University of Derby appoints local HR consultant as online student numbers grow

The University of Derby, based in the East Midlands in the UK, recently appointed HR consultant and training practitioner Maria Pia Chircop local agent for its online distance learning courses.

Ms Chircop and Derby representative Julie Stone will be holding a meeting for prospective students on September 2 between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Preluna Hotel, Sliema.

The University of Derby has been offering online courses to students for the past 10 years. Over the past two years, it has seen significant growth, reaching an overall business value of around £2.5 million, with almost 1,500 enrolled students.

Malta has been in Derby's top four best-performing EU countries for the past four years, and this year has over 20 per cent of the market, making it the best European outlet for Derby.

The University has plans to build on this success in Malta by increasing its online distance learning.

The degree courses offered through online distance learning include:

• Honours degrees in business studies, psychology, international spa management

• Postgraduate degrees in environmental health, environmental management, ergonomics, IT management and strategic management

• MBAs - also in ACCA and CIMA

• Foundation courses in events management and hospitality management

Once studying with Derby, students are helped by a dedicated online support team and online tutors and will also have access to a range of additional services, including library services, students' union, careers advice and technical support.

Online discussion forums enable students to keep in touch with each other, develop friendships and support one another throughout their studies.

Ms Stone, business development manager at the University of Derby, said: "We have identified Malta as a key performing market for us and have already a number of excellent Maltese graduates."

To find out more about courses at the University of Derby, register by calling 2141 2652 or 9940 3102 or e-mail mariapia@onvol.net.

The University also holds regular Virtual Open Days, giving students the opportunity to talk to course tutors, the online support team and fellow students via the internet.

At a virtual open day, anyone with access to a computer and the internet can log on and join in real time discussions about courses, fees, workload and find out what it's really like to be an online student. For more information on virtual open days, visit www.derby.ac.uk/online/open-day.

The University of Derby recently won the Outstanding Leadership and Management Team category at this year's Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards.

This award officially recognises the University's excellence in leadership and management within the current economic climate. University vice-chancellor John Coyne said, "I am delighted. It is a real privilege to have our peers recognise the journey we have been on and the quality of talent that we have, so broadly and deeply in our University."

The university also won the Sustainable Construction and Refurbishment category in the 2010 Green Gown national awards, which highlights the steps UK universities and colleges are taking to be more environmentally friendly.