University of Derby: Action-based business programmes

University of Derby: Action-based business programmes


The Derby Business School at the University of Derby is focused on the polar bear. Specifically, what the largest carnivorous land mammal represents: the need for a sustainable future with cleaner, alternative solutions to reduce and reverse the negative effects of climate change. In its welcoming, multicultural campus, students and staff from all over the world come together to find creative solutions to real-world problems like these.

The university is the place to be for ambitious students seeking to make a difference. It is a Gold recipient of the Teaching Excellence Framework, ranked top five for course quality (Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025) and placed top 15 amongst UK universities UK University (Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025).

Programmes offered by the Derby Business School reflect these awards and rankings – including a range of full-time and part-time courses starting in January, which are now open for application.

These include undergraduate programmes like the Event Management BA (Hons) and International Business Management BSc (Hons) and postgraduate programmes such as the Management MSc, Global MBA, Sustainable and Ethical Business Management MSc, and other programmes covering a wide range of business disciplines. Students can apply online to finance their studies through scholarships once they’re accepted, which includes the Chevening Scholarship for postgraduate students.

“I decided to do Business Management because the course provides you with the whole overview so I could decide what I wanted to do later in the future,” says student Kamil Puchala. “It had lots of accreditations and leadership schemes, and it will add value to my CV when the time comes to apply for graduate jobs.”

Derby programmes stand out for their meaningful practical experience. From day one, you’ll be devising innovative solutions for real companies through placements and projects. You’ll get to connect with future employers too, such as through industry visits or networking events, to name just two. Undergraduate students go on short study trips in the UK, Europe and overseas – with students in the new accelerated BSc (Hons) in International Business and AI taking on real-world projects with Rolls Royce.

Puchala, who’s originally from Slovakia, has completed a one-year placement in the industry and a 10-week summer internship with Disney in Florida. “It was interesting to face new challenges and use my problem-solving skills in a real-life situation,” she says. “My transferable skills started to develop without me even realising!”

The Derby Business School prioritises industry experience to get their students workforce-ready and impact-driven. Source: University of Derby

In 2025, students can look forward to more industry-enhanced experiences like these. Derby works closely with Rolls-Royce, Toyota, the NHS and Alstom to embed consultancy projects, case studies, professional mentoring, and more, into its programmes.

“The knowledge I gained in lectures was very valuable, but the real benefit came from the many chances to use this knowledge in real situations,” says Event Management BA (Hons) graduate Tamara Stasinska from Poland. “The University of Derby offered many such opportunities, which I fully took advantage of, helping me grow both academically and professionally.”

The combination of a welcoming, inclusive community, supportive professors and peers, and applied learning opportunities proved to be a transformative experience for her – landing her a full-time job for an international company she undertook a project for.

“I had the opportunity to work with industries during my studies,” says Stasinska. “One of our coursework tasks involved pitching a business idea, which led to cooperation with a local company. My openness, resourcefulness, and well-prepared materials caught the attention of the company’s director, who later offered me a position as project manager.”

Industry partnerships allow for applied learning, and allow you to get your name through the professional world. Source: University of Derby

A campus and city that reflect the future of business

Set to open in 2025, the £75 million Cavendish Building will become the new home of Derby Business School. Which is underway with an energy efficient design and net zero carbon in construction and operations. Aiming to be a blueprint for the business school of the future, the building will feature superb new teaching facilities and leverage the talent and potential of the city’s business community.

After all, this is a city founded on enterprise and Derby Business School has been awarded the Small Business Charter. The award is a recognition of the business school’s high standard of support for small businesses and the local economy, as well as the work it does in developing entrepreneurial skills in students. Derby Business School is also a full member of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) — a network of business schools and corporations dedicated to enhance excellence in management education and development globally.

By working together, the new Derby Business School reaffirms its commitment to supporting and contributing to the inclusive and regenerative growth of Derby city and its surrounding area. In return, businesses in Derby will be able to access world-class expertise, training, research and talent.

In this win-win situation, perhaps the biggest winners are the students. They receive industry-relevant, expert teaching and life-shaping experiences that prepare them for versatile roles across various industries in Derby and beyond. Along the way, they get to catch sunsets shining gold against the reflection of the water in the Peak District, visit the Chatsworth House that acted as Mr. Darcy’s home in the 2005 “Pride and Prejudice” film, and find fun and peace in between classes in the city’s many open, wide spaces.

The University of Derby was recently awarded Best University Housing and Best Environmental Management (UK & Ireland) in the 2024 Global Student Living Awards. Click here to find out more.

To join them, apply to the Derby Business School’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes today.



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