Derby, University of

University of Derby

Age: 19, since becoming a university.

History: Roots date back to 1851. Before it became a university in 1992 it was the Derbyshire College of Higher Education. It was one of only a couple of colleges of higher education to gain university status in 1992. Merged with the former High Peak College of further education in Buxton in 1998.

Address: The main site - Kedleston Road - is on a hill less than 10 minutes from the city centre and there's also a stunning campus in Buxton.

Ambience: Derby has a 'university quarter' with three main teaching sites - Kedleston Road, Britannia Mill and its new £21m Markeaton Street (for art, design and technology students). Having spent around £75m on its facilities in the last few years, Derby has never looked so good. University accommodation is also nearby, and all the sites are a few minutes from the centre of Derby - officially the 'safest city in the East Midlands'.

Vital statistics: Around 22,000 students including 14,000 undergrads (full and part time), overseas and professional students; and about 3,000 further education students on non-degree courses. Vocational courses are the name of Derby's game and business, law, education, design and technology-related courses are strong points. The Buxton campus, 30 miles from Derby, dates back to the 18th century. Being a spa town at the heart of the Peak District it is the ideal place to study spa management, health and beauty and outdoor recreation.

Added value: 'Education with the personal touch’ - small classes, friendly feel and personal tutor system. Its three fee bands offer value for money and include any elements or equipment that are essential to the course. So the Biology fee includes a dissection kit, lab coat and field trip. Through volunteering and placement schemes and its Derby Award in leadership, graduates can add value to their CVs to boost their employability. Around half of Derby graduates get a first or a 2:1.

Easy to get into? Entry tariffs have risen significantly for 2012 and most degree courses typically ask for 280-320 UCAS entry points. If you're not qualified, Derby also offers foundation degrees which can lead to a degree.

Glittering alumni: Kevin Gratton, head chef at Le Caprice; Silvana Franca, celebrity chef; John Stobart, famous maritime artist; Arnold Machin, designer of the Queen's Head that appears on all British stamps; Agrina Mussa, Her Excellency High Commissioner to South Africa for Malawi; Roger Baker, former chief constable of Essex; John Blakemore, photographer/lecturer who won the Fox Talbot prize.

Transport links: Ten minutes from the M1 and on the main line north from St Pancras by train. East Midlands airport nearby. A specially designed and subsidised university ‘Unibus’ service links teaching sites, university residences, private housing areas, bus and railway stations and the city centre.

Who's the boss? Professor John Coyne, an economist and business guru who has been vice-chancellor since August 2004.

Teaching: Came 80th out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

Research: Came 89th out of 115 in the Research Assessment Excercise.

Overall ranking: 108th out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

Nightlife: Dynamic students' union, with the £500,000 award-winning Academy Bar (opened in 2006) being designed by Derby students and featuring plasma screens, pool tables and a DJ booth. Outdoor deck overlooks the new all weather sports pitches and tennis courts. Clubs in Derby city centre run packed student nights. Big nights on campus include the May Ball.

How green is it? Good - came 22nd out of 142 universities graded by People and Planet for their 'Green League 2011'.

Any accommodation? Yes - and they guarantee a place in halls for first years. Rooms are priced £73 and £102 per week. Package includes free broadband, calls within halls, 24-hour repair service and security. Optional extras include a car parking permit, and bike and canoe storage (the latter at Buxton).

Cheap to live there? Indeed. Private rentals are as wallet-friendly as the university's rooms, at just £45 to £55 per week (shared house). With the Unibus only £1.60 a trip and gym sessions only £3 a time or £100 for the year, Derby is excellent value for money.

Sports ranking: 111th in the BUCS league.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time undergrads from 2011/2012. The university plans to charge an average fee of £7,400 per year from September 2012.

Bursaries: The university offers two bursaries in 2011. One is income assessed, and offers up to £1,000 to eligible students, while the second, of up to £200, is available to students that have previously studied at the university's partner colleges.

Prospectus: 08701 202 330; www.derby.ac.uk

UCAS code: D39.