BBC stars Nicholas Parsons and Evan Davis will play a part in a groundbreaking broadcasting experiment at the University of Derby.

Technicians and presenters from Radio 4 will set up at the university's Kedleston Road site to present a series of live programmes.

The shift from London is part of an experiment by the station and Derby is the first of three universities in the country to take part.

Radio 4 commissioning editor Caroline Raphael said: "This follows our recent appearances at music festivals.

"Many young people have shown an interest in what we broadcast, so we are no strangers to being on the road. We are looking forward to being in Derby.

"The great thing about being away from the studio is that it means we can have a live audience, and also it affects the way programmes sound.

"Members of the public will not be allowed to attend the broadcasts because it is meant to be a student audience only."

Programmes which will go out live over three days – from Wednesday, October 14 – are Just A Minute, with chairman Nicholas Parsons; Woman's Hour, presented by Jenni Murray; The Moral Maze with Michael Buerk; The Bottom Line with Evan Davis; and The Music Group.

Davis, who fronts Dragon's Den, introduces the programme which features people from the business world debating issues of the day.

Ian Livingstone, Eidos life president, and Colin Walton, chairman of Bombardier Transportation, will be guests.

The presenter said: "I'm really looking forward to the first-ever Bottom Line with a live audience.

"We intend to let the students make comments and ask questions, so I hope they will feel talkative."

The line-up for Woman's Hour has still to be finalised but Derby South MP Margaret Beckett has been signed up.

Jenni Murray said: "I know a lot of students listen to the programme already. They e-mail a great deal and they're full of ideas and arguments.

"I think our 10am start suits them just fine because they are getting up.

"This is a great opportunity to let a whole student body know how good it is to listen to a great, informative and entertaining magazine programme over breakfast."

While Radio 4 is at the university, students will be able to take part in series of workshops given by the BBC College of Journalism, and also a BBC Radio 4 presentation workshop as well as a session about writing for radio. Peter Gallimore, the university's head of corporate relations, said: "It's a fantastic opportunity for our students to see close up how radio programmes are made and to join in being the audience

"We're delighted the university has been chosen as the first in the country to host Radio 4 on tour.

"We're much looking forward to the event."

Barney Barnard, student union vice-president, said: "It will be the ideal opportunity for our students studying courses such as broadcast media and journalism to network with industry professionals.

"Since it was announced over the summer, there has been a real buzz of anticipation."