University of Hertfordshire

{{Short description|Public university in England}} {{Use British English|date=February 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}} {{Infobox university | name = University of Hertfordshire | image = File:Arms of the University of Hertfordshire.svg | caption = Coat of arms | motto = Seek knowledge throughout life | established = 1952 – as Hatfield Technical College 1958 – as Hatfield College of Technology 1969 – as Hatfield Polytechnic 1992 – university status | type = Public | endowment = £0.824 million (2022)<ref name="annacc22">{{cite web |title=Strategic Report and Financial Statements 2021–22 |url=https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/361504/1366-UH-Strategic-and-Finance-Report-2021_FINAL_web_1-dec.pdf |publisher=University of Hertfordshire}}</ref> | budget = £317.5 million (2021–22)<ref name="annacc22"/> | chancellor = Grace Ononiwu <ref>[https://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/our-leadership-strategy-and-plans/our-governance-and-leadership/professor-grace-ononiwu-cbe]</ref> | vice_chancellor = Anthony Woodman<ref>{{cite news |title=Key People |url=https://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/our-leadership-strategy-and-plans/our-governance-and-leadership/board-of-governors |publisher=University of Hertfordshire |location=Hatfield, UK |access-date=1 September 2025}}</ref> | undergrad = {{HESA student population|INSTID=10007147}} ({{HESA year}})<ref name="HESA citation">{{HESA citation}}</ref> | postgrad = {{HESA postgraduate population|INSTID=10007147}} ({{HESA year}})<ref name="HESA citation"/> | city = Hertfordshire | country = UK | campus = 200 hectares,<ref name="herts1">[http://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/7195/UH_2020_Estates_Vision.pdf Estates Vision] University of Hertfordshire</ref> Urban | colours = {{color box|black}}{{color box|white}}{{color box|purple}} Black, White and Purple | website = {{URL|herts.ac.uk}} | logo = 200px | affiliations = European University Association University Alliance Universities UK }}

The '''University of Hertfordshire''' ('''UH''') is a public research university in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. It is based primarily in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Its antecedent institution, '''Hatfield Technical College''', was founded in 1948 and was identified as one of 25 Colleges of Technology in the United Kingdom in 1959.<ref name="qaa.ac.uk">{{cite web|title=University of Hertfordshire – Institutional audit|url=http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/ReviewsAndReports/Documents/University%20of%20Hertfordshire/University-of-Hertfordshire-IA-annex-09.pdf|website=qaa.ac.uk|access-date=13 December 2015|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305013845/http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/ReviewsAndReports/Documents/University%20of%20Hertfordshire/University-of-Hertfordshire-IA-annex-09.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1992, '''Hatfield Polytechnic''' was granted university status by the British government and subsequently renamed the University of Hertfordshire. It is one of the post-1992 universities.

Hertfordshire is mainly based at two campuses: College Lane and de Havilland. The university has six schools: Hertfordshire Business School, Creative Arts, Education, Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Hertfordshire Law School, and Physics, Engineering and Computer Science.

As of 2024, it has around 34,000 students, including more than 19,000 international students that together represent 110 countries, making the university host the highest proportion of international students (outside of London) in England.<ref name=HESAstubod>{{cite web|url=https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/students/where-study#provider|title=Where do HE students study?: Students by HE provider|work=HESA|at=HE student enrolments by HE provider|access-date=8 February 2023}}</ref> The university is one of Hertfordshire's largest employers with over 3,400 staff, 2,045 of whom are academic members of staff.<ref>{{cite web |title=HE staff by HE provider and activity standard occupational classification |url=https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/staff/working-in-he#acempfun |website=hesa.ac.uk |publisher=Higher Education Statistics Agency |access-date=25 February 2023}}</ref> The annual income of the institution for 2021–22 was £317.5 million of which £9 million was from research grants and contracts, with an expenditure of £305.3 million.<ref name="annacc22"/> Hertfordshire is a member of University Alliance, Universities UK and European University Association.

== History ==

=== Origins === thumb|left|Hatfield Technical College {{circa}} 1952 The original campus for the university was at Roe Green in Hatfield, where it was founded as a technical college with a particular focus on training aerospace engineers for the aerospace industry that was then a feature of Hatfield. The Gape family of St Michael's Manor in St Albans owned the land at Roe Green from the late 17th century. In the 1920s they sold it to Hill, a farmer, who then sold it to Alan Butler, chairman of the de Havilland Aircraft Company who lived at Beech Farm nearby. In 1944 he donated {{convert|90|acre|ha|abbr=off}} of land at Roe Green to be used for educational purposes.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council" /> In 1948 building commenced. The first principal, W. A. J. Chapman, began work on 1 January 1949, and in spring 1952 the 33 full-time and 66 part-time teachers were appointed. Hatfield Technical College opened with 1,738 students in September 1952, and in December it was formally opened by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. It was the first large technical college to be established in England after the war.<ref>{{cite news |title=University of Hertfordshire guide |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/universities-and-colleges/9929905/University-of-Hertfordshire-guide.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/universities-and-colleges/9929905/University-of-Hertfordshire-guide.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|work=The Telegraph |access-date=9 August 2015|location=London|first=Charlotte|last=Lytton|date=17 April 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Students attended the college on part-time or full-time courses.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council" />

thumb|Hatfield Polytechnic c. 1969

In 1958 it was renamed Hatfield College of Technology, and by 1960 it offered four-year sandwich diplomas in technology. In 1961 it was designated a regional college in England and Wales by the Ministry of Education. The governors purchased a digital computer at a cost of £29,201 in 1962 so that a computer science degree could be established. The Council for National Academic Awards was formed in 1965 and Hatfield College was recognised for 13 honours degree courses.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council" />

Sir Norman Lindop became the Principal of the College of Technology in 1966. A year later L.E. Haines was made Chair of Governors, but he died shortly afterwards and was replaced by F. Bramston Austin. A year later, Bayfordbury was acquired for the college.<ref>{{cite web|title=1961–1980|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/history/1961-1980|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=10 August 2015}}</ref>

