New Chesterfield Campus helps University of Derby nursing courses climb to 11th in the country
The University of Derby’s Nursing courses have been ranked 11th in The Guardian University Guide 2019, a climb of 23 places.
This ranking reflects a variety of criteria related to students, such as student satisfaction with their course, teaching, feedback and student-to-staff ratio. Other metrics include gaining employment, spend per student and, new for this year, continuation.
Welcoming these results Dr Paula Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean for the College of Health and Social Care said:-
“We’re delighted to see the hard work of our committed staff resulting in an outstanding student experience which we see reflected in this league table place of 11th in the country. We have been educating nurses in Derby and Chesterfield for many years and are proud to see so many of our students working in local hospitals, our community and the private and voluntary institutions locally including Ashgate Hospice.
“This ranking reflects the commitment of our clinical practice partners, including Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Derbyshire Health Community Services, who provide 50% of the course through placements. We also recognise the quality of students we see coming from Chesterfield College and other partner Colleges who are inspired and well prepared for their nursing degree with us. Our aim is to continue to enhance the quality of our education and ensure our Nursing degree always has a personal touch.”
“As a University we have been able to increase our student numbers in Nursing at a time when some areas within the UK have seen a reduction. This increase is necessary as a shortage of nurses is evident across the health sector. We need to ensure wide access to our programmes, and clear progression routes for those already working in health and care support roles.
“Healthy and increasing student numbers at the Chesterfield site, St Helena, has a positive impact on the local economy but is also contributing to a more sustainable workforce. Many students live in Chesterfield before commencing their degree, and many are mature, with an average age of around 27, but we are also seeing students commuting in from places like Nottingham and Birmingham. Almost all of the students graduating from our Nursing programmes in Chesterfield are employed locally by Chesterfield Royal Hospital or in community services.
“Enabling wide participation into higher education is important to the University, therefore we engage and work collaboratively with local schools and with Chesterfield College to support and raise aspirations of local people. We will continue to work hard to ensure that The University of Derby in Chesterfield is firmly embedded in the town, working collaboratively and responding to local needs.”
