Nestled in the vibrant town of Hatfield, just 25 minutes from central London, the University of Hertfordshire (UH) is a dynamic public university renowned for its innovative, business-facing approach and commitment to transforming lives. Established in 1952 as Hatfield Technical College, UH gained university status in 1992 and now hosts nearly 35,000 students from over 110 countries across its College Lane and de Havilland campuses. Recognised as the CMI Higher Education Partner of the Year 2024 and ranked among the top 200 universities under 50 years old globally (QS World University Rankings 2025), UH excels in employability, research impact, and sustainability. With over 700 career-focused degrees and a 96% graduate employment rate within six months, UH is a top choice for international students seeking a UK education. This guide explores UH’s campuses, academic offerings, accommodation, and more, providing a roadmap for your academic journey. Ready to unleash your potential? Let’s dive into the University of Hertfordshire!
History and Evolution
The University of Hertfordshire’s origins date back to 1948, when Hatfield Technical College was founded to train engineers for the region’s thriving aerospace industry, led by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. Designated as one of 25 Colleges of Technology in 1959, it became Hatfield Polytechnic in 1969, merging with regional colleges to expand its scope. 1992, it was granted university status, adopting its current name to reflect its Hertfordshire base. The opening of the de Havilland Campus in 2003 and a £120 million infrastructure upgrade solidified UH’s modern identity. Its Strategy 2025-2030, launched in 2024, aims to power its global reputation as a high-achieving, enterprising university. UH’s legacy of innovation, from training Formula One engineers to pioneering social robots like Kaspar, underscores its impact as a regional anchor institution.
Campuses of the University of Hertfordshire
UH operates two main campuses in Hatfield—College Lane and de Havilland—less than a kilometre apart, connected by pathways, cycle routes, and a free shuttle bus operated by UH’s Uno bus company. These campuses host nearly 35,000 students, including 18,000 international students from 110 countries, creating a diverse, vibrant community.
College Lane Campus
Located at Roe Green, Hatfield (AL10 9AB), College Lane is UH’s historic main campus, serving as the administrative and academic hub.
Facilities: The Learning Resources Centre (LRC) offers 500,000+ books, e-journals, and 24/7 access during exams. The campus includes robotics labs, aeronautics simulation suites, and a mock law court. Social spaces like The Oval Gym (24/7) and The Forum, a nightlife venue, enhance student life.
Academic Focus: Hosts the Hertfordshire Business School, School of Computer Science, School of Creative Arts, and School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science.
Campus Life: A bustling hub with over 100 societies (e.g., K-pop, Salsa), sports clubs, and events like the Freshers’ Fair. Hatfield’s cafes, pubs, and proximity to London (25 minutes by train) add vibrancy.
Accessibility: 10-minute walk from Hatfield train station, with Uno buses linking to De Havilland.
De Havilland Campus
Situated in Hatfield (AL10 9EU), de Havilland is a modern campus that opened in 2003 and focuses on professional and health-related disciplines.
Facilities: The de Havilland LRC provides extensive resources and IT suites. The campus features a replica Crown Court, clinical simulation suites, and the Institute of Sport for research and training. The Spectra building, awarded Project of the Year 2024, houses engineering and science labs.
Academic Focus: Home to the Hertfordshire Law School, School of Health and Social Work, School of Education, and School of Life and Medical Sciences.
Campus Life: A professional yet lively atmosphere with societies and sports. The Hertfordshire Sports Village, with Olympic-standard facilities, supports competitive and recreational activities.
Accessibility: 5-minute shuttle from College Lane, with direct Uno bus routes to Hatfield station.
Academic Offerings and Courses
UEL offers over 700 undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes across nine schools, designed for employability and accredited by bodies like the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Chartered Management Institute. Key disciplines include:
Hertfordshire Business School: Business management, accounting, and MBA, with CMI accreditation and partnerships with 5,000+ businesses.
Computer Science: Cybersecurity, AI, and software engineering, with industry-aligned labs.
Creative Arts: Animation (top 20 globally), graphic design, and film, with studios used by Pixar alumni.
Education: Teacher training and educational leadership, with practical placements.
Health and Social Work: Nursing, physiotherapy, and social work, with NHS partnerships.
Humanities: English, history, and philosophy, with a top UK impact in history (REF 2021).
Hertfordshire Law School: LLB, LLM, and legal practice, with a mock court.
Life and Medical Sciences: Pharmacy, optometry, and biosciences, with clinical labs.
Physics, Engineering and Computer Science: Aerospace, mechanical, and biomedical engineering, with Formula One team connections.
Unique offerings include the MSc in Astrophysics and BSc in Paramedic Science. Over 85% of degrees include placements, with 96% of graduates employed or in further study within six months (HESA 2023). Foundation years, apprenticeships, and study abroad with 170+ global universities enhance accessibility.