=== 20th century === thumb|Sir Geoffrey De Havilland with a model of his 'Comet' jet airliner In 1969 Hatfield College of Technology became Hatfield Polytechnic, offering honours degree courses in engineering and technology. In 1970 an observatory was built on the Bayfordbury Campus. Wall Hall and Balls Park Teacher Training Colleges merged in 1976 to become Hertfordshire College of Higher Education. In the same year Hatfield Polytechnic took over Balls Park. By 1977 more than ten per cent of the 4000 students came from more than forty different countries.{{clarify|date=September 2024}} The Students' Union Social Centre opened in 1977.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council">{{cite web |last=Tyler |first=Helen |date=5 March 2011 |title=History of the University of Hertfordshire |url=https://www.ourhatfield.org.uk/content/topics/schools_education/higher-education/history-of-the-university-of-hertfordshire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312121649/https://www.ourhatfield.org.uk/content/topics/schools_education/higher-education/history-of-the-university-of-hertfordshire |archive-date=12 March 2024 |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=Our Hatfield |publisher=Hertfordshire County Council |postscript=. Includes comments: 14 December 2011 - 27 January 2024}}</ref>

In 1982 John Illston succeeded Sir Norman Lindop as the director. A sports hall was built on the Hatfield Campus in 1984 and the number of students in that year was more than 5000. The number of staff, in the same year, had increased to 824.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council"/>

Neil Buxton became its director in 1987. The following year, Sir Ron Dearing and Buxton signed an agreement that gave the polytechnic accreditation from the Council for National Academic Awards. Hatfield was one of only 21 polytechnics, colleges and Scottish Central institutions to be accredited at the time. Hatfield was also, in that year, one of eight polytechnics accredited for research degrees. In 1989 it was given corporate status.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council"/>

After John Major announced in 1991 that polytechnics were to be abolished, Hatfield Polytechnic announced its intention to apply for university status. In 1992 it became the University of Hertfordshire and Sir Brian Corby became the first Chancellor.<ref>{{cite web|title=Appreciation: Sir Brian Corby|url=http://www.theactuary.com/archive/old-articles/part-6/appreciation-3A-sir-brian-corby/|publisher=The Actuary|access-date=1 October 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006080112/http://www.theactuary.com/archive/old-articles/part-6/appreciation-3A-sir-brian-corby/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was the first university to run a bus company by making Uno bus public. The Hertfordshire College of Health Care and Nursing Studies and the Barnet College of Nursing and Midwifery merged with the university in 1993.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council"/>

In 1992, '''Hatfield Polytechnic''' was granted university status by the British government and subsequently renamed University of Hertfordshire. Its antecedent institution, '''Hatfield Technical College''', was founded in 1948 and was identified as one of 25 Colleges of Technology in the United Kingdom in 1959.<ref name="qaa.ac.uk"/>

In 1994 the St Albans Cathedral was chosen to hold the university's graduation ceremonies. The same year saw the first publication of league tables and Hertfordshire was named as the top new university. In 1995 its law school moved to St Albans. Sir Ian MacLaurin was appointed chancellor in 1996 and in 1997 the Learning Resource Centre opened.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council"/>

=== 21st century === In 2000, Olivia de Havilland, cousin of Geoffrey de Havilland, visited the university to mark the inauguration of a project to build a new campus named after her cousin. The university's 50th anniversary was celebrated in 2002, by which time it had 21,695 students. In 2003 Tim Wilson succeeded Neil Buxton as vice-chancellor and the de Havilland campus opened.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council"/>

Hertfordshire Sports Village also opened in 2003.<ref name=brave>[https://www.theguardian.com/education/2003/sep/23/administration.highereducation Brave Herts] ''The Guardian'', 23 September 2003</ref> In 2005 the university launched the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Postgraduate Medical School and School of Pharmacy to enhance medical education, training and research in the region.<ref>[http://www.hertsdirect.org/mm/md/County_Council_12.htm/060619_Corporate_Plan_app.pdf Corporate Plan] HertsDirect</ref> In 2006 the university opened its School of Film, Music and Media. The university opened the MacLaurin building in 2007, named in honour of its former chancellor Lord MacLaurin followed by a new law building in 2011.<ref>[http://www.breathingbuildings.com/media/172594/university%20of%20hertfordshire-%20law%20%20court%20building.pdf Case Study – University of Hertfordshire Law Court Building] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216165011/http://www.breathingbuildings.com/media/172594/university%20of%20hertfordshire-%20law%20%20court%20building.pdf |date=16 February 2012}} Breathing buildings</ref> During this period, Hertfordshire became a lead academic sponsor of Elstree University Technical College, a university technical college which opened in September 2013.<ref>[http://www.hertsdirect.org/docs/pdf/admissions/elsutcleaf13 Elstree University Technical College] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104082432/http://www.hertsdirect.org/docs/pdf/admissions/elsutcleaf13 |date=4 November 2012}} HertsDirect</ref> Hertfordshire is also the academic sponsor of Watford University Technical College<ref>{{cite news |title=The Watford University Technical College opened its doors today |url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/11474819.The_Watford_University_Technical_College_opened_its_doors_today/ |access-date=17 September 2014 |work=Watford Observer |publisher=Newsquest (London) Ltd |date=15 September 2014}}</ref>

thumb|left|Main Building at de Havilland Campus

In 2010, Tim Wilson announced his intention to retire as vice-chancellor after more than 19 years at the university.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council"/>

In 2011, Quintin McKellar replaced Tim Wilson as vice-chancellor of the university. Also on the same year, the Hatfield Beacon was restored and repositioned at the new Law School site. In the following year, the Kaspar project received a £180,000 donation from an international grant making foundation, which was used to further the university's research into the use of robotics to support the social development of children with autism.<ref>{{cite web |title=2011 – present |url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/history/2011-present/ |access-date=8 August 2015 |publisher=University of Hertfordshire}}</ref>

In 2015, Hertfordshire adopted a policy of naming its buildings after people or organisations with a significant local or regional impact. These include Kate Bellingham, British engineer and television presenter and Alistair Spalding, chief executive and artistic director of Sadler's Wells Theatre. All of the halls are named after influential alumni who the university feels represent the attributes of Hertfordshire graduates. In these two cases, the halls were named in recognition of Bellingham and Spalding's attributes of intellectual depth and adaptability and professionalism, employability and enterprise.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bellingham and Spalding open new University halls|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/news/2015/may/bellingham-and-spalding-open-new-university-hall|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=14 July 2015}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> In the same year, the University of Hertfordshire was announced as one of the first recipients of the Race Equality Charter which is an initiative that recognises excellence in advancing racial equality in higher education. The charter was launched by the Equality Challenge Unit at the start of the 2015 academic year.<ref name="Times Higher Education">{{cite web|title=Winners of new university race equality charter mark named|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/news/winners-new-university-race-equality-charter-mark-named|work=Times Higher Education|access-date=16 August 2015|date=13 August 2015}}</ref>

