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University of Hertfordshire


About

At the University of Hertfordshire, we see your potential, we hear your ambitions and we support your futures. From the moment we meet, we will set you on a path to achieving your goals. We will drive you forward, we will actively guide you every step of the way. You may not be confident or you may have questions – but we believe in you and we will help you find the answers.

At the University of Hertfordshire, we see your potential, we hear your ambitions and we support your futures. From the moment we meet, we will set you on a path to achieving your goals. We will drive you forward, we will actively guide you every step of the way. You may not be confident or you may have questions – but we believe in you and we will help you find the answers. You may have a goal that you want to achieve – we can help focus you. You may want an experience – we can get you some. Here at Herts, there are many pathways to success, so let us empower your future, and take you all the way. This is your platform, your opportunity to succeed – so what are you waiting for?

Prepare to succeed

Show employers what you’re made of. We’re big on placements – and for good reason. Research tells us that over 70% of employers prefer students with work experience. That’s because placements aren’t just an excellent way to put what you’ve learnt into practice, they also show employers what you’re like as a person – with all those attributes like ambition, teamwork and a can-do attitude. To make sure our students get that work experience advantage, we’ve developed strong links with businesses and organisations here and internationally. These have allowed us to build valuable placement opportunities, from short-term experience to full-year paid placements, into many of our courses. What’s more, you won’t have to pay fees during the year you’re on placement.

Passport to success

Many students at Hertfordshire have the chance to study or work overseas – for a semester, a summer or even a whole year. Studying or working abroad is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture, broaden your horizons and create many unforgettable memories. We have partnerships with many universities across the world, including in the USA, Canada, Latin America, Africa, China, Korea, Japan, Australia, and across Europe. The cost of living in many countries is lower than in the UK and you’ll still be eligible for any grants or loans you’d get if you were studying here. Most students also pay no tuition fees during the year away and may be eligible for one of our scholarships to help with living and travelling costs.

Learn from the best

We like to think our teaching is a little different. Not only are our academics experts in their respective fields, but everything they teach is shaped by businesses and industry, giving you the subject-specific and transferable skills for an exciting career. Alongside your core subject, you’ll also be able to pick up other qualifications to help you stand out to employers. From mentoring to Microsoft qualifications, City & Guilds awards to getting your pilot’s licence, there’s a tonne of ways to build an impressive CV.

Key Facts

  • TEF Gold: Our teaching is among the best in the UK.
  • 170: Study abroad at one of over 170 universities in 40 countries around the world.
  • National Rankings: 4th Economics 7th Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management 10th Engineering: Electronic and Electrical.
  • Number 1 for Games: TIGA Games Industry Award 2019.
  • 96.5% of students in employment or further study within 6 months.
  • Award-winning: Employment mock assessment centre simulation (Institute of Student Employers).
  • Career enhancing experience: Our students have undertaken placements at companies including KPMG, Tesla Motors (UK), Microsoft and GSK.

Learning and teaching

Whatever your background, wherever you are from, we believe that higher education can be a transformational experience.

We develop graduates who are capable, creative and enterprising. Through engaging with employers and professional bodies who contribute to the development of our curriculum and our status as one of only 20 University Enterprise Zones, we transform the lives of our students.

We offer the flexibility, opportunity and community students need to succeed. We achieve this by:

  1. combining traditional teaching methods with digital resources including our online student network, StudyNet
  2. teaching courses that are designed with the input of business and professional bodies
  3. giving students the chance to learn about employability through listening to the experience of our alumni
  4. organising networking events where staff, students and graduates can meet
  5. offering a vibrant multicultural campus by increasing the proportion of international students on campus
  6. giving students the option of studying at one of our partner universities overseas
  7. supporting students in their learning and living
  8. offering students valuable work experience in research, business or industry before their final academic year.

Vision

Our vision is to transform lives. This means whatever your background, wherever you are from, we will drive your potential, powering you to succeed.

We are committed to having a positive transformational impact on every member of our university community, and to share our successes with the community around us.

Our strategy

We support a diverse range of students, staff, businesses, researchers and members of the community. What they all share is the desire to make the most of the opportunities in front of them. Our strategy will enable us to power their potential and achieve their goals.

Students, businesses and the local community are all motivated by the same thing. Finding ways to make the most of the opportunities in front of them, by tapping into their individual or collective potential. Powering Potential is embedded in our philosophy. This means – to transform lives, we not only find potential, but we also harness it and drive it.

