Hartpury University

Hartpury University is one of the United Kingdom's leading specialist universities, renowned for excellence in agriculture, animal sciences, equine studies, sport, business, and veterinary nursing. Situated in the picturesque Gloucestershire countryside, the university offers a distinctive learning environment where academic knowledge is combined with practical experience, applied research, and strong industry engagement. Home to more than 4,000 students, Hartpury has established a reputation for delivering career-focused education that prepares graduates for success across specialist industries in the UK and around the world.

The university's commitment to academic excellence has earned significant national recognition. Hartpury was named Specialist University of the Year 2026 by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, reflecting the quality of its teaching, exceptional facilities, and outstanding student outcomes. It also achieved Gold ratings across Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, highlighting its dedication to delivering an exceptional higher education experience.

Spread across a stunning 360-hectare campus, Hartpury University provides students with access to industry-leading facilities that support practical learning and professional development. The campus features advanced science laboratories, performance analysis centres, a commercial farm, equine therapy and rehabilitation facilities, veterinary nursing centres, and world-class sports facilities. These resources allow students to apply classroom learning in real-world environments while developing the practical skills employers value most.

Hartpury University is particularly recognised for its specialist programmes in Agriculture, Animal Science, Equine Studies, Veterinary Nursing, Sports Science, Business, and Environmental Management. Courses are designed in close partnership with industry professionals to ensure graduates develop relevant technical expertise, professional competencies, and hands-on experience throughout their studies.

Research and innovation are central to the university's mission. Hartpury collaborates with industry partners, businesses, and academic organisations to deliver impactful research across agriculture, equine science, veterinary nursing, sport, and animal welfare. Its research performance has gained recognition through the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), where research across specialist subject areas was recognised as world-leading and internationally excellent.

A defining feature of Hartpury University is its strong focus on employability. Students benefit from placements, live industry projects, professional mentoring, and extensive employer partnerships that enhance career readiness. This practical approach has contributed to outstanding graduate outcomes, with 95% of graduates progressing into employment, further study, or other purposeful activity according to Graduate Outcomes 2025.

The university also places great emphasis on student wellbeing and creating a supportive learning community. Modern accommodation, dedicated academic support, wellbeing services, careers guidance, and an inclusive campus culture ensure students receive comprehensive support throughout their university journey while enjoying an outstanding quality of student life.

Combining specialist education, world-class facilities, outstanding teaching, industry partnerships, and exceptional graduate success, Hartpury University continues to be one of the UK's leading destinations for students seeking practical, career-focused education in agriculture, animal sciences, equine studies, sport, business, and veterinary nursing.

Hartpury University is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and student-centred environment where every learner has access to the guidance, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed academically, personally, and professionally. Recognising that university life brings new challenges and experiences, Hartpury offers a comprehensive range of services that support students from enrolment through to graduation, ensuring they can make the most of every stage of their university journey.

From the moment students arrive on campus, they become part of a welcoming community supported by dedicated academic and professional staff. The university has earned an outstanding reputation for student care, with its pastoral support for residential students receiving an Outstanding rating from Ofsted. Students can access guidance on wellbeing, finance, accommodation, health, disability support, and personal development through experienced support teams who are committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Academic support is a key strength of Hartpury University. Every student is assigned a Personal Tutor who provides continuous academic guidance, monitors progress, and offers individual support throughout the course. Students can also access one-to-one study support, academic writing assistance, research guidance, referencing workshops, and study skills sessions designed to improve confidence and academic performance.

The University Learning Hub serves as the centre for academic learning and research. It houses the university library, collaborative study areas, quiet learning spaces, digital resources, and specialist academic support services. Students have access to an extensive collection of books, journals, e-books, research databases, and online learning materials through the university's virtual learning platform, allowing them to study effectively both on campus and remotely.

Student wellbeing remains a top priority at Hartpury University. Confidential counselling services, mental health support, wellbeing advisers, and inclusivity officers provide professional assistance to students experiencing personal or emotional challenges. Regular wellbeing workshops, resilience programmes, and awareness campaigns encourage students to maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal wellbeing.

International students receive dedicated support before and after arriving in the UK. Services include visa and immigration guidance, pre-arrival information, orientation programmes, cultural integration activities, and ongoing assistance throughout their studies. These services help international students adapt smoothly to university life while becoming active members of the Hartpury community.

