The University of Derby, in partnership with Mediterranean College, continues to receive impressive feedback from its own students, confirming its leading role in higher education in the United Kingdom.
According to the Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2026, the University is ranked among the top 10 in the country, based on overall student evaluation across five key areas: facilities, teaching quality, social experience, career prospects, and third-party recommendations.
This recognition adds to a series of significant distinctions for the University of Derby, most notably the TEF GOLD awarded as part of the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023. This evaluation, under the auspices of the British Department for Education, recognises excellence in teaching, learning, and student outcomes. Derby was also awarded a gold rating for Student Experience and a Silver rating for Learning Outcomes.
University of Derby’s most recent distinctions (2026 & 2025)
- Among the UK’s top 10 universities overall (Uni Compare Rankings 2026)
- 2nd in the UK for graduate employability (Uni Compare Rankings 2026)
- 2nd for the quality of academic programmes (Uni Compare Rankings 2026)
- 96% of graduates are in employment or further study after graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey)
- Top 25 for overall student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2025)
Framework of Collaboration with Mediterranean College
The strategic franchise partnership developed since 2010 between Mediterranean College and the University of Derby is a model of educational synergy, focusing on teaching quality and the continuous improvement of the student experience. This model ensures full academic equivalence and alignment between the two institutions.
What the Mediterranean College quality system includes
- Strict faculty selection process involving a specialised committee, microteaching, adaptation seminars, and mentoring.
- Accreditation of lecturers by the University of Derby (accredited lecturer status), with official approval from the University.
- Systematic evaluation of teaching through observations, student questionnaires, and shadow teaching.
- Annual training and development plan culminating in the Learning & Teaching Festival (LTF) – a three-day event that includes:
o The Annual Faculty Assembly
o The Learning & Teaching Conference
o Specialised workshops and presentations