Rankings and Reputation
UH is a teaching-intensive university with a strong research profile, awarded 5 Stars in the QS Stars rating 2024 and a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023). Recent rankings include:
QS World University Rankings 2025: 601–800 globally, top 200 under 50 years old.
The Complete University Guide 2025: 83rd in the UK, top 20 for food science, social work, and optometry.
Times Higher Education 2025: 601–800 globally, top 25% for research impact (REF 2021).
The Guardian University Guide 2025: 11th in South East England, 5th for postgraduate teaching (PTES 2024).
Employability: 96% graduate employment rate, 35th in the UK (HESA 2013/14).
Sustainability: First-class awards in the People & Planet Green League since 2007.
Students praise UH’s industry links and facilities like the SportsDock, though some StudentCrowd reviews note library crowding. UH’s diversity (18,000 international students) and 4.1/5 rating on Studyportals highlight its appeal.
Tuition Fees for 2025
Undergraduate:
UK Students: £6,165–£11,655 per year, most at £9,250.
International Students: £15,500–£17,250 per year, depending on the programme.
Postgraduate:
UK Students: £8,500–£12,000 per year.
International Students: £17,250–£19,800 per year, with MBAs up to £22,500.
Living Costs: £10,244–£13,347 for 9 months, including accommodation (£150–£350/week), food (£200/month), and transport (£40–£80/month). Hatfield is 30% cheaper than central London.
Scholarships include the International Merit Scholarship (£1,000–£4,000), the GREAT Scholarship (£10,000), and a 20% postgraduate fee discount for UH graduates. Part-time work (up to 20 hours/week, £11.50–£15/hour) via the Careers and Employment Service supports costs.
Admission Requirements
UH’s admission process is moderately competitive, with a 70% acceptance rate. General entry requirements for 2025 include:
Undergraduate:
Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Maths.
Three A-Levels (e.g., BBC–ABB) or equivalent, such as Standard XII (65% all boards) for international students.
Foundation programmes for lower qualifications (50% GPA).
Postgraduate:
A 2:2 honours degree or equivalent (e.g., 60% in a recognised bachelor’s degree, CGPA 2.75/4.0 for some institutions).
Work experience for mature applicants via Recognition of Prior Learning.
English Proficiency:
IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for undergraduates; 6.5 for postgraduates, depending on the course.
Alternatives: TOEFL, PTE, or UH’s pre-sessional English courses.
Application Process: Apply via UCAS for undergraduates (deadlines: 29 January 2025 for September, 31 October 2024 for January) or the university’s portal for postgraduates. Submit transcripts, a personal statement, and financial proof for the Student Visa (£1,334/month in London, £1,023 elsewhere). Decisions take 2–4 weeks. The International Study Centre supports foundation applicants.
Book a free consultation with Universitio for application support.
Student Accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire
UH guarantees on-campus accommodation for first-year students applying by deadlines, offering over 4,500 rooms across College Lane and de Havilland campuses. Off-campus options are supported through UH’s Accommodation Service.
On-Campus Accommodation
College Lane and de Havilland: Halls like Ashwell House, Telford Court, and Hutton Hub offer en-suite, standard, and studio rooms, 5–10 minutes from lectures. Features include free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, communal kitchens, and social spaces like The Forum. Costs: £150–£350/week (£600–£1,400/month, including utilities). Contracts: 38–42 weeks, with 51-week options for postgraduates.
Pros: Proximity to facilities, inclusive utilities, and vibrant community. Guaranteed for first-years.
Cons: Limited availability for late applicants; studios are pricier.
Application: Apply via the UH Accommodation Portal post-offer, with a £250 deposit. Deadlines: July 2025 for September, November 2024 for January.
Off-Campus Accommodation
Private Halls: Options like Unite Students’ College Lane Residence cost £200–£350/week (£800–£1,400/month), offering gyms and study rooms.
Shared Houses (HMOs): In Hatfield or St Albans, £90–£200/week (£360–£800/month), excluding bills (£50–£100/month). Popular areas include The Common and Fleetville.
Homestays: £150–£250/week (£600–£1,000/month), ideal for cultural immersion.
Ridgeview Lodge: UH-managed off-campus housing, £140–£200/week (£560–£800/month), a short drive from campus.
Pros: Flexibility and potential savings in HMOs.
Cons: Commuting costs (£40–£80/month via Uno bus) and variable quality.
Application: Use UH’s Accommodation Service, UniAcco, or Casita, booking January–March for September.
Tips: Apply early (April–June) for on-campus halls. HMOs in Hatfield (£600/month) save £400/month vs. London’s private halls (£1,036/month). Scholarship stipends (e.g., International Merit’s £4,000) cover mid-range accommodation.
