University of Hertfordshire

Originally established as the Hatfield College of Technology in 1952, the University of Hertfordshire was granted university status in 1992.

The modern institution prides itself on being ‘business-facing’ and claims an innovative approach to teaching, and a wide variety of work placements and overseas study that appeal to employers.

It was among the top 50 ‘best UK universities chosen by major employers’ for producing ready-to-work graduates in THE’s 2015 ranking. The university has also received recognition for its research – it’s one of only a few UK HEIs to have been awarded a ‘European Commission HR Excellence in Research’ badge.

A £120million campus upgrade has transformed Hertfordshire in recent years. The investment has given rise to cutting-edge buildings for film and media, and health and human sciences. In 2011, the university opened a new Law School building that includes a state-of-the-art replica of a Crown Court.

Infrastructure developments are on-going with new student residences and service facilities planned for 2020. The university currently has two ‘on campus’ halls to accommodate its student population of 25,000, which includes almost 3,000 international students from around the world.

It boasts impressive alumni, including the writer/comedian Helen Lederer and jewellery designer Alyssa Smith.

Hertfordshire also has a racing car team currently ranked 26th in the world and estimates that a University of Hertfordshire graduate is among every British Formula 1 team that exists.

With lots of outdoor space and sports facilities, the university has plenty to offer. With a strong ecological focus the university is dedicated to protecting the environment, which has been recognised with first class awards in the People & Planet Green League every year since its inception in 2007.

The university also attracts Harry Potter fans as it offers tours to ‘Muggles’ of the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden where filming took place. Hertfordshire students, via the university’s film and media courses, also worked on the special effects for Harry Potter, as well as films including Clash of the Titans 2, X Men and Captain America.