University of Hertfordshire
A career-focused Hatfield university that began by training aerospace engineers and now has its own medical school.
- Students
- 27,285
- International
- 61%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 19.5:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- £17,970
- From · 2027-28
- Founded
- 1952
About Herts
The University of Hertfordshire was founded in 1952 as Hatfield Technical College, with a focus on training aerospace engineers for the aviation industry then based around Hatfield. It became Hatfield Polytechnic in 1969 and a university in 1992. The university says it has nearly 34,000 students from over 110 countries and more than 700 career-focused degrees; THE's 2026 data counts about 27,300 students, around three in five of them international.
Teaching is split across two main campuses in Hatfield, College Lane and de Havilland, about 15 minutes' walk apart, plus an astronomical observatory at Bayfordbury. Schools include Hertfordshire Business School, Creative Arts, Education, Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Hertfordshire Law School with a full-size replica Crown Court, and Physics, Engineering and Computer Science. Hertfordshire Medical School launched in 2026 as the county's first, with its MBBS delivered with support from City St George's, University of London.
Herts is strongly vocational: the university says every British Formula 1 team has hired one of its graduates, and over 90% of undergraduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Typical offers are around 120 UCAS points (BBB) for courses such as Computer Science, Law and Aerospace Engineering. It suits students who want applied, industry-linked study within easy reach of London.
Seek knowledge throughout life
University motto
Why students choose Herts
Aerospace and motorsport engineering build on the university's origins in training aerospace engineers; Herts says every British F1 team has hired one of its graduates.
Hertfordshire Law School trains students in a full-scale replica Crown Court, where they practise real-life courtroom skills.
The MBBS at the new Hertfordshire Medical School (international applicants for 2027) is taught in a dedicated building with a simulated ward and high-fidelity mannequins.
First-year students who apply by the deadline are guaranteed on-campus accommodation with bills, Wi-Fi and 24/7 support included.
Admissions
2027 entry
Selectivity
Herts does not publish an offer rate. Typical offers are 120 UCAS points (BBB, or BBB-ABB for engineering and computer science); Medicine (MBBS) asks for AAA including Chemistry and Biology plus the UCAT and interviews. Contextual offers are typically up to one grade (8 UCAS points) lower.
Typical entry requirements
| A-levels / UCAS tariff | 2027 entry: Computer Science, Aerospace Engineering and Motorsport Engineering 120 UCAS points (BBB-ABB, with Maths and Physics or a technology subject for engineering); Law LLB 120 points (BBB); Medicine AAA including Chemistry and Biology |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | 120-128 UCAS points from at least two HL subjects at grade 4 (Computer Science; engineering also needs HL Maths and Physics or Technology); Medicine 36 points with HL 6 in Chemistry or Biology and HL 5 in a second science or Maths |
| GCSEs | Typically grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics; Medicine needs at least five GCSEs at grade 6 including English, Maths and sciences |
| English language | IELTS 6 Most undergraduate courses: IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, or equivalent. Medicine: IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 in all components. Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses are available. |
Deadlines
- UCAS (Medicine MBBS) Non-binding Next deadline · In 9 days15 October 2026, 18:00 UK time
Medicine (UCAS code A100, institution code H36) is open to international applicants only for September 2027 entry (Herts plans to open it to home students later). 15 October is the UCAS deadline for most medicine courses; Herts also accepts direct applications from international students. UCAT required, and shortlisted applicants attend Multiple Mini Interviews.
- UCAS equal consideration deadline Non-binding In ~3 months13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
All other Herts courses: Herts says applications for September 2027 can be submitted from 1 September 2026 until 18:00 on 13 January 2027 for equal consideration.
- UCAS last date before Clearing Non-binding In ~9 months30 June 2027, 18:00 UK time
Applications received after this are entered into Clearing, which opens on 2 July 2027; places depend on availability.
The 13 January 2027 equal consideration date is confirmed on Herts' undergraduate applications page; the 15 October 2026 date is the UCAS deadline for most medicine courses and the 30 June 2027 date is the UCAS last date before Clearing. Some courses also start in January.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS (up to five choices) with a personal statement and a school or college reference; international students not using UCAS can apply directly through the university's online application form. Use the UCAS 'more about you' section or contact the Student Success team to be considered for a contextual offer.
What admissions looks for
- The typical offer for the course, with required subjects such as Maths and Physics for engineering.
- Personal, educational or socioeconomic context: Herts considers eligible applicants for contextual offers up to one grade lower.
- For Medicine: AAA with Chemistry and Biology, a UCAT score (ranked, with no fixed cut-off), research or work-based experience of healthcare, and performance in Multiple Mini Interviews.
- Each application is considered individually, and applicants with a wide range of qualifications and experience are welcome.
Tips for applying to Herts
- 1 If you think you qualify for a contextual offer, email the Student Success team with your full name and UCAS number, because admissions staff can't see UCAS contextual data.
- 2 Medicine applicants should sit the UCAT between July and September, and be ready to discuss their healthcare experience at interview.
- 3 International applicants are automatically considered for the Chancellor's International Scholarship (£500 to £4,000, based on the January 2027 intake) and can save with a full-payment discount.
- 4 Engineering students on aerospace, automotive, civil or mechanical degrees are invited in their first year to apply for the Sir Gerard Newman Scholarship (£2,000 over the degree).
