University of Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire is a modern, dynamic, and career-focused university with a strong reputation for innovation, industry engagement, and student success. Located in Hatfield, just 35 km from central London, the university has spent more than 70 years shaping skilled professionals and future leaders. Originally established to train aerospace engineers for Britain’s aviation industry, Herts has evolved into a globally connected institution while maintaining its strong focus on employer needs and real-world education.

Today, the university is home to a vibrant community of nearly 34,000 students from over 110 countries, creating an inclusive and multicultural learning environment. Herts offers more than 700 career-focused degree programmes across six innovative Schools of Study, including Business, Creative Arts, Law, Health, Education, and Engineering. Students benefit from expert teaching delivered by academics actively involved in cutting-edge research, ensuring learning remains current, practical, and industry-relevant.

The University of Hertfordshire is widely recognised for academic quality and student experience. It is ranked among the Top 50 universities in the Guardian University Guide 2026 and received a TEF Silver award in 2023 for delivering high-quality teaching and outstanding student outcomes. The university also won the prestigious Guardian University Award for Student Experience in 2015, highlighting its commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey.

Herts provides industry-standard facilities designed to prepare students for professional careers. These include mock law courts, specialist laboratories, and an advanced Clinical Simulation Centre. Many programmes include placements, internships, and work-based learning opportunities, helping graduates develop valuable professional experience before entering the job market. The university’s strong employer links are reflected in its impressive graduate outcomes, with 95.2% of students either employed or in further study within six months of graduation.

Research excellence is another major strength of Herts. According to REF 2021, 78% of its research is world-leading or internationally excellent, while 90% of research impact is rated outstanding or very considerable. As the only university to receive a King’s Award for Enterprise, Herts continues to champion innovation, social mobility, and global career success.

The University of Hertfordshire offers a wide range of professional student support services designed to help students succeed academically, personally, and professionally. The university is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students receive expert guidance throughout every stage of their university journey.

One of the key support systems at Herts is the Hertfordshire Students’ Union Advice & Support Centre. The centre provides free, confidential, and impartial advice on a variety of academic, financial, welfare, and personal matters. Students can speak directly with experienced Academic and Welfare Advisers who are available to listen, guide, and support students through both minor concerns and more complex challenges.

Student Wellbeing services play a major role in supporting student health and personal development. The university offers specialist services covering emotional wellbeing, mental health, disability support, accessibility, and health-related concerns. Professional counselling services are available to help students manage stress, anxiety, and personal difficulties, while dedicated disability and mental health teams ensure students receive appropriate support to fully participate in university life.

International students benefit from tailored guidance through the Student Immigration Team (SIT), which is specially trained to provide immigration advice and visa guidance to both students and staff. In addition, the International Student Support Team assists with employment queries, financial concerns, personal matters, and adapting to life in the UK. To make arrival easier, the university also offers a free airport collection service from Heathrow Airport before the start of term.

The Ask Herts Hubs serve as central support points across the university, offering specialist advice and practical guidance on a wide range of student issues. Staff members are trained to help students quickly access the services and information they need throughout their studies. Career development is another major strength at the University of Hertfordshire.

Employability is embedded into the student experience from day one through personalised career support, employer partnerships, and global opportunities. Students can gain practical experience through placements, internships, volunteering, and work-based learning opportunities. The university also supports aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to start their own businesses.

The careers team provides expert advice on CVs, applications, interviews, networking, and career planning. Students also benefit from employer events, workshops, and digital career tools available 24/7. For international students, free in-sessional English lessons and pre-sessional English courses help strengthen academic language skills and improve confidence in academic study. Through these extensive services, Herts ensures students are fully supported both academically and professionally.

The University of Hertfordshire has established a strong reputation for academic quality, student satisfaction, research excellence, and industry-focused education. Recognised both nationally and internationally, the university continues to achieve impressive rankings across teaching, employability, innovation, and creative disciplines.

Globally, the University of Hertfordshire is ranked within the 901–950 band worldwide and remains comfortably positioned among the top 100 universities in the United Kingdom. In the 2026 UK university rankings, the university secured 49th place in The Guardian University Guide, 51st in the Daily Mail University Guide, and 82nd in The Complete University Guide. Internationally, it is ranked within the 601–800 band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and placed 897th in the U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings.

Hertfordshire has earned significant recognition for teaching quality and student experience. The university received a Silver award in the national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), reflecting its excellent teaching standards, learning environment, and strong student outcomes. It also climbed 13 places in the National Student Survey 2025, placing the university among the top 25% of UK universities for student satisfaction.

Student facilities at Herts are also highly regarded. In the 2025 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, the university was ranked 6th in the UK for facilities, based entirely on student votes. In addition, the university achieved 8th place out of 102 institutions in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey for postgraduate student satisfaction, highlighting the quality of support and academic experience offered to postgraduate learners.

The university is especially recognised for excellence in creative and digital industries. According to the Rookies Rankings 2019, Hertfordshire was named one of the best universities in the world for digital creative courses. It ranked 1st in the UK for animation and game design in the Guardian University Guide 2026 and achieved global recognition as the 7th best animation school and 7th best visual effects school worldwide, alongside being ranked 8th globally for game design.

