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Online Learning

We have been delivering online programmes for over two decades and have become a leading UK University for online education. With a wide range of part-time courses specially designed for online study, we can help you to achieve more and be more, in your professional and personal life.

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Want to experience what Derby has to offer? Join us on our next Online Learning webinar

Shape Your Future – Make 2027 Your Year

A new year brings new opportunities. Make January the month you invest in your future with the University of Derby's accessible online learning.

Our online degree courses are designed to fit around your life, giving you the flexibility to study on your terms while benefiting from the structure, quality, and recognition of a UK university degree. Whether you're planning a career change, aiming for promotion, returning to education, or pursuing a long-held ambition, you can take that next step with confidence.

Join thousands of students worldwide who are redefining what's possible, advancing their careers, expanding their horizons, and transforming their lives while balancing work, family, and personal commitments.

Apply now for January 2027

There's no better time to start working towards your goals. A January start allows you to begin the year with purpose and momentum, taking the first step towards the future you want to create.

Many of our online courses are now accepting applications for January 2027 entry. Most course application deadlines are 18 January 2027, so applying early is recommended to secure your place and give yourself plenty of time to prepare for study.

Some courses may also offer alternative start dates throughout the year, providing additional flexibility to meet your individual needs.

Start your journey today and make 2027 the year you achieve more.

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Browse our courses

View the full range of subject areas that you can study online - from Accountancy to Psychology. 

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Live webinars

See our list of upcoming webinars. Some give you an overview of online learning while others delve deeper into a specific course.

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Why study online?

Find out about the benefits of studying online and what you can expect.

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Online short courses

We offer a growing range of short courses to further your professional development, including CPD-accredited courses and free massive open online courses (MOOCs) to credit bearing module courses.

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When to apply

See our application deadlines and find out how to apply.

Top20in England and Wales for social inclusionThe Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
94%of graduates in work/further study Latest HESA Graduate Outcomes survey
TEF Gold 2023 logoWe have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023Read more about our TEF Gold AwardRead more about our TEF Gold Award

We are gold

In September 2023, the University of Derby received the prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, making it one of the top universities in the UK for exceptional student experience and outcomes.

The TEF, administered by the Office for Students, is a national initiative designed to drive improvements and promote excellence in areas most valued by students: teaching quality, learning environment, and the achievement of positive results from their studies.

In addition to achieving an overall Gold rating, the University of Derby excelled in the individual components of the TEF, achieving Gold for student experience and Silver for student outcomes.

Read the full press release.

Useful information

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Fees and funding

Find out how much online courses cost and what help there is to pay for them.

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About us

Find out more about the University of Derby Online Learning, who we are, what we do and our track record.

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FAQs

See answers to the questions we get asked the most.

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Online student success

Meet some of our students and graduates, as they share stories of their journey throughout their studies, their goals and motivations and what impact the course is making on their lives.

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Our research impact

Our research is influencing the future, not just for our students and region, but at a national and international level. We are at the forefront of discoveries.

Expertly designed for professionals

Our online courses are created and taught by experts. The content is engaging and interactive, and meets high academic and professional standards.

We offer everything from standalone modules which are available as short credit bearing courses, and non-credit bearing courses for CPD (continuing professional development) to apprenticeships and full undergraduate and postgraduate online degrees.

We help both individuals and employers and are proud to be inclusive and diverse. As long as you have the ambition, desire and potential to succeed, you will be welcome here.

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Quality standards

Our online courses have to meet the same strict academic standards as all UK university courses. They are just as high quality and are worth the same.

Find out more about our standardsFind out more about our standards
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Attend a graduation ceremony

If you would like to attend a graduation ceremony at the end of your course, you can do! It will be held in England and it's a truly special day - a chance to celebrate your achievement.

More about GraduationMore about Graduation