In 2020, the University of Hertfordshire Observatory celebrated its 50th anniversary, and revealed an eight-year-long exposure photograph, breaking the record of longest exposure. The artist, Regina Valkenborgh, was a Master's student in August 2012, when she set the pinhole camera attached to one of the telescope domes in the Observatory. The camera was then forgotten, and rediscovered in September 2020 by the Observatory's Principal Technical officer. The photograph registered the path of the sun over the sky during the 2,953 days it was exposed to it.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 December 2020|title=Longest known exposure photograph ever captured using a beer can|url=https://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/2020/longest-known-exposure-photograph-ever-captured-using-a-beer-can|access-date=2020-12-17|website=www.herts.ac.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=@NatGeoUK|date=2020-12-10|title='Longest known exposure' recovered from makeshift camera forgotten on UK telescope|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/photography/2020/12/longest-known-exposure-taken-by-makeshift-camera-forgotten-inside-uk-telescope|access-date=2020-12-17|website=National Geographic|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ferdowsi|first=Samir|date=14 December 2020|title=A Photograph With an Eight-Year Exposure Was Taken With a Beer Can|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/a-photograph-with-an-eight-year-exposure-was-taken-with-a-beer-can/|access-date=2020-12-17|website=Vice.com}}</ref>

In 2024, the University of Hertfordshire hosted the European Maccabi Youth Games from 28 July to 6 August. This marked the first time the event was held in the United Kingdom, bringing together 900 young Jewish athletes from 14 countries, including Great Britain, United States, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, South Africa, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, France, Italy, Argentina, and Israel.<ref name="JewishNews20243">{{cite web |date=6 August 2024 |title=First taste of Olympic glory: European Maccabi Youth Games held in UK |url=https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/first-taste-of-olympic-glory-european-maccabi-youth-games-held-in-uk/ |website=Jewish News}}</ref><ref name="TimesOfIsrael20243">{{cite web |date=8 August 2024 |title=What I Learned Inside The Maccabi Bubble |url=https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/what-i-learned-inside-the-maccabi-bubble/ |website=Times of Israel}}</ref>

In November 2025, following a routine UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) audit in June, the university was placed on a student visa “action plan” by the Home Office due to identified shortcomings in monitoring international students’ immigration status and record-keeping. At least eight other UK higher education institutions have been placed on action plans in 2025. The university remains licensed to sponsor student visas.<ref>{{cite news |title=University of Hertfordshire placed on UK Home Office student visa action plan |url=https://m.economictimes.com/nri/study/university-of-hertfordshire-placed-on-uk-home-office-student-visa-action-plan/amp_articleshow/125557342.cms |publisher=The Economic Times |date=25 November 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Makar|first=Samuel|title=University of Hertfordshire placed on student visa action plan |url=https://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/25653414.university-hertfordshire-placed-student-visa-action-plan/ |publisher=Welwyn Hatfield Times |date=26 November 2025}}</ref>

== Organisation and administration == [[File:Robert Gascoyne-Cecil 2013.JPG|thumb|Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 7th Marquess of Salisbury, former chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire]] The university was established as an independent Higher Education Corporation in 1989 under the terms of the Education Reform Act (1989). The institution is an exempt charity.<ref>{{cite web|title=Corporate Governance|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-governance|publisher=University of Hertfordshire}}</ref> The board of governors has responsibility for running the university, while the academic board is responsible for academic quality and standards, academic policies, research and scholarship. The vice-chancellor oversees its day-to-day running. The current chancellor is Grace Ononiwu and the current vice-chancellor is Anthony Woodman.<ref>{{cite news |title=University of Hertfordshire celebrates new appointments |url=https://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/25612745.university-hertfordshire-celebrates-new-appointments/ |access-date=30 March 2026 |publisher=Welwyn Hatfield Times |date=12 November 2025}}</ref>

The following people have been vice-chancellors of the university. * Neil Buxton (1987-2003) * Tim Wilson (2003–2010) *Quintin McKellar (2011–2025) *Anthony Woodman (2025-present)

The university runs on a three-term calendar in which the academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn (September–December), Spring (January–April), and Summer(April–May).<ref name="Term and semester dates">{{cite web|title=Term and semester dates|url=https://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/term-and-semester-dates|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=16 September 2014}}</ref> Full-time undergraduate students take three to four courses every year for approximately eleven weeks before their quarterly academic breaks. The school year typically begins in late September and ends in mid-May.<ref name="Term and semester dates"/>

=== Schools === The university offers over 700 degree courses<ref>{{cite web|title=Courses|url=https://www.hopinto.co.uk/provider-showcase/providers/university-of-hertfordshire/|publisher=Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal|access-date=23 April 2026}}</ref> in its 6 schools of study, within which there are around 50 academic departments and 24 research centres.<ref name="Schools of study">{{cite web|title=Schools of Study|url=https://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/our-schools|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=30 March 2026}}</ref> * Hertfordshire Business School * Creative Arts * Education * Health, Medicine and Life Sciences * Hertfordshire Law School * Physics, Engineering and Computer Science

=== Charity === Being a Higher Education Corporation created by the 1988 Education Reform Act as amended by the 1992 Act, the University of Hertfordshire is an exempt charity as defined under the various Charities Acts.<ref name="The University as a Charity">{{cite web|title=The University as a Charity|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/exempt-charity|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=8 August 2015|archive-date=10 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810002651/http://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/exempt-charity|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The University of Hertfordshire has due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on the reporting of public benefit, and particularly its supplementary guidance on the advancement of education, in accordance with the requirements of HEFCE, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, as the principal regulator of English higher education institutions under the Charities Act 2006.<ref name="The University as a Charity"/>

The university has entered an agreement with the Office for Students (OFS) to demonstrate that access to programmes of full-time undergraduate education should not be limited on grounds of individual financial circumstances.<ref name="The University as a Charity"/>