Career development is integrated into the student experience through the Employability, Skills and Careers Team. Students receive personalised careers advice, CV and cover letter support, interview preparation, placement guidance, networking opportunities, enterprise support, and employability workshops. Strong partnerships with employers provide valuable work placements, internships, volunteering opportunities, and industry projects that enhance graduate employability.

Students also benefit from comprehensive digital support, modern IT facilities, disability services, financial guidance, accommodation assistance, and access to the Students' Union. Together, these services create an environment where students can develop academically while building the practical, personal, and professional skills required for successful careers.

Through its outstanding academic support, wellbeing services, career development programmes, international student assistance, and inclusive campus culture, Hartpury University ensures every student receives the support needed to achieve their ambitions and succeed both during their studies and beyond graduation.

Hartpury University has established itself as one of the United Kingdom's leading specialist universities, earning widespread recognition for its excellence in teaching, student satisfaction, graduate employability, and industry-focused education. Specialising in agriculture, animal sciences, equine studies, sport, veterinary nursing, and business, the university consistently performs well in national rankings and quality assessments, reflecting its commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience and career-focused education.

One of Hartpury University's most prestigious achievements is being named Specialist University of the Year 2026 by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. This national recognition celebrates the university's exceptional teaching quality, specialist facilities, student support, and outstanding graduate outcomes, reinforcing its position as one of the UK's top specialist higher education institutions.

In The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, Hartpury University was ranked 112th in the UK. The university has also been recognised among the Top 10 UK universities for Teaching Quality and the Top 20 for Student Experience, highlighting its continued commitment to providing an engaging, supportive, and high-quality learning environment.

Hartpury has achieved exceptional success in subject-specific rankings. In the Guardian University Guide 2025, the university ranked 4th in the UK for Sports Science, reflecting the strength of its specialist teaching, world-class facilities, and close links with the professional sports industry. Its programmes in agriculture, animal sciences, and equine studies also enjoy an excellent reputation for practical learning and industry engagement.

Student satisfaction remains one of Hartpury University's greatest strengths. In the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025, the university ranked 6th nationally and 1st in Gloucestershire and the South West for Academic Support. These results placed Hartpury within the top 5% of UK universities for the second consecutive year, demonstrating the university's commitment to delivering outstanding academic guidance and personalised student support.

Teaching excellence has also been recognised through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, where Hartpury achieved the highest possible Gold rating across Overall Performance, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This prestigious achievement confirms the university's ability to provide exceptional teaching, high levels of student satisfaction, and excellent graduate success.

Research continues to strengthen Hartpury University's national reputation. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, research across agriculture, equine science, animal science, veterinary nursing, and sport was recognised as world-leading and internationally excellent. This reflects the university's growing contribution to research that supports industry innovation and professional practice.

Graduate employability is another defining strength of the university. According to Graduate Outcomes 2025, 95% of graduates progress into employment, further study, or other purposeful activity. Supported by strong employer partnerships, industry placements, and practical learning opportunities, Hartpury graduates leave university with the knowledge, experience, and professional skills highly valued by employers across specialist industries.

Through its achievements in national rankings, teaching excellence, student satisfaction, research quality, and graduate employability, Hartpury University continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the UK's leading specialist universities, offering students an outstanding education combined with exceptional career opportunities.

Student life at Hartpury University offers the perfect combination of academic excellence, practical learning, and an active social community. Set within a stunning 360-hectare campus in the Gloucestershire countryside, the university provides a welcoming environment where students enjoy a close-knit community while benefiting from outstanding facilities and a vibrant campus atmosphere. With around 4,000 students studying across specialist disciplines, Hartpury creates an inclusive environment where friendships, personal growth, and professional development flourish.

The Hartpury Students' Union plays a central role in enriching the student experience. Every student automatically becomes a member of the Students' Union, gaining access to a wide variety of clubs, societies, recreational activities, volunteering opportunities, and student-led events. Whether students are interested in sport, music, gaming, equestrian activities, agriculture, conservation, or cultural societies, there are numerous opportunities to develop new skills, meet like-minded people, and become actively involved in campus life.

Social life at Hartpury is lively throughout the academic year. Students regularly gather at Legends, the university's popular on-campus bar, where they enjoy quiz nights, live music, movie screenings, themed parties, sports broadcasts, and social evenings. Another favourite meeting place is Graze, the modern campus café and social hub, offering a comfortable space to relax between lectures, meet friends, or enjoy meals together. Annual highlights such as Welcome Week, the Summer Ball, and Students' Union events create memorable experiences for students throughout their university journey.

