University of Derby Centre (now renamed ‘University Library’) was officially opened, having been built on a former car park. The University of Derby was fully invested, and in 1998 welcomed a synthesis of efforts with the High Peak College of Further Education, Buxton on Harpur Hill – a synthesis to eventually be amalgamated as the Devonshire Campus of the University of Derby Buxton, Derby's second campus, based at the Devonshire Dome. In October 2008, Peregrine Cavendish, 12th Duke of Devonshire was appointed as the third Chancellor of the University. In August 2012 the university merged with Leek College. The merger has created Buxton
University of Derby as Derby Theatre. The Theatre Arts degree programme is accommodated in the theatre. The Institute of Education provides for the study of FdA, FdSc, BEd, PGCE, MA, Ed.D, and PhD courses. The university's BEd (Hons) course is a 3/4-year course, consisting of school placements in mainstream schools and special schools and lectures and workshops on the main university campus. In addition, the school offers several other foundation, undergraduate, professional and postgraduate options up to the doctoral level including: (MA incorporating PG Cert/PG Dip in Guidance Studies), Graduate Teacher Programme, Online (MA), MA Education (incorporating PG Cert and PG Dip), Education