Creating opportunities for all

We want everyone to receive the high-quality education they deserve, regardless of age, background or location. This is our commitment to social mobility because we firmly believe in the transformational nature of education.

Living up to our commitment

We have a strong record in tackling barriers to access and success. By removing these barriers, we are improving the life chances of people across our region - and beyond - and we are growing our reputation as a leading institution for social mobility.

1stUniversity of the Year**UK Social Mobility Awards 2020
1stHigher Education Institution of the Year**2020 NEON Awards
1stSocial and Community Impact**Guardian University Awards 2020

We believe higher education should be open to everyone who has the ambition and desire to learn and progress. Thanks to the hard work and commitment of our Social Mobility team, our University community, partners and stakeholders, we have been named University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMO) 2020 and Higher Education Institution of the Year at the 2020 NEON (National Education Opportunities Network) Awards. And we have won the Guardian University Award 2020 for Social and Community Impact.

Transforming lives

At Derby, we have worked to deliver a powerful regional university that addresses the needs of our students, region and beyond.

We are ranked second in the country in the HEPI (Higher Education Policy Institute) Fair Access Table.

In the latest HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) Widening Participation report:

Our commitment to social mobility is underscored by our leadership of national programmes designed to improve the life chances of people across the region.

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Widening Access

Our Widening Access team works closely with schools within Derby and Derbyshire to support all young people to meet their full potential.

Find out more about our Widening Access teamFind out more about our Widening Access team