Research excellence is another defining strength of the university. REF 2021 ranked Hertfordshire in the top 25% of UK universities for research impact, with 90% of research impact classified as outstanding or very considerable. The university also received the highest ranking in KEF 2025 for research partnerships, local growth, and regional regeneration initiatives.

Further recognition includes a prestigious 5-Star QS Stars rating for teaching, employability, facilities, and social impact, as well as being the only university to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise 2024 for outstanding global growth and internationalisation. The university was also shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2025, recognising excellence in innovation, research impact, and student experience.

The University of Hertfordshire offers a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging student experience where life extends far beyond the classroom. The university creates an environment where students can build friendships, explore new interests, stay active, and enjoy a balanced academic and social lifestyle.

Student life at Herts is centred around a welcoming multicultural community and two modern campuses, College Lane Campus and de Havilland Campus. Both campuses provide excellent spaces to study, relax, and socialise, featuring cafés, green spaces, fitness facilities, bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Students can choose from two large food courts and 11 additional food and drink outlets offering a wide variety of cuisines. Nearby destinations such as The Galleria shopping centre in Hatfield and the historic town of St Albans provide even more dining, shopping, and leisure opportunities.

The Hertfordshire Students’ Union plays a major role in creating an exciting campus atmosphere. With more than 100 student societies, clubs, volunteering projects, and student-led initiatives, there are opportunities for everyone, whether students are interested in sports, culture, leadership, music, creativity, or performing arts. The Union also organises regular social events, live music performances, comedy nights, and entertainment activities throughout the year.

The Forum Hertfordshire is one of the university’s most popular social venues, housing collaborative learning spaces, the Seventy7 bar, and The Loft nightclub. Students can enjoy club nights, live entertainment, and social gatherings without leaving campus. Café Ambition also provides a relaxed environment for students to meet friends and unwind after classes.

Sport and fitness are an important part of student life at Herts. Hertfordshire Sports Village features state-of-the-art facilities, including a swimming pool, climbing wall, sports courts, fitness classes, and advanced gym equipment. The Oval gym, located on College Lane Campus, includes a modern 50-station fitness centre exclusively for students and staff. Through the HertSquad and Active Students programmes, students can access free and inclusive activities regardless of fitness level. High-performing athletes also benefit from specialist support through the Club Sport Performance Programme in sports such as basketball, football, netball, futsal, and American football.

The university’s location provides excellent access to entertainment, culture, and history. London is only a 25-minute train journey away, allowing students to enjoy concerts, theatre, museums, sporting events, and nightlife. Students can also explore attractions such as Hatfield House, Tate Modern, Hertfordshire Zoo, Knebworth House, and Alexandra Palace. With modern facilities, strong transport connections, active student communities, and diverse social opportunities, the University of Hertfordshire delivers a dynamic and rewarding student experience that supports both personal growth and academic success.

The University of Hertfordshire offers modern, safe, and well-equipped student accommodation designed to provide a comfortable and supportive living experience. Living on campus gives students the opportunity to become part of a vibrant university community while enjoying easy access to academic buildings, social spaces, sports facilities, and essential services.

Student accommodation is available across both Hatfield campuses, College Lane Campus and de Havilland Campus, located in one of the top five safest counties in the UK according to the Office for National Statistics. The university guarantees on-campus accommodation for all first-year students, helping new arrivals settle into university life with confidence and convenience.

The university offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and lifestyles, including flats, houses, and traditional corridor-style halls. Students are free to choose accommodation on either campus, regardless of where they study. All residences are modern, fully furnished, and carefully maintained to support comfortable contemporary living. One of the major benefits of accommodation at Herts is the all-inclusive pricing structure.

Utility bills, internet access, and insurance are included in the accommodation costs, helping students manage their budgets more effectively without worrying about additional expenses such as gas and electricity. Students also benefit from 24-hour security and dedicated residential staff, creating a safe and supportive environment throughout the year. At College Lane Campus, accommodation is centred around The Oval, a modern student hub featuring a 24/7 gym, concierge services, stylish common rooms, study areas, and secure bike shelters. The residences are designed to combine comfort, convenience, and community living, making it easy for students to socialise and build friendships.

Accommodation at de Havilland Campus offers excellent proximity to university facilities, with lecture theatres, student service offices, and the 24/7 library located within a five-minute walk. Students can relax in modern shared spaces and benefit from an exclusive postgraduate accommodation block. The campus is also home to Hertfordshire Sports Village, which includes a gym, swimming pool, climbing wall, and sports courts, alongside the Weston Auditorium for live music and cultural performances.

For students who prefer private accommodation, the university continues to provide guidance and support through the Hertfordshire Students’ Union and external support services. Off-campus options include Ridgeview Lodge and various private rental opportunities in the local area. Some students also choose to live with local families as lodgers for a more homely experience.

With excellent facilities, inclusive living costs, strong safety measures, and supportive residential services, accommodation at Herts provides students with a secure and welcoming place to live, study, and enjoy university life.