=== Affiliations and memberships === Hertfordshire is a member of Association of Commonwealth Universities which is the representative body of 535 universities from 37 Commonwealth countries.<ref>[http://ngo-db.unesco.org/r/or/en/1100026566 Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) | UNESCO NGO – db] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413141920/http://ngo-db.unesco.org/r/or/en/1100026566 |date=13 April 2014}}. Ngo-db.unesco.org. Retrieved 12 April 2014.</ref> It is the world's first and oldest international university network, established in 1913. It is also a member of University Alliance, a network of British universities which was formed in 2006, adopting the name in 2007. University Alliance is a group of 'business engaged' universities that claim to drive innovation and enterprise growth<ref>{{cite web|url=http://university.which.co.uk/advice/what-is-university-alliance|title=What is University Alliance?|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=16 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716013347/http://university.which.co.uk/advice/what-is-university-alliance|url-status=dead}}</ref> through research<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unialliance.ac.uk/blog/2014/12/18/university-alliance-responds-to-the-publication-of-the-results-of-the-ref-2014-exercise/|title=Alliance universities see big increase in share of world class research – University Alliance|date=18 December 2014 |access-date=15 July 2015}}</ref> and teaching.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unialliance.ac.uk/campaigns/jobready/|title=Job Ready: universities, employers and students creating success – University Alliance|access-date=15 July 2015|archive-date=1 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701114003/http://www.unialliance.ac.uk/campaigns/jobready/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Its MBA programme is affiliated with Association of MBAs, the only global MBA-specific Accreditation and Membership Organisation.

== Campus == The university is primarily based on two campuses, College Lane and de Havilland. It previously owned a BioPark facility in Welwyn Garden City, a science park managed by Exemplas on behalf of the university.<ref>{{cite news |title=BioPark site adjacent to former Shredded Wheat Factory for sale, flagged for residental redevelopment |url=https://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/22408379.biopark-site-adjacent-former-shredded-wheat-factory-sale-flagged-residental-redevelopment/ |access-date=4 April 2026 |publisher=Welwyn Hatfield Times |date=13 March 2019}}</ref> It also provides 6,000 square metres of laboratory and office space to life science and health technology businesses. As of 2014, there are currently 27 permanent and virtual tenants.<ref name="University of Hertfordshire">{{cite web|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/facts-and-figures/facts-and-figures|title=Reasons to choose the University of Hertfordshire|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=13 September 2014}}</ref>

Additionally, a pool and climbing wall are among its sports facilities. It has also the Weston auditorium, for arts events, two art galleries and owns one of the highly recognised teaching observatories in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|title=University guide 2016: University of Hertfordshire|website=TheGuardian.com|url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2009/may/10/universityguide-uni-hertfordshire|access-date=13 August 2015}}</ref>

With over 34,000 students, Hertfordshire has a global alumni of over 165,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ncub.co.uk/members/the-university-of-hertfordshire.html|title=University of Hertfordshire|website=ncub.co.uk|publisher=National Centre for Universities and Business|access-date=17 July 2016|archive-date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224093955/http://ncub.co.uk/members/the-university-of-hertfordshire.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== College Lane Campus === {{main|College Lane}} The main site of the university remains the College Lane campus, which houses the original Hatfield Technical College building. Notable among the buildings in this campus is the university's Learning Resource Centre, a combined library and computer centre.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sconul.ac.uk/pubs_stats/newsletter/27/ARTICL27.PDF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060930011752/http://www.sconul.ac.uk/pubs_stats/newsletter/27/ARTICL27.PDF|url-status=dead|archive-date=2006-09-30|title=SCONUL library design award for College Lane LRC – SCONUL}}</ref> There is also a substantial collection of halls of residence and student houses, and the University of Hertfordshire Students' Union is headquartered at College Lane campus. The College Lane campus is also the location of Hertfordshire International College, which is part of the Navitas group, providing a direct pathway for international students to the university.<ref name="HIBT">{{cite web |url=http://www.hibt.uk.com/ |title=HIBT |access-date=11 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704010048/http://www.hibt.uk.com/ |archive-date=4 July 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Hertfordshire Intensive Care & Emergency Simulation Centre is also located at College Lane. In 2016, the designed for purpose Science Building was opened, primarily offering teaching laboratories, a range of research laboratories and other specialist facilities.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web|title=University of Hertfordshire|url=http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/hertfordshire|publisher=The Complete University Guide|access-date=15 September 2015}}</ref> This was renamed to 'Nexus' in September 2024 to accompany the grand opening of the Spectra building opposite. Spectra, which cost £100m to construct,<ref name="RefWHTSpectra">{{cite news |title=University of Hertfordshire opens new £100 million building |url=https://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/24603826.university-hertfordshire-opens-100-million-building/ |access-date=7 May 2025 |work=Welwyn Hatfield Times}}</ref> is a five-storey facility for the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science and contains several computer rooms and research areas, a robotics lab, racing simulator, and large electronics CDIO workshop.<ref name="RefWHTSpectra" />

=== de Havilland Campus === The £120-million de Havilland campus, which was built by Carillion, opened in September 2003 and is situated within 15 minutes walk of College Lane, and is built on a former British Aerospace site.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2003/09/hertfordshire-university-opens-%C2%A3120m-pfi-campus|title=Hertfordshire university opens £120m PFI campus|publisher=Public Finance|date=25 September 2003|access-date=3 March 2018}}</ref> This campus also houses its own Learning Resource Centre, a combined library and computer centre.<ref name=brave/> '''Hertfordshire Sports Village''' which includes a gym, swimming pool, squash courts is also on this site. The large Weston Auditorium is present on the de Havilland campus, adjacent to the Learn Resource Centre. The auditorium has a capacity of 450 and can host talks both by university lectures for students and for guest lecturers for guests and students, music and films events and dance events.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/university-life/student-accommodation/where-to-live?a=7131|title=Page Contents {{!}} University of Hertfordshire|website=www.herts.ac.uk|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-date=24 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824204417/http://www.herts.ac.uk/university-life/student-accommodation/where-to-live?a=7131|url-status=dead}}</ref> The campus also contains 11 halls of residence;<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/university-life/student-accommodation/where-to-live/de-havilland-campus|title=Accommodation on de Havilland campus {{!}} University of Hertfordshire|website=www.herts.ac.uk|access-date=20 April 2016|archive-date=27 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327175226/https://www.herts.ac.uk/university-life/student-accommodation/where-to-live/de-havilland-campus|url-status=dead}}</ref> named after local towns and villages. Ashwell and Welwyn are examples of the buildings with the towns being present in Hertfordshire. The campus is mostly themed around law and business, having its business school located on the campus as well as its law school. A full scale, mocked up court room is present, being available for use for students studying a law degree. Along with publicly Northampton University it provides the 2 years accelerated law degree.{{citation needed|date=November 2018}}