Key strategic themes

Students, businesses and the local community are all motivated by the same thing. Finding ways to make the most of the opportunities in front of them, by tapping into their individual or collective potential. Powering Potential is embedded in our philosophy. This means – to transform lives, we not only find potential, but we also harness it and drive it.

Offering opportunity

We offer every student the opportunity to succeed, with varied and well-signposted routes into university and clear pathways through study. We support students to achieve to the best of their ability and will support them in preparing for global opportunities after graduation. We will use our links in business, our research expertise, and our global outlook, to transform lives.

Building community

We are a diverse and welcoming community with a global reach and a common purpose, to transform lives, which we will work together to achieve. Through communities of learning, exploration and knowledge, we celebrate diversity and share our passions. We want all our students and staff to find their communities here. We are engaged as a Civic University in our region, supporting schools, colleges and students. We will share our knowledge, culture, research and resources with businesses, the professions and the wider community.

Embracing flexibility

We will respond flexibly to the challenges and opportunities ahead. Flexible modes of study will support our students to succeed and allow them to engage with a greater range of opportunities in education, extra-curricular activities and work experience. We want our students to follow their interests and passions to transform their lives and to be empowered by a choice of pathways that take them to the next stage and open doors to the future.

Our values

We provide opportunities to attract, retain and develop individuals. We are building a diverse and inclusive community and we respond with flexibility to the challenges of the changing world. Our values underpin everything we do. We are friendly, ambitious, collegiate, enterprising and student-focussed.

StudyNet

The StudyNet intranet is your online university available 24/7 on the web, from any location.

Delivering the information you need

Your personal portal is customised for your programme of study with:

  • lecture notes
  • course materials
  • online discussion and group work facilities
  • blogs
  • communication with your tutors and fellow students
  • exam results
  • access to digital library collections
  • your personal e-portfolio and much more.

StudyNet also brings together the information you need about:

  • the University
  • the Students Union
  • social activities
  • job and career opportunities
  • advice and support.

StudyNet means that you can carry your studies with you and stay in touch from home, work, and overseas as well as on-campus.

Learning Resources Centres

We’re reopening safely and gradually

Our two large and modern Learning Resources Centres are central to life at Herts and home to a range of library and computing services and facilities supporting the Herts student academic journey.

In addition to thousands of print books, the Learning Resources Centres also offer a range of study areas, access to a range of computers, hi-spec computing rooms, printing facilities, and Wi-Fi and power throughout.

Both of our Learning Resources Centres are now open to Herts students and staff. Core services are available including book borrowing via our new ‘click and collect service, socially distanced individual study spaces, computer, and software access, and online support and help. We will further enrich our service provision when is it safe to do so.

  • College Lane and de Havilland LRCs are open 24/7

Online library

We have extensive digital and printed library collections at Herts, plus plenty of support and services to help you find resources.

Our library and information management specialists work closely with academic colleagues to provide students with a wide range of relevant digital and print resources and to create specific reading lists for courses.

The University library system is called Library Search.

  • It's quick, easy, and simple to use.
  • You can search the library catalogue, other relevant electronic resources, and library databases - all at the same time.
  • Finds books, e-books, journal articles, journals, reports, and exam papers in just one search.
  • Can be used on any device, anywhere, and anytime.
  • Allows you to reserve books

Your personal Library Account gives information about the books you've borrowed and when you need to bring them back.

All books are automatically renewed weekly for up to 20 weeks unless requested by another user (Items borrowed by S.C.O.N.U.L. users are automatically renewed for a maximum of three times).

Computing and software available at the University

You'll find computers available to use in the Learning Resources Centres and computing labs across the campuses.

Lots of students choose to use their own laptops and other devices and you can plug your laptop into a datapoint or get on the wireless network.

Office 365

Office 365 is a powerful suite of tools that offers familiar applications like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, OneDrive for storing and sharing documents and Microsoft Teams for online meetings, chat and online collaboration.

Software available on University computers

The University of Hertfordshire provides a wide range of software applications for staff and students for general and specialised subject related use. Where licences permit, we aim to make all software as widely available as possible across all labs and the Learning Resources Centres so that you can use it both in your timetabled sessions as well as for independent study.

Specialist software in the Learning Resources Centres

The University has created two specialist software spaces in each of the Learning Resources Centres and you'll find high-spec PCs in each configured with additional specialist software and available during normal opening hours. All students can make use of the service on a drop-in basis.

Laptop loan service

As well as access to PCs and Macs you can also borrow a Chromebook for up to 24 hours from one of the Learning Resources Centres.

