University of Hertfordshire

University of Hertfordshire
Name	University of Hertfordshire
Established	1952 as Hatfield Technical College; gained university status 1992
Type	Public
Chancellor	The Lord Salisbury
Vice chancellor	Quintin McKellar
Location	Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Campus	Suburban
Affiliations	University Alliance, Association of Commonwealth Universities

University of Hertfordshire. The University of Hertfordshire is a public research university based largely in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, in the East of England. It traces its origins to the mid-20th century and achieved university status following the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. Known for its strong industry connections and innovative approach, the university has a significant focus on science, technology, and business education.

History

The institution's origins lie in the founding of Hatfield Technical College in 1952, created to serve the educational needs of the local aerospace industry, notably the nearby de Havilland aircraft company. In 1969, it was designated a polytechnic, becoming Hatfield Polytechnic, a key part of the UK polytechnic system. Under the leadership of figures like Sir John Cassels, it expanded its curriculum significantly. Following the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, it was granted university status and adopted its present name, embarking on a period of major campus redevelopment and expansion throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

Campuses and facilities

The main university campus is the **College Lane Campus** in Hatfield, featuring the Learning Resources Centre, the Science Building, and student accommodation. The **de Havilland Campus**, also in Hatfield, is home to the Business School, Law School, and sports facilities including a Sports Village. Specialist facilities are spread across other sites, such as the Bayfordbury Field Station for astronomy and geography, and the St Albans Campus for health and social work programmes. The university also operates the West Herts College partnership for further education pathways.

Organisation and governance

The university is a charitable corporation governed by a Board of Governors and led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Quintin McKellar. The ceremonial head is the Chancellor, The Lord Salisbury. It is structured into several academic schools, including the Hertfordshire Business School, the School of Engineering and Computer Science, and the School of Health and Social Work. The university is a member of the University Alliance and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Academic profile

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, with particular strengths in aerospace engineering, computer science, pharmacy, and nursing. It has strong research centres such as the Centre for Astrophysics Research and the Health and Human Sciences Research Institute. The institution has formal partnerships with organisations like GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, and the National Health Service. It participates in the European Union's Erasmus Programme and has numerous international collaborative agreements with institutions worldwide.

Student life

Student life is coordinated by the University of Hertfordshire Students' Union, which oversees over 100 societies and sports clubs. The union operates venues like The Forum on the College Lane Campus. The university fields teams in the British Universities and Colleges Sport leagues. Annual events include Freshers' Week and graduation ceremonies held at St Albans Cathedral. Student media includes the radio station Crush Radio and the magazine HertBeat.

Notable people

Notable alumni include Sir Michael Burton, a High Court judge; Karen Brady, business executive and vice-chairman of West Ham United F.C.; and Natalie Bennett, former leader of the Green Party of England and Wales. In academia, Dame Carol Black is a prominent advisor on health and work. In entertainment, alumni include actor Sean Pertwee and television presenter Jasmine Harman. Former staff include computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee, who served as a professor of computer science.

Category:Universities in England Category:Educational institutions established in 1952 Category:1992 establishments in England