Study in Buxton
Thinking of coming to Buxton to study? Here is some information to get you started.
Buxton is a vibrant spa town with a lively arts and social scene, impressive architecture and annual programme of festivals, and is surrounded by the beautiful Peak District National Park which offers a range of outdoor activities. Find out more about the town here.
The town is home to Buxton College (previously High Peak College (1955-1998), Buxton & Leek College (2013-2025)), which is part of the University of Derby (UOD), enabling seamless transition from further education (FE) through to higher education (HE). It offers full and part-time vocational training, education and apprenticeships.
Derbyshire County Council (DCC) also runs many of its adult community education courses in Buxton.
Location
Buxton is located in the heart of the Peak District in north Derbyshire with good transport links to the surrounding cities of Manchester, Sheffield, Derby and Stoke. Its central location in England is great for whatever direction you’re coming from.
Buxton College is based in the impressive Devonshire Dome, originally built as the Great Stables for The Crescent and previously the Royal Devonshire Hospital. It is located within Devonshire Park, just two minutes walk from the town centre.
Student Travel
There is free travel on certain bus routes for students. Apply for a bus pass when you enrol.
Young person railcards are available from www.railcard.co.uk for 16-25yr olds and those 26 and over if in full-time education.
There is no free student parking on site, except for blue badge holders. You can get a discounted annual pass for parking at the Pavilion Gardens from the Council.
Courses
University of Derby Buxton (Buxton College) (FE)
The College offer a range of course types across a variety of subjects and academic levels including:
- Vocational Qualifications – BTEC, NVQ, CACHE, Explore & Discover, Independent Living, T-Levels
- Apprenticeships
- Traineeships
- Access to Higher Education
- University Level courses – Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Foundation Degrees, Year Zero, BA (Hons), Top-Up, and the Certificate and Post Graduate Certificate of Education
- GCSE/Functional Skills
- Recreational Courses
Subject areas include:
- Art & Design
- Business, Management & Finance
- Carpentry & Joinery
- Computing & ICT
- Education & Childcare
- Engineering
- Hair & Beauty Therapy
- Health & Social Care
- Hospitality & Catering
- Public Services
- Media
- Maths & English
- Motor Vehicles & Logistics
- Sport
- Wellbeing & Holistic Therapies
University of Derby (HE)
Established in 1992, UOD has rapidly become one of the go-to universities. It made the top 30 in the Guardian University Guide 2019 and the top 10 for Hospitality, Event Management & Tourism courses.
Its Buxton campus was established in 2005 and aimed to become an iconic place for learning and education. Since 2020, no undergraduate and postgraduate courses have been offered in Buxton.
Adult Education
Derbyshire County Council runs a variety of courses at Fairfield Adult Community Education Centre including in computing, English and maths. Other courses at other venues include art, languages and traditional crafts such as stained glass leadwork. There is also advice to help you plan your learning journey. Some courses are offered free.
Contact buxton.ace@derbyshire.gov.uk or call 01629 533385 for more information or visit the DCC website to see what courses they offer.
Student Accommodation
University Halls
High Peak Halls, located just a 10 minute walk from the Buxton campus at the other end of the town centre, offered student accommodation for UOD students. The building is currently closed.
High Peak Halls, Bridge Street, Buxton, SK17 6BB.
Student Lets
There is various designated student housing in the town centre.
Visit studenttenant.com.
Private Housing
There are many private room rentals with local landlords and letting agencies throughout the town. See our Move to Buxton page for information on local agents or search on websites such as rightmove.co.uk and spareroom.com.
You can apply for a student/apprenticeship discount from Council Tax here.
Student Life
There are lots of opportunities for students in Buxton. Buxton College students automatically become part of the UOD’s Union of Students, giving them access to a wealth of societies, sports, activities and support. All students get the opportunity to engage directly with the university tutors and learn about university life.
Other Student Opportunities
Students can also take part in enrichment activities as part of their programmes, aimed to improve employability and skills across a range of different areas such as driving theory and safety, arts and crafts, befriending clubs and more.
UOD help to provide lots of opportunities for volunteering, fundraising and competitions.
Student Discounts
The following attractions offer student discounts:
Student Discounts
The following shops and services offer student discounts:
- Newlook
- Divine Trash
- Dominoes Pizzas
- Rymans Stationers
From November 2025, this website is owned and managed by Buxton Civic Association Ltd - Charity No. 258163.
Buxton Civic Association celebrates the natural and human heritage of Buxton including its outstanding buildings and wildlife. We conserve and enhance this heritage and advocate its importance in making Buxton a special place to live or to visit.
