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Institute of Education and Skills

1stfor student satisfactionChildhood and Youth Studies - Complete University Guide 2026
Top5for teachingNational Student Survey 2026
Top15for satisfaction with teachingEducation - The Guardian University Guide 2026

We're recognised for what we do.

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Institute of Education rankings

  • Top 5 for student voice - Education, National Student Survey 2025
  • Top 10 for learning opportunities - Childhood and Youth Studies, National Student Survey 2025
  • Top 15 for Education - Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Top 15 for career prospects - Education, Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Top 20 for learning resources -  Teacher Training, National Student Survey 2025
  • Top 20 for graduate prospects - Education - Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Our undergraduate subjects

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Undergraduate Teacher Training

Inspire children and make a difference to their lives with our Ofsted 'Outstanding' rated practical Teacher Training courses.

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Education, Childhood and SEND

Our postgraduate subjects

Teaching secondary pupils in a classroom
Postgraduate Teacher Training
Postgraduate Education courses

Our online education courses

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Online Education Courses

Improve your expertise as a teacher, educator or trainer with our suite of online courses in education. Whether your desire is to gain iQTS or an iPGCE, or you wish to study areas such as childhood, i...

Excited about education

At Derby, we offer a great student experience, always focusing on you as an individual and working hard to prepare you for the challenges of 21st century teaching and learning. In a climate of almost constant change, the education agenda is sometimes influenced by rapid shifts in policy and the needs of the contemporary workplace. Our aim is to prepare you to meet these challenges as they are translated to the modern classroom.

We specialise in Initial Teacher Education, Childhood Studies, Education Studies, SEND, Provider-Led, School-Based, and Post 14 and Postgraduate Studies.

A navy logo with white copy Ofsted and three icons of people to look like starsOutstanding at teaching the teachers, our 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating speaks for itself.Find out moreFind out more
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The Institute of Education's Partnership Hub

We offer a variety of ways that we can work in partnership with you, whether you're looking for placement students, to dedicated School Improvement support.

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Research, services and facilities

Educational Research Clusters

At the Institute of Education, we engage in theoretical, applied, policy-based and pedagogic (relating to the theory and practice of education) research.

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Our Services

We're committed to using our research and knowledge, expertise and resources to inspire and develop the businesses of today and tomorrow.

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Derby English Language Centre

Derby English Language Centre (DELC) offers you the opportunity to develop your English language skills at one of the UK’s top performing universities for fair access.

Sports Centre
Our Facilities

Our industry-standard facilities include a fantastic sports centre, forensic house, custody suite, courtroom and two NHS-standard hospital wards.

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Dr Sarah Charles BA PGCE MA EbD FHEA
Director of the Institute of Education and Skills

Dr Sarah Charles is Director of the Institute of Education and Skills, leading a diverse portfolio of teacher education, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. An experienced academic leader and qualified teacher, she is committed to research-informed education and preparing future educators for professional success. Sarah continues to teach and supervise doctoral students while developing partnerships with schools and colleges in the UK and internationally. Her research focuses on inclusion, educational equity and teacher development.

Email
s.charles@derby.ac.uk
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