Costs & financial aid
2027-28 · figures in GBP
The University of Hertfordshire Undergraduate Bursary is a one-off £1,000 for the first year only (paid in two £500 instalments), awarded automatically to eligible full-time home students with household income of £30,000 or less (2026/27 terms). Care leavers and estranged students receive £1,800 a year, young adult carers £750 a year and refugees £1,000, and the University Financial Assistance Fund gives £250 to £2,500 to students facing hardship. International students are automatically considered for the Chancellor's International Scholarship (£500 to £4,000, listed for the January 2027 intake).
- £1,000 one-off, first year only (two £500 instalments; household income £30,000 or less)
- Undergraduate Bursary
- £1,800 per year
- Care Leaver and Estranged Student Bursaries
- £250 to £2,500 per year, by assessment
- University Financial Assistance Fund
- £500 to £4,000
- Chancellor's International Scholarship (January 2027 intake)
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters
Aerospace Engineering (BEng, H410)
Rooted in the university's origins training aerospace engineers; 120 UCAS points with Maths and Physics; £19,025 international fee (2027/28).
Motorsport Engineering (BEng, H335)
Herts reports graduates in every British F1 team, including Red Bull Racing chief engineer Paul Monaghan.
Medicine (MBBS, A100)
New five-year MBBS at Hertfordshire Medical School, supported by City St George's, University of London; international applicants only for 2027.
Law (LLB Hons, M100)
Taught in a £10 million Law Court building with a full-scale courtroom; 120 UCAS points.
Computer Science (BSc Hons, G400)
120 UCAS points (BBB-ABB); the university's Enterprise team and Flare competition support student start-ups.
3D Animation and Visual Effects (BA Hons, W282)
Part of a School of Creative Arts named the top creative school in the UK by The Rookies (2024).
Research
- In REF 2021, 78% of Herts research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent, and the university was in the top 25% for research impact.
- The Biodetection Technologies Hub, backed by a £13.5 million grant, develops ways to detect airborne biological threats such as viruses and bacteria.
- The Bayfordbury Observatory, one of the largest astronomical teaching observatories in the UK, has supported astronomy degrees since 1970.
Schools & faculties
- Hertfordshire Business School
- School of Creative Arts
- School of Education
- School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
- Hertfordshire Medical School
- Hertfordshire Law School
- School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science
Over 90% of undergraduates in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025, 2022/23 graduates, as reported by the university).
Student life
Herts is a campus university in Hatfield, with most students living and studying on or near its two main campuses. First-years (and returning students) who apply by the deadline are guaranteed on-campus accommodation with bills, Wi-Fi and 24/7 support included, and halls are within a short walk of teaching and sports facilities; medical students are guaranteed campus housing for all five years. College Lane has a 24-hour gym, cafes, a bar and a Learning Resources Centre open 24/7, and a free shuttle bus links the campuses.
- Guaranteed on-campus accommodation for first-year students who apply by the deadline.
- Hertfordshire Sports Village opened in 2003.
- Partnerships with Watford FC and the London Mavericks give students guest lectures, internships and ticket giveaways.
- Herts reports ranking 14th in the UK for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2026.
Housing. Eligible first-year and returning students who apply by the deadline are guaranteed a place in on-campus accommodation (terms and conditions apply).
Location
Hatfield is a town in Hertfordshire, and the university grew up alongside the town's aviation industry: the de Havilland Campus, opened in 2003 and named after aircraft designer Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, is built on a former British Aerospace site, about 15 minutes' walk from College Lane. The Bayfordbury Observatory campus lies about six miles away. The Medicine page highlights proximity to London for conferences, careers fairs and networking.
Notable alumni
- SB Sanjeev BhaskarComedian, actor and broadcaster; marketing degree from Hatfield Polytechnic
- OF Owen FarrellEngland rugby union captain; BA (Hons) in Business
- GF Gavin FisherFormer chief designer of the Williams Formula One team; first-class mechanical engineering degree
- PM Paul MonaghanRed Bull Racing chief engineer (university profile)
- SW Sarah WestFirst woman to command a major Royal Navy warship; studied mathematics
- ID Iain DowieNorthern Ireland international footballer and manager; MEng in engineering
- GB Guvna BMOBO Award-winning gospel rap artist; studied Business and Journalism
- KB Kate BellinghamEngineer and BBC presenter; MSc in Electronic Communications Systems Engineering
Frequently asked questions
What grades do you need for the University of Hertfordshire?
Many courses, including Computer Science, Law and Aerospace Engineering, have a typical offer of 120 UCAS points (BBB, or BBB-ABB for engineering and computing). Contextual offers can be up to one grade lower.
Does Hertfordshire have a medical school?
Yes. Hertfordshire Medical School launched in 2026; for September 2027 its MBBS is open to international applicants only, requires AAA with Chemistry and Biology, the UCAT and interviews, and costs £47,500 a year.
How much are Hertfordshire's fees for international students?
For 2027/28, £17,970 a year for standard undergraduate courses, £19,025 for Aerospace Engineering and £47,500 for Medicine; scholarships and discounts of up to £4,000 are available.
Is accommodation guaranteed at Herts?
Yes, eligible first-year students who apply by the deadline are guaranteed on-campus accommodation; medical students are guaranteed campus housing for the whole five-year course.
When is the University of Hertfordshire application deadline for 2027?
18:00 on 13 January 2027 through UCAS for equal consideration, and 15 October 2026 for Medicine.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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