All students and employees have access to a variety of resources and facilities within the University of Derby, including as lecture halls, Union of Students facilities, and a bus service that runs between and within the campuses. Facilities for prayer, meditation, and faith; cafes and food outlets; indoor and outdoor sports facilities; career and employability services and centres; chaplaincy; and a university library service. Derby is home to the university's main campus. The university's offices are located at the largest and major campus, Kedleston Road, in Allestree, northwest of Derby. It is located across from Markeaton Park and near the A38. Richard Branson officially opened a STEM building and a modern Arts, Design and Media complex on Derby's Markeaton Street in early November 2007. The Britannia Mill site near Derby also offers courses. Only their nursing students are permitted to attend the University's Chesterfield campus; they may choose to either Derby or Chesterfield. The advantages of a smaller campus are combined with a sense of community and connection to the larger university at their Chesterfield location. Fifteen months after graduation, 98% of their prior students in their Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Nursing Associate programs are employed in professional capacities (The Guardian University Guide, 2025).

There are around 34000 students at the university.

The notable alumni of the University of Derby includes – Paul Cummins ( artist) Khumbo Kachali ( Vice- President of Malawi) David Imms (painter) Idris Khan ( artist and photographer) Stephen Amoah ( Ghanian politician) Lucy Spraggan ( singer-songwriter) Graham Joyce ( friction author)