Printing on campus

  • You can print documents yourself using our self-service printers across both campuses. We also have a professional Document Services Team offering a wide variety of printing, binding, copying and laminating services.
  • If you are living in Halls of Residence and choose to bring a printer to Uni, make sure you have a USB cable to connect it to your personal computer.

Wi-Fi and wired connections to the University network

(Including games consoles and smart TVs in student residences)

You will have free access to the internet at the University of Hertfordshire using a compatible device. When you arrive, we will help you get set up with University Wi-Fi. And we’re always here to help if you have any problems.

    Entry requirements for undergraduate degrees

    Most of our undergraduate courses have their own entry requirements. These specific entry requirements can be seen on the page for each course or in our online prospectus. However, the University has a standard set of requirements for undergraduate courses which you can see below.

    We have a long tradition of welcoming applicants from a wide range of backgrounds taking a variety of qualifications and we're used to admitting students with a combination of qualifications including A levels, BTECs, Access to HE Diplomas and vocational qualifications.

    The entry requirements for undergraduate degrees are given generally in UCAS Tariff points and you'll need at least 2 A levels (or equivalent qualification) to begin an Honours undergraduate degree programme or at least one for a Foundation degree.

    The government have announced that calculated A-Level grades should be ready at the end of July based on the previous attainment, non-exam assessment (course work) and the grade your teachers believe you would have been awarded should exams have gone ahead.

    We wanted to reassure you we’ll be taking a pragmatic and supportive approach, taking into account (where relevant) your personal statement, interview, portfolio and other information that demonstrates your potential to succeed at Herts. Some universities have taken the approach of making unconditional offers, we would echo UCAS’ advice to consider whether it’s the right institution and course for you before making any decision.

    UCAS Tariff points

    UCAS have recently changed the way that Tariff points are calculated. All qualifications that were previously on the UCAS Tariff have continued to attract points under the new system however there have been changes to the points and how they are calculated.

    Key facts about the new tariffs:

    • Under the new UCAS Tariff, numbers are much lower, for example an A level grade A* gets 56 points, in comparison with 140 under the current Tariff. Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to calculate your new points.
    • AS level is now 40% of an A level - this is more accurate according to qualification regulators.
    • You'll still need to achieve the same grades at A level, Scottish Advanced Higher, Scottish Higher or BTEC, or in any other qualification you're taking to meet higher education course entry requirements.
    • The new UCAS Tariff points should not have any impact on your decisions about qualification choices at school or college, or your preparation or application to a higher education course.

    Visit UCAS for more information about the new UCAS Tariffs, including fact sheets for parents and students.

    Transferring to Herts

    Many undergraduate courses at the University of Hertfordshire allow advanced entry for students wishing to transfer their studies. Your previous study will be assessed using the Accreditation of Prior Learning process.

    It is important that the previous study was relevant and current in order for your entry to be considered directly into the second or third year of the course. You will be asked to provide transcripts from your previous studies as part of the Admissions process.

    If you'd like to make an application for an undergraduate programme, please do so through UCAS and specify which year of entry you would like to be considered for.

    Returning to study

    If you have prior higher education or equivalent work experience, we may be able to take this into account and allow you to enter your chosen course at an advanced level. For example, if you have an HND in an appropriate subject and want to achieve an Honours degree, you may be considered for exemption from the first two years of a full-time degree (Level 4 and Level 5 studies).

    You may also be awarded credit for relevant prior learning such as previous courses studied, or your industrial, professional or other experience. For example, if you have an HND you might be able to study part-time to 'top-up' to an Honours degree in two years.

    Postgraduate degrees

    Most of our taught postgraduate and research degrees have entry requirements specific to the course. You can view these on the online prospectus page for each individual course.

    However, below is some general guidance on our entry requirements for postgraduate study.

    Master's degrees

    • Most taught Master's degrees to require you to hold an Honours degree or equivalent qualification.
    • Detailed entry requirements for the degree you want to apply for can be found in the course description.
    • If you have prior higher education or equivalent work experience, we may be able to take this into account and allow you to enter your chosen course at an advanced level.

    Research degrees

    • You should normally hold a first or upper second class Honours degree in the proposed study area in order to register for any form of a research degree.
    • We are, however, pleased to consider applicants who can demonstrate their capability by means of publications or employment responsibilities.
    • If you are an international student, for research degrees you would normally need an IELTS score of 6.5.

    GCSE requirements

    All courses require GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the old grading structure) and Science or Double Science where individually specified (or equivalent qualifications).