=== Bayfordbury Campus === {{main|Bayfordbury Observatory}} A third 50-hectare site in Bayfordbury houses the university's astronomical and atmospheric physics remote sensing observatory,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bayfordbury.herts.ac.uk|title=Bayfordbury Observatory|access-date=15 July 2015}}</ref> Regional Science Learning Centre,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sciencelearningcentres.org.uk/consortia/ce/our-venues/science-learning-centre/science-learning-centre-bayfordbury/ |title=Science Learning Centre Bayfordbury | Science CPD for Science Educators |access-date=15 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710152404/https://www.sciencelearningcentres.org.uk/consortia/ce/our-venues/science-learning-centre/science-learning-centre-bayfordbury/ |archive-date=10 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and field stations for biology and geography programmes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/research/hhsri/research-areas-hhsri/human-and-environmental-sciences/agriculture-biotechnology-environmental-sciences-geography/ecology/bayfordbury-field-station|title=Bayfordbury Field Station|access-date=15 July 2015}}</ref>

Situated approximately {{convert|6|mi|km|0|abbr=off}} from the main campus, it houses one of the largest astronomical teaching observatories in the United Kingdom. The observatory has formed part of the astronomy-related degree programmes since it opened in 1970.<ref name="About the Observatory">{{cite web|title=About the Observatory|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/bayfordbury/about-the-observatory|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=14 September 2014}}</ref>

The seven optical telescopes at Bayfordbury campus to observe detailed images of objects in space. Moreover, the five newest telescopes are also able to be operated remotely. The 4.5-metre radio telescope and 3-dish 115-metre baseline interferometer allow a completely different view of the universe. These are connected to 21 cm line receivers, to detect the neutral hydrogen in the galaxy and extragalactic radio sources.<ref name="About the Observatory"/>

=== Meridian House === Home to some Schools within the Health and Human Faculty, this building is located on the edge of Hatfield town centre, off College Lane campus.<ref>{{cite web|title=UH 2020 Estates Vision|url=https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/7195/UH_2020_Estates_Vision.pdf|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=1 October 2014}}</ref> Meridian House is the location of eight clinical skills laboratories for nursing and midwifery programmes of the university. Skills facilities and ambulances for paramedic training are also situated at Meridian House, aside from counselling programme and staff offices.<ref>{{cite web|title=Meridian House|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/where-to-find-us/meridian-house|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=1 October 2014}}</ref>

=== Facilities ===

==== Art collection ==== [[File:Ben Nicholson by Mabel Pryde.jpg|thumb|Ben Nicholson, British painter of abstract compositions whose work is included in the University of Hertfordshire art collection.]] The University of Hertfordshire holds over 500 artworks in its art collection. The ethos of the UH Art Collection is to present modern and contemporary art in places where people study, work and visit. This reflects the University of Hertfordshire's determination to provide not only an attractive education setting but also one which will inform, enlighten and enhance the life of its students, staff and the local community.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite web|title=University of Hertfordshire|url=https://artuk.org/visit/venues/university-of-hertfordshire-4537|publisher=Art UK|access-date=13 August 2015}}</ref> The UH Art Collection was established in 1952, as part of Hertfordshire Country Council's commitment to the post-war programme. The collection has a diverse portfolio including photography, textile, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media and works by Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Andy Goldsworthy, Alan Davie, and Diane MacLean.<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/>

==== Transportation==== Hertfordshire operates a regular shuttle bus service, Park and Ride, which connects 800 parking spaces at Angerland Common with its College Lane and de Havilland Campus facilities. The scheme started in 2006, when it is initially provided with the 700-car facility at Angerland Common, off South Way, Hatfield, in a bid to get cars off surrounding roads.

Since 2006, the university has planned on opening a second venue, with 150 spaces, at the south side car park at Stanborough Lakes in Welwyn Garden City. This second park and ride site was used for a brief time in 2009 served by bus service 692. It was withdrawn due to lack of use.<ref>{{cite web|title=University of Hertfordshire to charge for park and ride|date=30 October 2009|url=http://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/university_of_hertfordshire_to_charge_for_park_and_ride_1_32804|publisher=Archant Community Media Ltd|access-date=10 August 2015|archive-date=1 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201175238/http://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/university_of_hertfordshire_to_charge_for_park_and_ride_1_32804|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Uno (formerly UniversityBus) is a bus service operated by the University of Hertfordshire,<ref name="Uno Buses">{{cite web|title=Uno Buses|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/case-studies/local-community/uno-buses|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=16 September 2014}}</ref> serving members of the general public, and also its own students and staff, at a discounted rate. In 1992, the University of Hertfordshire created Uno to provide student transport to the university from local areas; improve east-west travel across the county of Hertfordshire; and, to create new links between Hertfordshire and North London.<ref>{{cite web|title=University of Hertfordshire|url=http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/hertfordshire|publisher=The Complete University Guide|access-date=13 August 2015}}</ref>

=== Gallery === <gallery mode="packed" heights="170px"> File:de Havilland Campus..jpg|de Havilland Campus File:UniHerts_building.gif|Learning Resource Centre at de Havilland File:Herts_Law_Building.jpg|Law Court Building File:Accommodation at UH.jpg|Halls of Residence at de Havilland File:UH_Racing_1-200_FSUK_2006.jpg|University of Hertfordshire Racing File:Hertauditorium2.jpeg|Weston Auditorium File:Sandwich section.jpg|Sandwich Bar File:Bayfordbury.jpg|Bayfordbury Observatory </gallery>

== University symbols == [[File:St-albans-cath.jpg|thumb|The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban is the location of the university's annual award ceremonies.]]