Student Support and Campus Life
UH prioritises student welfare with comprehensive services:
Academic Support: Personal tutors, the Academic Skills Unit, and 24/7 LRC access during exams. Pre-sessional English courses aid international students.
Career Services: The Careers and Employment Service offers JobShop, CV workshops, and internships with 5,000+ businesses. A 96% employment rate reflects strong outcomes.
Wellbeing: Counselling, disability support, and on-campus medical services. The SafeZone app ensures 24/7 assistance.
International Support: The International Office provides visa guidance, airport pickups, and orientation. The Global Herts community hosts events like Worldfest.
Campus life is vibrant, with over 100 societies (e.g., Baking, LGBT+), sports at Hertfordshire Sports Village, and events like themed parties at The Forum. Hatfield’s pubs, St Albans’ historic charm (10 minutes away), and London’s cultural hub (25 minutes) enrich the experience, though some students note urban noise.
Facilities and Infrastructure
UH’s £450 million investment includes:
Libraries: College Lane and de Havilland LRCs offer 500,000+ resources, 600 computers, and online booking.
Academic Facilities: Robotics labs, aeronautics suites, a mock law court, and the Spectra building for engineering. The Institute of Sport supports research.
Sports: Hertfordshire Sports Village with Olympic-standard facilities, used by Team GB. The Oval Gym is 24/7.
Social Spaces: The Forum, The Oval, and 11 dining outlets (e.g., Subway, Starbucks) with vegan and Halal options.
Accommodation Facilities: 4,500+ rooms with Wi-Fi, security, and communal kitchens.
Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly paths and adapted rooms. Some students suggest expanding library spaces during peak times.
International Student Experience
With 18,000 international students from 110 countries, UH is a global hub. Support includes:
Visa Assistance: The International Office ensures UKVI compliance, including financial proof (£1,023/month in Hatfield).
Scholarships: £1,000–£4,000 via International Merit Scholarship, plus GREAT awards (£10,000).
Employability: 96% employment rate with partnerships at Airbus and the NHS. JobShop supports part-time work.
Cultural Integration: Events like Global Week, societies, and Hatfield’s diversity (30% ethnic minority population) ease adaptation.
The campuses’ proximity to London and green spaces like Ellenbrook Fields enhance the experience, though living costs require budgeting.
Challenges and Criticisms
Living Costs: Hatfield’s expenses (£10,244–£13,347/year) are moderate but higher than northern cities. Scholarships and part-time work help.
Facilities: Library crowding during exams, per StudentCrowd reviews, despite upgrades.
Research Profile: Global ranking (601–800) trails Russell Group universities, less critical for taught programmes.
Admission Support: Some students report slow admission responses, though the Ask Herts hub addresses queries within five days.
UH’s 4.1/5 student rating and top 15 UK student satisfaction (NSS 2024) outweigh these concerns.
Why Choose the University of Hertfordshire?
UH is ideal for students seeking:
Employability: 96% graduate employment rate with 5,000+ industry links.
Diversity: 18,000 international students from 110 countries.
Modern Campuses: College Lane and de Havilland, connected by shuttle buses, 25 minutes from London.
Affordability: Lower living costs than central London, with scholarships and 4,500+ on-campus rooms.
Innovation: Top 20 global ranking for animation and a King’s Award for Enterprise 2024.
Whether you’re studying engineering, business, or creative arts, UH empowers global success.
How to Apply
To join UH in 2025:
Choose a Course: Browse 700+ programmes at www.herts.ac.uk/study.
Check Requirements: Verify academic and English criteria (e.g., IELTS 6.0–6.5).
Apply: Use UCAS for undergraduates or the university’s portal for postgraduates. Submit transcripts, a personal statement, and English scores.
Secure CAS: Provide financial proof and deposits (e.g., £2,000 for international students).
Apply for Accommodation: Submit applications by July 2025 via the UH Accommodation Portal.
Apply for a Visa: Use your CAS for a Student Visa.
For expert support, book a free consultation with Universitio.
Conclusion
The University of Hertfordshire is a beacon of innovation and opportunity in Hatfield, blending cutting-edge facilities, career-focused education, and a diverse community of 35,000 students from 110 countries. Its College Lane and de Havilland campuses, awarded 5 Stars by QS in 2024, offer over 700 degrees with a 96% employment rate. Named CMI Higher Education Partner of the Year 2024, UH ensures affordability with on-campus accommodation (£600–£1,400/month) and scholarships up to £4,000. Whether you’re inspired by its robotics labs, Olympic-standard sports facilities, or proximity to London, UH equips you for a transformative future. Start your journey at Universitio.com and book a free consultation to explore UH today.
