University of Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire (Herts is a dynamic, forward-thinking institution offering more than 300 career-oriented degree programmes across a full range of subject areas. With students gaining relevant knowledge as well as meaningful practical skills, Herts boasts a high employability rate of over 90 percent (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025).

Rated 5 Starts ‘Excellent' by QS Stars (2025), the university is recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of its teaching and research. In 2024, it was the only university to receive the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise, recognising its outstanding global growth and strategic internationalisation. It is in the top 25% of all universities for research impact in the REF 2021.

Herts ranks in the top 50 in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2026), and in the top 250 young universities globally (Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, 2024). Degree programmes offer students the opportunity to learn through experience, tackling real-world challenges with the excellent resources and technologies available on campus.

Herts is home to almost 34,000 students originating from over 110 countries globally. It is proud to offer an exceptional, well-rounded study experience, ranking in the top 25 percent in the UK for student satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2025), and rising to eighth place nationally for postgraduate student satisfaction (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2025).

With over 100 societies and clubs on offer, the well-equipped, green campus ensures all students feel part of the active, vibrant community. Located in Hatfield, students benefit from being just 25 minutes from central London on the train, meaning international students are exceptionally well connected to the rest of the country and the world.

The University of Hertfordshire is known for its excellent teaching and research. In the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), the university was rated Silver overall, with the panel acknowledging several features of outstanding quality, including student engagement and opportunities for students to get involved in research and with industry, resulting in an overall outstanding academic experience.

Herts continues to climb in the national rankings, ranking in the top 50 in the Guardian University Guide (2026). At subject level, it places in the top 10 in the country for social work, information technology and systems, and food science (Complete University Guide, 2026). Teaching staff are experts in their field and provide meaningful insights into their specialist subjects.

Students can choose from almost 300 study programmes. All courses are career-focused, offering students opportunities to learn both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Many courses offer work placements or study abroad options, providing students with the chance to further broaden their professional network and bolster their CV with experience.

Research

Herts is proud to engage in meaningful research with global impact across a number of key areas. In the Research Excellence Framework (2021), it ranked in the top 25 percent of universities for impact, with 90 percent of research impact rated as outstanding or very considerable. Additionally, 78 percent of its research is ranked world-leading or internationally excellent.

A number of research degrees are available at Herts, and the university is home to a number of top quality research centres, where innovation and collaboration results in meaningful developments across specialisms. Herts delivers internationally recognised, impact-driven research and innovation that creates real change across society, business, public services, the environment and the economy.

The University of Hertfordshire is home to six academic schools of study. These schools allow for the streamlining of funding, expertise, and facilities, ensuring students have access to top quality resources and teaching.

Hertfordshire Business School

Accredited with Small Business Charter (2026), this school is a hub for business, innovation and thought leadership. With its research having global impact, it ranks sixth nationally for postgraduate business and management experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2024).

School of Creative Arts

The UK's best creative arts school (The Rookies, 2026), it offers courses across visual arts and design, art therapy, film and media, music, English, history, philosophy, and politics.

School of Education

This school ranks top in the UK for teacher training (Daily Mail University Guide, 2025). It specialises in giving students an abundance of hands-on experiences with its partnerships with hundreds of local schools

School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

One of the UK's top providers of radiography and health education, the school offers state-of-the-art facilities and expert teaching. Staff are active researchers and leading practitioners in their field.

Hertfordshire Law School

One of the top UK law schools, the school is proud to be an accredited bar course provider and boasts a significant number of industry partnerships. It offers inspiring learning spaces, including a full-size replica Crown Court.

School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science

Located in the state-of-the-art GBP 100 million Spectra building, this school offers access to cutting-edge STEM technologies and equipment in innovative learning environments. This includes a GBP 2 million suite of wind tunnels, world-standard flight simulators, specialist tech labs, and one of the UK's best observatories.

The University of Hertfordshire is a vibrant, diverse and welcoming institution and international students are encouraged to apply. As part of the application process, all students must meet the entry requirements for their chosen course.

Academic requirements vary between courses. The university accepts qualifications from a range of countries. International students can check the guidance for their region.