=== Academic dress === The University of Hertfordshire prescribes academic dress for its members. In accordance with tradition, Hertfordshire's academic dress consists of a gown, a cap and a hood. The black gown and square cap familiar to all readers of the Beano had evolved into their present form in England by the end of the Reformation. The hood, which is now the distinctive mark of a university-level qualification, is medieval in origin, and was originally functional.<ref>Christianson and Piggott, ''<cite>[http://uhra.herts.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/2299/4633/Academic%20Dress%20Lo-res.pdf?sequence=1 Academic Dress in the University of Hertfordshire] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610213300/http://uhra.herts.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/2299/4633/Academic%20Dress%20Lo-res.pdf?sequence=1 |date=10 June 2015}}</cite>'', {{ISBN|978-1-898543-01-5}}; 2ed {{ISBN|1-905313-39-X}}</ref>

=== Ceremonial mace === The ceremonial mace was produced in 1999 by craftsman Martyn Pugh, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, member of the British Jewellers Association and a Founder Member of the Association of British Designer Silversmiths.<ref name="Commission a Craftsman">{{cite web|title=The University of Hertfordshire Ceremonial Mace|url=http://www.commissionacraftsman.com/pdfs/2350.pdf|website=commissionacraftsman.com/|publisher=Commission a Craftsman|access-date=15 August 2015|archive-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923205650/http://www.commissionacraftsman.com/pdfs/2350.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Its design symbolises the university's origins, expertise and associations. Its shape is inspired by the shape of an aeroplane wing symbolising the university's origin in the aviation industry. The head of the mace is engraved with zodiac symbols representing the university's contribution to astronomy and also contains the DNA double helix representing the biological sciences and microprocessor chips representing information and communications technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.commissionacraftsman.com/makersportfolio.asp?id=2350 |title=Martyn Pugh |website=commissionacraftsman.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413193020/http://www.commissionacraftsman.com/makersportfolio.asp?id=2350 |archive-date=13 April 2015 |url-status=dead |access-date=12 July 2017}}</ref>

=== Coat of arms === The university's coat of arms was granted in 1992. The shield is charged with an oak tree taken from the coat of arms of the former Hatfield Rural District, the constellation Perseus (containing the binary star Algol) and a representation of the letter "H" recalling the emblem of the former Hatfield Polytechnic. The crest, a Phoenix rising from an astral crown, represents the university's evolution from a technical college training apprentices for the aviation industry. The two harts supporting the shield represent the county of Hertfordshire, with the covered cups referring to A.S. Butler, who donated the land upon which the original campus was built. A scroll bears the motto ''Seek Knowledge Throughout Life''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/10379/futureswinter2010copy.pdf |title=Myth, Mystery and Materiality, Futures, Winter 2010, p. 9 |website=herts.ac.uk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801190054/https://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/10379/futureswinter2010copy.pdf |archive-date=1 August 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=12 November 2023}}</ref>

=== University logo === The standard university logo comprises the university name and the ''UH'' symbol in a horizontal panel.<ref name="Standard University Logo">{{cite web|title=Standard University Logo|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/16593/standardlogo_nov2013.pdf|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=16 September 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052306/http://www.herts.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/16593/standardlogo_nov2013.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> There is an exclusion zone equivalent to the height of the H in the logo above, below and to the right of the logo. The university has created an endorsed version of the logo to be used where legibility is an issue with the standard logo. It comprises just the university name in a horizontal panel.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|title=The University of Hertfordshire logo|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/brand/brand-guidelines/brand-components/logo|website=herts.ac.uk/|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=16 September 2014}}</ref> Although the university brands its logo in various colours, the standard colours are black and white.<ref name="Standard University Logo"/>

== Academic profile ==

=== Rankings & Reputation === {{Infobox UK university rankings | ARWU_W = 801–900 | QS_W = 901–950 | QS_N= | THE_W = 601–800 | THE_N = 60 | LINE_1 = 0 | Complete = 82 | The_Guardian = 49 | Times/Sunday_Times = 67 }} The University of Hertfordshire is recognised as one of the top twenty universities in the world to study animation.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 20 Schools to Study VFX/Animation and Next-Gen Gaming for 2015|url=http://www.cgstudentawards.com/magazine/entry/top-20-schools-to-study-vfx-animation-and-next-gen-gaming-for-2015|publisher=CG Student|access-date=15 September 2015|archive-date=28 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228192246/http://www.cgstudentawards.com/magazine/entry/top-20-schools-to-study-vfx-animation-and-next-gen-gaming-for-2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

According to the UK Graduate Outcomes Survey, 84.5% of full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (2022–23).<ref>{{cite web |title=Table 1 - Graduate activities by provider and sex |url=https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/graduates/table-1 |publisher=HESA |access-date=4 April 2026}}</ref>

University of Hertfordshire ranked 601–800 among world universities in Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-hertfordshire|title=University of Hertfordshire|date=25 March 2019|website=Times Higher Education (THE)}}</ref>

It was awarded the '' Entrepreneurial University of the Year'' by ''Times Higher Education'' in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/awards/the-awards-archive/times-higher-education-awards-2010-winners/2001502.article|title=Times Higher Education Awards 2010 winners|date=1 January 1994|website=Times Higher Education (THE)}}</ref> In 2026, it was ranked 82nd by The Complete University Guide among UK universities.

=== QAA and OIA === The university underwent a Higher Education Review by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in 2015, which concluded that it met UK expectations for academic standards and quality.<ref>https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/reports/university-of-hertfordshire-her-15.pdf</ref>

According to the annual statistics from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, the university issued 44 completion of procedures letters in relation to student complaints in 2024. This is below the band medium of 126, possibly suggesting greater student satisfaction when compared to universities of a similar size.<ref name="oiahe.org.uk">{{Cite web|url=https://statements.oiahe.org.uk/statement/NTNiNmU4ZjEtZTY5Yy1lZDExLWFhZDEtNjA0NWJkODg2MjI5LzIwMjQ%3D|title=Annual Statement for 2024|website=oiahe.org.uk|access-date=23 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Partner institutions === The university holds a number of formal links with top-ranking institutions from around the world to share teaching and research and facilitate staff and student exchanges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Partner universities|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/international/exchanges-and-study-abroad/study-abroad|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=30 June 2015}}</ref> * Chulalongkorn University, Thailand * James Cook University, Australia * McGill University, Canada * Nanyang Technological University, Singapore * Stony Brook University, US * University of Oklahoma, US * Yonsei University, Korea

Aside from its international partners, the university has also strong regional agenda and a number of partner institutions in the region: Elstree Screen Arts Academy a university technical college located in Borehamwood; The Watford UTC, a University Technical College for the Watford area.<ref>Watford Observer, http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/11396051.parking_concerns_could_put_the_breaks_on_watford_university_technical_college/</ref> The UTC specialises in Event Management and Computer Sciences.

