The University of Derby is a modern university in the East Midlands of England, on the edge of the Peak District. It is best known for engineering, business, computing, nursing and health, hospitality and its applied, industry-linked teaching, with Rolls-Royce and Toyota among local employers. Choose it for a practical degree at low fees in a small, affordable city.
Derby, United Kingdom
Official website: derby.ac.uk
#1001
Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework
Rolls-Royce's civil aerospace headquarters is in Derby
Derby is among the cheaper UK cities for students
£15,000 – £17,000
International students, undergraduate and taught Master's
£9,000 – £11,500
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on derby.ac.uk before you apply.
MSc Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 72
MSc Data Science
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 72
MBA Global
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MSc Cyber Security
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 72
MSc Mechanical Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 72
BSc Nursing (Adult)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
Engineering — close ties to Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Derby's rail industry.
Teaching quality — a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Buxton campus — hospitality and spa management in a Georgian former hotel.
Kedleston Road campus — a compact site 20 minutes' walk from Derby's centre.
Engineering graduates join Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Alstom and Derby's aerospace and rail supply chain.
Business and computing alumni work in Nottingham's and Derby's professional and digital sectors.
Nursing and health graduates enter NHS trusts across the East Midlands.
Graduates can work in the UK for two years on the Graduate visa.
Undergrad
14 Jan 2027
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
The main Kedleston Road campus is a single modern site north of the city centre, with the library, the sports centre and most teaching buildings under one roof and halls a short walk away.
Derby is a compact city of about 260,000 people with low rent, a big engineering job market and the Peak District 30 minutes away. Nottingham is 30 minutes by train and London 90 minutes.
CAS from the University of Derby
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS with an equal-consideration deadline of 14 January 2027 for September 2027 entry. Taught Master's courses accept applications on a rolling basis, with most closing in July for September and November for January.
September is the main intake for all undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Derby also runs a January intake for many taught Master's programmes, including computer science, data science, the MBA, cyber security and mechanical engineering. Nursing and health courses are September only.
You need a Student route visa. Derby issues your CAS once you accept an unconditional offer and pay the deposit. Apply online up to six months before your course starts, showing proof of funds, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge with the application.
Computer science, data science, the MBA, cyber security and mechanical engineering are the most applied-for programmes. Most Master's courses ask for a 2:2 or above and IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5; the MBA needs IELTS 6.5 and work experience. Undergraduate offers typically range from BBC to CCC.
Yes. Derby offers international scholarships that reduce tuition for undergraduate and Master's applicants, including awards for students from India and South Asia, usually assessed automatically from your application. Check the university's scholarships page for the current amounts and any separate application steps.
