University of Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire is rising through the ranks of our league table — up 16 places to enter the top 70 — and will open a new medical school in 2026. Its new five-year undergraduate medicine degree, initially for international students, adds to the university's strong health portfolio, which already includes nursing, midwifery and pharmacy. 

Modern facilities are a hallmark of Hertfordshire's two main campuses in Hatfield. The Spectra building, home to the School of Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science, is the latest addition, equipped with technology for research and hands-on learning. The university’s Bayfordbury Observatory also boasts one of the largest telescopes available to students in the UK. Furthermore, Hertfordshire offers 24 degree apprenticeships, with data science being a recent addition, allowing students to "earn as they learn".

What is the University of Hertfordshire’s reputation?

Founded as Hatfield Technical College in 1952, the university focused at first on mechanical and aeronautical engineering. Today, engineering courses are based in the Automotive Centre, and many of its graduates have gone on to work in Formula One teams.The university rose one place to rank 59th in our research quality index, with 78 per cent of its submissions rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). In the nationwide Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), Hertfordshire achieved silver overall — down from gold in 2018. The assessment panel said that staff created “opportunities for students to engage in research and with industry, resulting in an outstanding academic experience”. Our analysis of the National Student Survey shows improved student satisfaction, with the university ranking 27= for the wider student experience and 51= for teaching quality, placing it in the upper half of the table for both.

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What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?

Degrees in automotive technology, and psychology in education have been withdrawn. From 2025 a new top-up degree in applied computing and artificial intelligence is being offered and from September 2026, degrees in business and French, management, and business analytics and artificial intelligence will be added. Hertfordshire's new five-year undergraduate medical degree will begin accepting applications from international students, and there are plans to open the course to UK students soon.

What are the University of Hertfordshire’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?

Entry requirements for degree courses range from 144-104 Ucas tariff points. For foundation degrees, students must have at least 48 Ucas points. Contextual offers provide an eight-point reduction (equivalent to one grade) for eligible students. Demand for undergraduate places has continued a downward trend over the past decade.

What are the graduate prospects?

Many courses include professional accreditations or approvals and offer work placements. The university's careers team supports students for four years after graduation. Students can also study abroad under partnerships with 150 universities in more than 35 countries — for a term, a summer or a year. The Flare Pitching Competition encourages students to try their hand at being an entrepreneur, with cash prizes. The university ranks 85th in our analysis of the Graduate Outcomes survey, based on the number of graduates in highly skilled jobs or further study within 15 months.

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What is the University of Hertfordshire campus like?

The two main campuses, College Lane and de Havilland, are in Hatfield, linked by a free shuttle bus, footpaths and cycle lanes. The new Spectra building houses robotics laboratories, cybersecurity facilities, a flight simulator and a supersonic wind tunnel. The university also has a £12 million Enterprise Hub with a business incubator for start-ups.

When can I visit?

herts.ac.uk

Everything you need to know about the University of Hertfordshire’s student life and wellbeing support

The £15 million Hertfordshire Sports Village on the de Havilland campus caters to all abilities with a pool, large gym, climbing wall, and multipurpose sports halls. The Institute of Sport has a biomechanics laboratory with a rare Gait Real-Time Analysis Interactive Lab (Grail) system. 

The university provides counselling, mental health, and disability support, as well as a 24-hour helpline. The redeveloped Forum nightclub at the university’s College Lane campus has an informal bar and a nightclub — with capacity for 530 people — that claim to host “the best parties in Hertfordshire”. Trains to central London take 25 minutes to King’s Cross, while Hatfield and neighbouring St Albans and Broxbourne have cinemas, restaurants and plenty of green spaces.

What do the students say?

“The union caters for all tastes with events like raves, comic-cons and crafting nights. I have found the academic teaching outstanding. And with a beautiful, vibrant campus year-round, there’s always somewhere to relax outside of class.”  
Mike Simmons, assistant motion and graphic designer, 2D animation

What about student accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire?

All first-years who meet the deadline for applications are guaranteed a study bedroom on campus. 

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How diverse and inclusive is the University of Hertfordshire?

Hertfordshire has dropped from 27th last year to 51st in our social inclusion index. The university runs outreach events such as GCSE booster workshops and summer schools to encourage wider participation. Hertfordshire is proud of its international reach, attracting students from more than 140 countries.

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at the University of Hertfordshire

The university’s undergraduate bursary is worth £1,000 in the first year of study to students from households with incomes under £30,000. Students who have left care, are displaced from their country or who are adult carers are eligible for further support. 

Scholarships in tourism, digital animation, law, teacher training and sport are among a range of merit-based awards.