== Research ==

The university has three research institutes: Health and Human Sciences Research Institute; Science and Technology Research Institute; Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities Research Institute. Also an expanding research profile with key strengths in areas of nursing, psychology, history, philosophy, physics and computer science.<ref name="thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk">{{cite web|title=University of Hertfordshire|url=http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/hertfordshire|publisher=The Complete University Guide|access-date=14 August 2015}}</ref>

=== HR Excellence in Research === In recognition of development activities related to research careers and the position of researchers at the university, the European Commission awarded University of Hertfordshire the right to use the HR Excellence in Research logo in spring 2010.<ref name="thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk"/><ref name="Watford Observer">{{cite web|title=University of Hertfordshire leading Europe in research staff career development|url=http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/business/8742581.University_of_Hertfordshire_leading_Europe_in_research_staff_career_development/|work=Watford Observer|access-date=14 August 2015|archive-date=1 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201064611/http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/business/8742581.University_of_Hertfordshire_leading_Europe_in_research_staff_career_development/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Research Excellence Framework === In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 assessment, over 78% of the university's research was rated 'world leading' and 'internationally excellent'.<ref>{{cite web|title=University of Hertfordshire: Results and submissions|url=https://results2021.ref.ac.uk/profiles/institutions/10007147|publisher=REF 2021|access-date=4 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=World leading research|url=https://www.herts.ac.uk/research/ref2021|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=4 April 2026}}</ref>

=== Kaspar === {{stack|thumb|Kaspar}} thumb|right|Rocket-powered car designed by the University of Hertfordshire Kaspar, a social robot, has been designed by the University of Hertfordshire's Adaptive Systems Research Group (ASRG). The Kaspar project began in 2005, drawing upon previous researches to develop a social robot for engaging autistic children in a variety of play scenarios. The aim was to research whether interacting and communicating with Kaspar would help children with autism interact and communicate more easily with people. This is important because there is mounting evidence that early intervention for children with autism may change the child's development trajectory. Kaspar is a research tool with programmed responses adapted to be used by an autistic child in a safe, non-judgemental environment.<ref>{{cite news|title=Robot at Hertfordshire University aids autistic children|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-16261057|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 September 2014|date=25 December 2011}}</ref> The Kaspar research has shown that robots may provide a safe and predictable tool for children with autism, that enables the children to learn social interaction and communication skills, addressing specific therapeutic and educational objectives (for example, being able to engage in direct eye-contact or shared eye-gaze), in an enjoyable play context.<ref>{{cite web|title=Developing KASPAR|url=http://www.herts.ac.uk/kaspar/introducing-kaspar/developing-kaspar|publisher=University of Hertfordshire|access-date=14 September 2014}}</ref>

=== Rocket powered car === As part of the final year Aerospace Project, students and staffs from the University of Hertfordshire designed, built and tested a full sized rocket powered car under the mentorship of Ray Wilkinson, a senior professor from Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.With support from BBC - Bang Goes the Theory and Host Dallas Campbell, the Vauxhall VX220 sports car, was fitted with a large hybrid rocket motor that is designed to produce over half a tonne of thrust was tested in the Duxford Aerodrome.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.cision.com/university-of-hertfordshire/r/first-student-built-rocket-car-goes-off-with-a--bang-,c9248245|title=First Student Built Rocket Car Goes Off with a 'Bang'|website=News Powered by Cision|date=18 April 2012 |access-date=2019-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.herts.ac.uk/rocketry/rocket-powered-car|title=Rocket-powered car|website=www.herts.ac.uk|access-date=2019-07-14}}</ref> The project got lot of attention for its unprecedented success story and was showcased in local places to build interest in STEM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stalbansreview.co.uk/news/9689565.students-to-wow-shoppers-with-rocket-powered-car/|title=Students to wow shoppers with rocket powered car|website=St Albans & Harpenden Review|date=4 May 2012 |access-date=2019-07-14}}</ref>

== Student life == thumb|Logo of Hertfordshire Students' Union The main source of nightlife is the Forum, which houses three entertainment spaces, a restaurant, a café, multiple bars and onsite parking.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=University of Hertfordshire|url=http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/hertfordshire|publisher=The Complete University Guide|access-date=12 September 2015}}</ref> '''Hertfordshire Students' Union (HSU)''' is the Students' Union of the University of Hertfordshire.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hertfordshire Students' Union|url=http://www.hertfordshire.su/|publisher=Hertfordshire Students' Union|access-date=13 September 2014}}</ref> The Students' Union Social Centre was opened in 1977.<ref name="Hertfordshire County Council"/> The Hatfield Technical College's management encouraged the establishment of a Student Representative Council (SRC) in 1982, to create a sense of unity and expand the social activities of its day students. The SRC was affiliated to the National Union of Students but initially restricted itself largely to social activities. After 1988 it began to campaign on issues such as improvements to the canteen, lifting the ban on religious or political activity within the then Hatfield Polytechnic, and for a formal students' union. The sectarian ban was finally lifted in 1992 and a Union granted in 1995. However, the canteen continued to be an issue throughout the 2000s. The Students' Union at the University of Hertfordshire represents all students in the university by organising campus activities and running different clubs and societies, from sports to entertainment.<ref name="ReferenceC"/>

===Sport===

====Rowing==== The University of Hertfordshire Rowing Club is affiliated to British Rowing (boat code UHE)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishrowing.org/club/university-of-hertfordshire-rc/|title=Club details|website=British Rowing}}</ref> and Dave Bell became a British champion after winning the men's double sculls title at the 2010 British Rowing Championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://britchamps.org/sites/default/files/resultsarchive/res10sun.html|title=2010 Championships - Results of Sunday Racing|website=British Rowing Championships|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206055602/http://britchamps.org/sites/default/files/resultsarchive/res10sun.html|archive-date=6 December 2016}}</ref>

