Common questions about postgraduate study

How much does a postgraduate course cost?

Fees vary depending on the specific course and whether it is full-time, part-time, or online. Please use our postgraduate course search to check the relevant course page for exact fees.

When is the deadline for applications?

Enrolment is open until about two weeks before the course begins, but it's best to submit your application as early as possible as some courses fill quickly.

How do I apply for my course?

All applications must be made through the MyDerby Application Portal.

What information do I need to provide for my application?

You will need to provide:

• Certificates or transcripts detailing your qualifications
• A scanned copy of your passport or other official photographic ID
• Details of your work experience
• A personal statement explaining your suitability for and interest in your chosen course
• A referee’s statement on company headed paper

When will I receive my offer?

We aim to contact you with an update about the status of your offer within a week of receiving your application.

You may be eligible to apply for a postgraduate student loan to pay for your tuition fees and living costs. These loans don’t usually need to be paid back until you have graduated and are earning above a set threshold.

Masters Loans

Masters Loans are available if you normally live in England and are under 60. This loan can be used to pay for tuition fees or living costs while you are studying a part-time or full-time, taught or research-based postgraduate course at masters level such as an MA, MSc, MBA, LLM, MRes, or MPhil.

Find out more about Masters Loans

Doctoral Loans

Doctoral Loans are available to pay for tuition fees or living costs while you are studying a part-time or full-time doctoral-level course such as a PhD or EdD.

Find out more about Doctoral Loans

Postgraduate alumni discount

If you have already completed a full undergraduate degree with us, you could be eligible for an alumni discount of up to 25% on your postgraduate course fees.

If you are studying part-time and normally live in the UK, our flexible payments also help to spread the cost across the academic year. 

You may be eligible for a 25% discount if you graduated in the academic years 2022/23 or 2023/24 and are fully enrolled on a postgraduate course by July 2025. Otherwise, our normal alumni discount is 10%.

Find out more about our alumni discounts

Doctoral studentships

We regularly offer funded doctoral studentships. These opportunities commonly cover tuition fees to the UK home/EU level and provide a tax-free stipend.

Disabled Students' Allowance

You can apply for a Disabled Students' Allowance if you live in England and have a disability that affects your ability to study. The support you receive depends on your individual needs, not on your income or savings. 

Social work bursaries

The social work bursary can be used to help with study and living costs. This is a National Health Service (NHS) bursary and certain conditions apply.

Find out more about the social work bursary

Teaching bursaries and scholarships

You may be eligible for a teaching bursary or scholarship while you are training to teach. These vary according to your subject, and you must meet certain criteria. 

How much does a postgraduate course cost?

Fees vary depending on the specific course and whether it is full-time, part-time, or online. Please use our postgraduate course search to check the relevant course page for exact fees.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

We have a range of scholarships available for international students. Some are automatically awarded and some require a separate application. You can apply for a scholarship once you have received an offer from us. All applications from eligible students will be considered by our international admissions team. Any discounts will be applied when you pay your fees. Find out more about our range of scholarships and discounts for international students and how to apply.

Do I need to apply through an agent?

You can apply to study with us directly or through an agent. Some agents may charge for their services so please check this with them.

How do I find an agent that works with the University of Derby in my country?

We work with a network of agents in most countries around the world who can support you. To find your nearest recruitment agent visit our international team and agents page.

How do I apply for my course?

All applications must be made through the MyDerby Application Portal. 

What information do I need to provide for my application?

You will need to upload the following items to the application portal during your application:

• Certificates or transcripts detailing your qualifications
• A scanned copy of your passport or other official photographic ID
• Details of your work experience
• A personal statement explaining your suitability for and interest in your chosen course
• A referee’s statement, on company headed paper
• If applying through an agent, the 9 digit ID number of your agent
• Proof of proficiency in English - applicants from India will require UKVI IELTS

What level of English is required?

Requirements vary depending on the course. Please use our postgraduate course search to check the relevant course page for exact requirements.

We have a range of scholarships, bursaries, and discounts available to overseas students. You will need to apply from some of the scholarships, but all others are assessed for eligibility alongside your application.

Find out more information about our scholarships and discounts