English language

Since programmes are taught in English, international students must evidence their English language proficiency. For most courses, the requirements are as follows:

• Undergraduate students: IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.0, with no lower than 5.5 in any band
• Postgraduate students: IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.5, with no lower than 5.5 in any band

Other, equivalent English language tests are also accepted.

Ranking sixth in the UK for its facilities (WhatUni Student Choice Awards, 2025), Herts offers its students a full range of cutting-edge technologies, learning spaces and equipment to ensure they make the most of their degree programme and graduate with relevant practical experience that will immediately set them apart to their potential employers.

Facilities at the university are industry-standard and enable students to blend their theoretical learning with hands-on experience. Learning spaces, including lecture theatres, laboratories and studios, are well-equipped, and often purpose-built.

Subject-specific facilities include:

• 3D printers
• Biomechanics labs
• Construction and carving workshop
• Cybersecurity labs
• Dark rooms
• Flight simulators and high-speed impact tester
• Formula One car simulator
• Jewellery benches
• Law clinic
• Light and sound stage
• Medical simulation suites
• Motion capture studio
• Observatory
• Post-production suites
• Replica crown court
• Robotics labs
• Simulation classrooms for teacher training
• Smart systems lab
• Sound control rooms
• Specialist clinics
• Wind tunnels

Students also benefit from the university's expansive digital and printed library collections. In their spare time, students can make use of Herts's exemplary sporting facilities and relaxing social areas on campus.

Accommodation

Herts provides a range of accommodation options on campus, and was the winner in the university halls (eastern England) category in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards (2025). Bills are included in the cost, and students also benefit from 24/7 support from Resident Assistants who will help with anything from maintenance requests to wellbeing support, plus a range of accessible rooms are available. In 2026, prices range from GBP 160 to GBP 278 per week for a single room. Twin rooms are available at a lower cost.

A range of privately-owned rental options are available near to the university campus. The university can provide guidance on reputable landlords and renting privately.

The University of Hertfordshire offers a range of scholarship and bursary options to ensure higher education is as accessible as possible to learners from all backgrounds. A range of financial aid options are accessible to international students.

Scholarships may be awarded on the grounds of academic or sporting excellence, the student's country of origin, the subject being studied, or other criteria. Some scholarships are granted automatically while others must be applied to directly. Students are advised to check the eligibility criteria and application details for financial aid prior to application.

In 2026, financial aid options open to international students include:

• Chancellor's International Scholarship: with a value of GBP 500 to GBP 4,000 to new international undergraduate or postgraduate taught students.
• UG Tri Annual Scholarship: with a value of GBP 2,000 per year for eligible undergraduate students studying on specific courses
• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) International Scholarship: with a value of GBP 2,000 for new students enrolling on the MBBS programme.

Tuition fee discounts are available for early payment, full payment, and for alumni.

Students can approach dedicated teams at the university to receive financial support and advice.

In 2026, Herts is launching its brand-new Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), a hands-on degree designed to facilitate collaboration and innovation in the field.

In 2026, the GBP 100 million Spectra building (completed in 2024 and home to the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science) was awarded the Southern Construction Framework Project of the Year award, acknowledging its outstanding design, innovation and sustainability. The building is fitted with state-of-the-art technologies supporting practical learning.

In 2028, the university will open its multi-million-pound, purpose-built Health building as part of the School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences.

Ranking and accolades

In the 2025/26 academic year, the University of Hertfordshire has gained national and international renown across a number of rankings:

• 49^th in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2026)
• 51^st in the UK (Daily Mail University Guide, 2026)
• UK's best creative school (The Rookies, 2026)
• Only UK Creative Arts School in the global top 30 (The Rookies, 2026)
• Shortlisted for University of the Year (Times Higher Education Awards, 2025)
• Top 25 percent nationally for student satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2025)
• Eighth place nationally for postgraduate student satisfaction (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2025)

In December 2025, Hertfordshire Business School was reaccredited with the Small Business Charter. This national accreditation recognises business schools which show special distinction in supporting small businesses, student innovation and enterprise, and the local economy.