====American Football==== The University of Hertfordshire American Football team, The Hurricanes, is affiliated to British Universities American Football League (BUAFL) Premier League South<ref>https://www.facebook.com/UHAUAmericanFootball {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>

== Notable alumni == {{further|Category:Alumni of the University of Hertfordshire}} {{alumni|date=March 2025}}

=== Arts, science and academia === *Whitney Adebayo – Television personality and businessowner<ref>{{cite news |last=Soen |first=Hayley |title=This is where all the cast of Love Island 2023 went to university and what they studied |url=https://thetab.com/uk/2023/06/09/love-island-2023-cast-university-degree-courses-311902 |access-date=31 July 2023 |work=The Tab |date=8 June 2023 |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730073656/https://thetab.com/uk/2023/06/09/love-island-2023-cast-university-degree-courses-311902 |url-status=live}}</ref> *Jean Bacon – Professor of Distributed Systems, Computer Laboratory, University of Cambridge *Tony Banham – Founder of the Hong Kong War Diary project *Nick Hector – British Canadian documentary filmmaker *Sean Hedges-Quinn – British sculptor and animator *Diane Maclean – Sculptor and environmental artist *David Mba – Vice Chancellor, Birmingham City University *Ben Mosley – Expressive artist *Ciarán O'Keeffe – Psychologist specialising in parapsychology and forensic psychology

=== Government, politics and society === {{CSS image crop |Image = Ishraque Hossain in 2025.png |bSize = 200 |cWidth = 200 |cHeight = 200 |oTop = |oLeft = |Location = right |Description = Ishraque Hossain, State Minister of Liberation War Affairs and MP }} *Abdulaziz bin Abdullah – Deputy minister of foreign affairs in Saudi Arabia *John Cryer – English Labour Party politician *Onn Hafiz Ghazi – 19th Menteri Besar of Johor in Malaysia *Richard Howitt – Member of the European Parliament for the Labour Party for the East of England *Akif Çağatay Kılıç – Current Minister of Youth and Sports of Turkey *Darell Leiking – Former minister of the international trade & industry of Malaysia (MITI) and current MP in Malaysian Parliament *Gwen O'Mahony – Former MLA in the 39th Parliament of British Columbia * Ishraque Hossain - State Minister of Liberation War Affairs and Bangladeshi MP *Mark Oaten – British former politician who was a senior member of the Liberal Democrats *Fiona Onasanya – Labour Member of Parliament *Mohamad Sarif Pudin – Acting Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) since 2023 *Lawrie Quinn – Labour politician in England *Prince Raj – Member of Indian Parliament *Claire Ward – British Labour Party politician *Sarah West – First woman to be appointed to command a major warship in the Royal Navy

=== Business and finance === *Chris Gubbey – Auto executive for General Motors (Hatfield Polytechnic)<ref>{{cite web | title=Holden names its new boss | website=wheelsmag.com.au | date=6 July 2011 | url=http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/site/articleIDs/004E41C427CC1204CA2572E9000B6670 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070909000959/http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/site/articleIDs/004E41C427CC1204CA2572E9000B6670 | archive-date=9 September 2007 | url-status=dead | access-date=27 March 2025}}</ref> *Luke Scheybeler – British designer and entrepreneur *Spindrella Kelly - Nigerian entrepreneur

=== Media and entertainment === {{CSS image crop |Image = Sanjeev Bhaskar Asian Awards 2015.jpg |bSize = 200 |cWidth = 200 |cHeight = 200 |oTop = |oLeft = |Location = right |Description = Sanjeev Bhaskar, OBE, comedian and Chancellor of the University of Sussex }} *Kate Bellingham – British engineer and BBC presenter *Yulia Brodskaya – Artist and illustrator known for her handmade elegant and detailed paper illustrations *Sanjeev Bhaskar – British comedian, actor and broadcaster *Matthew Buckley – British actor *Stevyn Colgan – British writer, artist and speaker *Sonia Deol – British radio and television presenter, currently at GlobalBC in Vancouver, Canada (previously BBC Asian Network) *Des de Moor – member of The Irresistible Force with Morris Gould aka Mixmaster Morris; co-organiser of Ambient techno industrial techno evening, ''Madhouse'', at The Fridge (nightclub), Brixton in 1988<ref name="LarkinDM">{{cite book|title=The Virgin Encyclopedia of Dance Music|editor=Colin Larkin|publisher=Virgin Books|date=1998|edition=First|isbn=0-7535-0252-6|page=224}}</ref> *Guvna B – Urban contemporary gospel rap artist and composer *Bob Johnson – British guitarist formerly in the electric folk band ''Steeleye Span'' * Chris Knowles, member of anarchist punk rock collective Hagar the Womb, also known as industrial techno DJ Chris Liberator *Lisa Lazarus – British model and actress *Helen Lederer, Comedian, writer and actress who emerged as part of the alternative comedy boom at the beginning of the 1980s *Upen Patel – British male model and film actor *Flux Pavilion – British dubstep musician (real name Josh Steele)

=== Sports and athletics ===

{{CSS image crop |Image = USO - Saracens - 20151213 - Owen Farrell 8.jpg |bSize = 200 |cWidth = 200 |cHeight = 200 |oTop = 20 |oLeft = |Location = right |Description = Owen Farrell, English professional rugby union player for Saracens }} *Ajaz Akhtar – Former British cricketer *Steve Borthwick – Former English rugby union footballer who played lock for Saracens and Bath *Noah Cato – Rugby union player *Iain Dowie – Football manager *Owen Farrell – England, Saracens rugby union player *Gavin Fisher – Former chief designer of the Williams Formula One team. *Alex Goode – Professional British rugby union player *Aaron Liffchak – Rugby union footballer *Michael Owen – Rugby union player: former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain *Sachin Patel – Former British cricketer *Tom Ryder – Rugby union player *Alex Skeel – English football coach, domestic violence survivor

==Notes== {{notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

== External links == * {{commons-inline}} * [http://www.herts.ac.uk University of Hertfordshire official website]

{{University of Hertfordshire|state=expanded}} {{Universities in the United Kingdom}} {{University Alliance}} {{Universities and colleges in the East of England}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hertfordshire, University Of}} Category:University of Hertfordshire Category:Universities and colleges established in 1952 Category:1952 establishments in England Category:University Alliance Category:Exempt charities Category:Education in Hertfordshire Category:Universities UK