Student Engagement & Achievement Graduate Intern (0179-26) – Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
Our Provost – Learning and Teaching department drives forward the University’s ambition to provide excellence and opportunities for all students; building on Derby’s long-standing reputation for teaching excellence, ensuring the development of sector-leading flexible, integrated learning that aligns to the needs of learners, not just now but in the future.
About the Student Engagement and Achievement Team
The Student Engagement & Achievement (SE&A) Team leads the University of Derby’s strategic approach to student engagement, continuation and success. The team focuses on key academic transitions, using engagement data and student insight to design and deliver targeted interventions, particularly for students who may be at risk of disengagement. Working collaboratively across the University, SE&A supports improved progression, retention and achievement, contributing to positive outcomes aligned with Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) priorities.
About the Role
This opportunity is available for University of Derby Graduates who have graduated within the last 2 years only!
We are seeking a Student Engagement & Achievement Graduate Intern to support proactive work with students who may be experiencing challenges with engagement. Working within the SE&A Team, the post holder will make contact with students identified as being at risk of disengagement, using supportive conversations to understand individual circumstances and encourage re-engagement with their studies.
The role involves active listening, guiding students to appropriate University services and helping students feel confident in continuing their academic journey. You will contribute to wider work that supports student progression, retention and a positive student experience, while working closely with colleagues across the University.
This is a collaborative role with opportunities for learning, development and support within a friendly, student focused team.
About You
You will bring a student-centred approach and a genuine commitment to supporting student engagement and success. You will be comfortable communicating with students in potentially sensitive situations, using empathy, professional judgement and clear communication to identify appropriate next steps.
You will be confident using Microsoft Office (or equivalent), able to produce accurate records, and have strong interpersonal skills for both written and verbal communication. An understanding of data protection requirements and the importance of inclusive practice is essential. Awareness of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students, and the barriers that may affect engagement, would be welcomed.
To be eligible for this Graduate Internship, applicants must be a University of Derby graduate who has completed their qualification within the last two years. The role requires a flexible approach to working, including occasional evening and weekend activity in line with the academic year, such as supporting Clearing, Open Days and Graduation.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Eloise Heathcote, Student Engagement & Achievement Officer via E.Heathcote@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.
Closing Date: 28 Jul 2026
Area: Administrative Support
Salary: £25,802 to £26,582 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £30,569 per annum).
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