the length of your degree course at Derby, and the credit earned whilst abroad counts towards your three-year Derby degree.

Accommodation

Most of our study abroad partners offer their own accommodation, with some exceptions.

However, In Madrid there is no university accommodation offer at either University, but there is plenty of affordable private sector accommodation and we can provide you with resources to find somewhere to stay.

To avoid paying two rents when you go away, we strongly recommend you consider the Derby halls offer of a single semester contract for Autumn of your second year. This is only available if you go on exchange.

Additional information

How studying abroad affects your grades

You need to achieve at least the pass mark for all modules you take abroad- that’s all. If you don't achieve a pass, you can re-sit or re-submit abroad, if necessary, just as in Derby.

We do not attempt to convert the grades you earn abroad back to Derby grades. We only convert the credits earned to Derby ones.

Language

All teaching and assessment is in English at all our partners.

At most partners you can follow language classes whilst there and you are strongly encouraged to do so.

Support for choosing modules or finding accommodation and university or visa applications

Your Study Abroad Advisor will assist you on this via group meetings or one-to-one sessions.

Support is also available when you are away and after you return to Derby

How to apply

You can apply at any time in your first year, but the earlier the better, as it is first come first served.

Send an e-mail to goplaces@derby.ac.uk to express your interest in a study abroad opportunity and we will get back to you with the next steps.