    Please note that some courses may have different requirements but these will be listed on the individual course pages.

    University English language requirements

    We require you to demonstrate your English language proficiency before an unconditional offer will be made to you. For the majority of our courses, we accept the following tests

    • GCSE English Language at grade C or above.
    • IGCSE English at grade C or above.
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any band) for undergraduate or 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in any band) for postgraduate.
    • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) score of 169 (with no less than 162 in any band) for undergraduate or 176 (with no less than 162 in any band) for postgraduate. C2 Proficiency (CPE) score of 180 (with no less than 162 in any band) for both undergraduate and postgraduate.
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) 51 (with no less than 42 in any band) for undergraduate or 58 (with no less than 42 in any one band) for postgraduate.
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 72 with band scores of reading 18, writing 17, listening 17, speaking 20 for undergraduate or a score of 79 with band scores of reading 18, writing 17, listening 17, speaking 20 for postgraduate.
    • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) Listening: 33/50; Reading: 33/50: Writing: 33/50; Speaking: 33/50
    • Local English language qualifications including Indian Standard XII English Language (65% undergraduate/70% to 75% postgraduate).

    This is not an exhaustive list. Please refer to the UKVI for a full list of approved English language tests.

    IELTS, PTE and TOEFL tests are valid for 2 years and must be valid up to the date the CAS (Certificate of Acceptance for Studies) is issued.

    The following courses have a different English language requirement:

    IELTS 6.5 (minimum band scores also apply)

    • All postgraduate Business courses
    • All undergraduate and postgraduate Humanities courses
    • All postgraduate Art, Design, Film, Music and Media courses
    • All undergraduate and postgraduate Nursing courses
    • All undergraduate and postgraduate Social Work courses
    • Most courses in the School of Health and Emergency professions
    • BSc Nutrition
    • BSc Pharmaceutical Science
    • MPharm
    • MSc Biotechnology
    • MSc Pharmacology
    • MSc Molecular Biology
    • MSc Environmental Management
    • MSc Business Psychology
    • MSc Psychology
    • All postgraduate education programmes

    IELTS 7.0 (minimum band scores also apply)

    • BSc Physiotherapy
    • BSc Dietetics
    • MSc Social Work
    • MSc Advancing Pharmacy Practice
    • MSc Organisational Psychology
    • Clinical MD (General Internal Medicine) - Pathway 1

    IELTS 7.5 (minimum band scores also apply)

    • Clinical MD (General Internal Medicine) - Pathway 2

    Visa guidance

    As an international student sponsored by the University under Tier 4 (General) leave, it is extremely important that you comply with the conditions associated with Tier 4 sponsorship.

    There are certain conditions that you must be aware of. These include your responsibilities as a student with Tier 4 leave, your right to work in the UK, and police registration requirements.

    The conditions attached to your Tier 4 visa can be found on your vignette (the sticker in your passport), on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), or on the decision letter which came with your visa.

    If you do not follow the conditions of your Tier 4 visa and the responsibilities which come with holding a visa, the University will have no choice but to report your visa to the Home Office. The Home Office may then curtail (cancel) your visa. Curtailment can result in your withdrawal from the University, removal from the UK, affect future immigration applications, and may even result in a bar from returning to the UK for a certain period of time.

    It is therefore very important that you maintain your Tier 4 visa by understanding the conditions and responsibilities that are attached to it.

    The University of Hertfordshire has achieved the top gold ranking in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (T.E.F.) 2018.

    Karthik Kumar Bonkur, President of the Hertfordshire Students’ Union

    'Engaging students as partners and responding quickly, flexibly and effectively to student feedback is central to what it means to be a university that is focused on building a welcoming learning community that transforms lives. The N.S.S. outcome confirms that our staff and student partnership approach works and has a positive impact on student experience and performance. We are a university that cares deeply about its individual students - what they achieve while they are with us and when they graduate - ensuring that they can always reach their full potential. This survey provides a brilliant feedback mechanism to support us in continuing to provide an excellent and inclusive student experience at the University of Hertfordshire.' Mairi Watson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience 'The NSS captures the views of final year undergraduate students in relation to so many key areas of their academic experience - assessment and feedback, teaching quality, student voice, student community and more. It is great to see today’s results highlighting that students feel their opinions and feedback are being valued. Hertfordshire Students’ Union would like to say a big thank you to all our students for taking the time to provide their honest answers to this year’s NSS and for ultimately helping the University provide the best experience possible.'

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