Sport is at the heart of Hartpury University. The university is internationally recognised for its sporting excellence and provides outstanding facilities for both recreational participants and elite athletes. Students can participate in rugby, football, netball, equestrian sports, golf, rowing, strength and conditioning, and many other activities. Wednesdays are particularly exciting as students support Hartpury teams competing in the BUCS leagues before celebrating together on campus. Students also have opportunities to watch professional sporting events featuring Hartpury RFC, Gloucester-Hartpury Women's RFC, and major equestrian competitions hosted at the university.

One of Hartpury's greatest strengths is its practical learning environment. Students regularly gain hands-on experience through the university's commercial farm, equine centres, veterinary nursing facilities, sports performance laboratories, and specialist animal units. This real-world experience complements classroom learning while helping students develop the professional skills required by employers across specialist industries.

Beyond campus, students benefit from the attractions of nearby Gloucester and Cheltenham. The region offers excellent shopping, restaurants, cafés, theatres, entertainment venues, sporting events, and more than 45 annual arts and music festivals. Students can also explore the beautiful Cotswolds, outdoor adventure activities, and popular attractions throughout Gloucestershire during weekends and holidays.

International students receive dedicated support through orientation programmes, cultural events, wellbeing services, and social activities that help them settle quickly into university life. The friendly campus community encourages students from around the world to connect, collaborate, and experience British culture in a welcoming environment.

With its outstanding sporting culture, active Students' Union, vibrant social life, industry-leading facilities, beautiful countryside campus, and supportive community, Hartpury University offers an exceptional student experience that combines academic success with unforgettable personal and professional development opportunities.

Hartpury University offers a wide range of accommodation options designed to provide students with a safe, comfortable, and supportive living environment throughout their studies. Whether students prefer the peaceful surroundings of the university's countryside campus or the convenience of city-centre living, Hartpury provides accommodation to suit different lifestyles, budgets, and personal preferences. Eligible first-year undergraduate students are guaranteed accommodation, allowing them to begin university life with confidence.

Located within a beautiful 360-hectare campus in Gloucestershire, Hartpury's on-campus accommodation enables students to live just a short walk from lecture theatres, laboratories, sports facilities, cafés, libraries, and social spaces. Living on campus allows students to become part of a close-knit community while enjoying easy access to all university facilities and support services.

Students can choose from several well-equipped accommodation options that provide modern facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.

• Limbury – A modern residence offering comfortable student rooms arranged around attractive landscaped courtyards, creating a friendly community environment.
• New Vicarage – Contemporary on-campus accommodation providing fully furnished bedrooms and shared communal facilities close to teaching buildings.
• Hartpury House – A historic Grade II listed manor house located at the centre of campus, offering a unique residential experience with views overlooking the university farm.
• Blackfriars (Gloucester) – Purpose-built student accommodation managed by Aspire Student Living, offering modern en-suite rooms, spacious communal areas, and excellent transport links between Gloucester city centre and the university campus.

Most accommodation includes fully furnished bedrooms, shared kitchen facilities, comfortable communal living areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and secure access systems. These modern amenities create a comfortable living environment while encouraging students to socialise, collaborate, and build lasting friendships with fellow residents.

Students living at Blackfriars benefit from a vibrant city-centre location with easy access to shops, restaurants, cafés, entertainment venues, and Gloucester railway station. Regular bus services connect the accommodation to Hartpury University, with journeys taking approximately 15 minutes, allowing students to enjoy both city life and the university's specialist campus facilities.

The university's Accommodation Team provides dedicated support before and throughout students' stay, assisting with room allocations, arrival information, accommodation guidance, and any residential queries. Residence staff also organise social activities and community events that help new students settle into university life and become part of the Hartpury community from their first day on campus.

Students who prefer independent living can also explore private rented accommodation in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Hartpury village, and surrounding areas. The university offers guidance on tenancy agreements, budgeting, and finding suitable housing to ensure students can make informed accommodation choices.

With its modern residences, supportive community, excellent facilities, guaranteed accommodation for eligible first-year students, and the choice of peaceful countryside or vibrant city living, Hartpury University provides an outstanding accommodation experience that supports both academic success and personal wellbeing throughout the student journey.