University of Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire has been an innovative force in education since the early 1950s. With heritage in Britain’s pioneering aeronautical industry, the University today hosts a thriving community of more than 30,000 students, studying 550 degree options at our vibrant, inclusive campus-based institution. Our strong relationships with industry and award-winning careers services complement high-quality teaching to ensure Herts’ students gain the knowledge and skills needed to match their ambition to succeed.

Our academics are experts in their fields, powered by curiosity and driven to deliver research that’s making a meaningful social and environmental impact in the UK and beyond. We are proud to have risen 21 places in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 to position 62. In addition to our excellent overall performance, we have risen 61 places to position 32 in the ranking for research impact - a greater rise than any other university. This means that the impact of our research exceeds that of any post-92 university, and is within the top 25% of all universities. 90% of our research has been classified as having ‘outstanding’ (4*) or ‘very considerable’ (3*) impact.

The University of Hertfordshire is ranked among the top 50 universities in the UK in the 2026 Guardian University Guide. The Guide placed the University 49 out of 123 UK universities, a significant rise of 26 places that earned Herts the additional accolade of being one of the global news organisation’s top 10 highest climbers for 2026.

96% of our postgraduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23), and the University has been nominated for University of the Year (THE Awards, 2025). We are ranked 1st in the East of England for postgraduate study (Whatuni Student Choice Awards, 2024), and 1st in the UK for support and top 10 in every other section (PTES, 2024).

​With graduate employability at the heart of its master’s programmes, the University of Hertfordshire offers on-campus, postgraduate taught students a guaranteed, voluntary internship, providing the opportunity to gain real-world experience and develop in-demand skills in their chosen career. Completed 100% online, these internships are flexible around study commitments while helping students strengthen their CVs and expand their professional networks. Students can choose from over 250,000 internships across 18 career fields, giving them valuable experience to boost their careers.

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

Career defining opportunities at Herts

Our mission is to open doors to new opportunities that define the course of your career. We offer a huge variety postgraduate courses across our six Schools, covering everything from creative arts to sustainable planning, with flexible study options that work around you. And with expert guidance and support as well as fantastic links to business, we can help make your dreams your reality.

Why choose postgraduate study at Herts?

• Employment prospects: 96% of our postgraduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).
• Industry connections: Both here and abroad offer professional networking opportunities.
• Financial support: No application fees. We offer a 20% postgraduate fee discount for University of Hertfordshire graduates. Plus, there’s financial support, including student loans of up to £12,471, and bursaries of up to £29,000. Find out more about discounts, loans, bursaries, scholarships and grants.
• Excellent location: Hertfordshire has been voted the UK’s best place to live and is just 25 minutes from London.
• Fantastic facilities: Multi-million-pound facilities include a mock law court and flight simulation suites and a brand new multi-million pound School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building.
• Award-winning research: For research impact, the University of Hertfordshire is the top ranked post-92 university and in the top 25% of all universities (learn more about the Research Excellence Framework, 2021).
• Guaranteed online internship: voluntary internship for all on-campus postgraduate taught students.​

Subject areas

• Accounting and Finance
• Animation, Film, Games, and Creative Media
• Architecture
• Art and Design
• Biological Sciences
• Business
• Computer Science, AI & Robotics
• Education and Teaching
• Engineering
• English and Creative Writing
• Geography and Environment
• Health, Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work
• History and Philosophy
• Law and Criminology
• Media and Journalism
• Music Composition, Technology, and Production
• Physics, Astronomy, and Mathematics
• Psychology
• Sport

Postgraduate Research

The University of Hertfordshire has a stimulating and vibrant research community which will fully support you as you pursue your path towards academic excellence. We offer a wide variety of research degrees to suit your personal and professional interests and goals. Students benefit from a range of events, bringing together the junior and senior researchers promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as financial and wellbeing support.

Future career prospects

A postgraduate degree from Herts will power or even pivot the direction of your career. Your degree will help you to stand out from the crowd, and our strong industry connections will open doors and opportunities for your future. 96% of our postgraduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Open Day event takes place throughout the year and are a great opportunity to connect with our academics and explore your course options, as well as speak with current students to see what life as a postgraduate student is all about.

Postgraduate events offer a chance to explore your course, interact with academics, and discover the benefits of further study. Visit our website to register your interest.

Location

Located in Hatfield, the University of Hertfordshire is just 25 minutes by train from London and within easy access of the A1(M). Hertfordshire has been voted as the UK’s best place to live (reference).

Our two sites, College Lane and de Havilland are situated less than a kilometre apart. A network of pathways, cycle routes and handy shuttle buses connects the sites.

Facilities and support

At Herts, we want all of our students and staff to get the very most out of their experience. Our fantastic facilities are continually improving to support our ever-growing community, and we offer study, social and support facilities that enhance the student experience. Explore our campus facilities.

Funding and scholarships

We offer a range of tuition fee discounts and non-repayable scholarships to support our postgraduate students. Herts graduates are automatically awarded a 20% discount on postgraduate fees.

You can get funding for postgraduate study through studentships, loans, bursaries and grants - you might also get help from your employer.

Find out more about postgraduate funding

How to apply

We welcome applications until courses start in September and January; however, some courses fill and close quickly and so it is strongly recommended that you submit your application as early as possible.

Whether you're interested in a taught or research postgraduate degree, you can apply to most courses directly via our website. All you need to do is head over to a course page that interests you and the click on the 'apply now' button.

Some courses only accept applications through the UCAS website. If this is relevant to the course you're interested in, you'll just need to follow the instructions on the course webpage on our website.

For PGCE courses, you’ll need to apply via the new postgraduate teacher training application system called DfE apply.