Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.04.2
Located in Gloucestershire, in the heart of the English countryside, Hartpury University offers highly specialised courses in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary education.
The university offers qualifications at both college and university level, including vocational diplomas and undergraduate degrees, as well as both taught and applied research degrees at master's level, as well as a selection of PhDs. Study programmes are available across the subjects of animal, agriculture, business, equine, sport and veterinary studies. Its exemplary teaching methods have received a prestigious overall rating of Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
Hartpury University's campus is situated within 360 hectares of rural grounds. It offers world-class facilities and expertise, small class sizes and a personal approach to learning. It is home to a 4,600-strong student body, all passionate about performance, academia, and business. Learners help to improve the futures of people, animals and the planet, whilst developing their own expertise and careers.
In recent years, the university has received investments totalling more than £50 million, a significant proportion of which is invested directly into its world-class teaching facilities and technologies. Facilities include a commercial farm that supplies major brands, a £2 million Agri-Tech Centre, canine and equine therapy centres, sports injury clinics, and professional athlete training on-site.
In addition, Hartpury University is home to international arenas hosting events, and an animal collection with over 70 species. It also boasts 11 commercial businesses on site, which offer excellent learning and research opportunities.
Hartpury University students on Whatuni say:
''Hartpury University is an outstanding institution that truly excels in providing a top-notch educational experience.''
''It is such a great place to study as the facilities are incredible and the lectures have good connections with industry experts.''
''For me, this university, I really like everything about it: the opportunities they give you to have a future, the internships we do, and all the doors they open for you.''
4.5Many students choose to pursue study at Hartpury University due to its world-class resources, with over £50 million invested in state-of-the-art educational facilities in recent years.
In addition to globally renowned equine, Veterinary Nursing-Technical Skills Centre, and sports and nutrition centres, the campus is also home to over 70 domesticated and non-domesticated species, and 11 specialist businesses including a commercial farm, where students can experience the hands-on aspects of running an agricultural enterprise.
The Graze facility is a dedicated centre for students to grab some food, meet friends, or catch up on studies in relaxed social areas, with the upstairs area home to modern classrooms and learning spaces. The new SU Loft is a modern space for socialising, studying, and events.
Hartpury University students on Whatuni say:
''Good quality study spaces and modern technology.''
''The facilities are impressive, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and sports facilities that cater to a wide range of disciplines.''
''New veterinary nursing and technical skill centre. Was very much needed and looks amazing.''
Hartpury University is a beautiful place to live and study. Students are surrounded by the tranquil Cotswold countryside, only a few miles away from lively Gloucester city and Cheltenham town.
Both Gloucester and Cheltenham offer an active nightlife, great shopping opportunities and an abundance of spectator sports.
Hartpury University's students' union co-ordinates a number of clubs and societies, including a large selection of competitive and recreational sports teams.
Students can get involved with all kinds of sports, from equestrian and polo to hockey and vaulting, not to mention the sports academies for those looking to play at an elite level.
If students can't find the society or sports club they're looking for, the SU can help them in starting their own.
4.0Graduate outcomes
Students at Hartpury University achieve consistently excellent graduate employability figures. The university has an extremely high graduate employment rate, with 95% of graduates finding employment or engaged with further study or other meaningful activity within 15 months of completing their course (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025).
Careers support
Hartpury University also has 11 working businesses on-site, including an equine therapy centre, rider performance centre, sports business hub, Hartpury Medical Centre, Digital Innovation Farm, and athletes competing across nine performance Sports Academies. This unique set-up provides students with excellent access to industry professionals, facilities and research subjects.
Not only do students at Hartpury University build their knowledge and gain hands-on practical skills throughout their degree, but they are also supported every step of their journey by professional business people, top athletes, and expert clinical practitioners.
Complementing this, the university's employability, skills and careers team boasts professional connections with over 3,000 local and national businesses. Qualified staff are on hand to offer careers support and guidance to students, including:
4.0All first year undergraduate students are guaranteed accommodation, either surrounded by beautiful countryside on-campus, or off-campus in Gloucester city centre.
En-suite rooms in the self-catered halls on-campus give great access to Hartpury's exemplary facilities, including its livery yard, gym, sports facilities, and student bar.
The Hartpury Gloucester accommodation (Blackfriars) is a popular option, offering modern, en-suite rooms with queen-size beds, and large communal areas. Direct bus links ensure easy travel to and from campus, and it's only a 10 minute walk to the train station.
All first year undergraduate students are guaranteed accommodation.
Hartpury University students on Whatuni say:
''Accommodating and supplied with all the essentials, including a fridge in your room which I found so helpful''
''The campus is in a great location in the countryside which feels more refreshing to work in.''
''Blackfriars is modern and tidy and close to everything needed in Gloucester.''
Hartpury University, along with its partners and other organisations, offers a range of financial support packages to eligible students. Options include scholarships, studentships and bursaries. Students are encouraged to carefully review the financial aid available at the university to determine their eligibility.
Undergraduate scholarships at Hartpury University include:
Undergraduate course fees are charged per year. The following tuition fees information applies to the academic year starting 2025 only.
All students are advised to check the tuition fee for their desired course prior to application.
Hartpury University prides itself on the quality of its curriculum and impressive educational facilities. Students benefit from a personalised learning experience, supported by the university's purposefully small class sizes.
Courses are designed with industry needs in mind, which ensures content is relevant to current professional practices and graduates are sought-after by employers. Many courses are accredited, including veterinary nursing degrees (accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons), sports therapy degrees (accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists) and business degrees (accredited by Chartered Management Institute)
Hartpury University's reputation attracts some of the most accomplished professionals from around the world into its teaching ranks. Lecturers have years of industry experience, and many have worked overseas in top roles within professions including coaching, psychology, behavioural science, nutrition, and veterinary science.
In the most recent Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), the university received a Gold ranking across all three areas: Overall, Student Experience, and Student Outcomes. This award places Hartpury University in the top 15% of universities in England
At Hartpury University, the learning experience expands beyond the campus. Students and staff regularly come together to share best practice developments at global conferences and publish their findings in renowned academic journals, and have featured in national and international media.
Hartpury University students on Whatuni say:
''Most lectures are very quick to respond via email and are happy to help when there are questions about the work or assignments.''
''Lecturers are very friendly and helpful.''
''Lovely lecturers, weekly tutorials, some lectures very content heavy others more focus on assignment writing and literature reviews with a mixture of assessment types.''
Agriculture
Hartpury University's estate boasts its own commercial farm, where students can experience milking, calving, lambing and rearing, and observe and assist with veterinary procedures.
Students have access to the government-backed Digital Innovation Farm project and an Agri-Tech Centre.
Equine
A state-of-the-art rider performance centre contains the most advanced riding simulators in the world, a leading equine therapy centre, and stabling for 230 horses.
The university hosts major international equine events and promotes rider development and competition opportunities.
Sports
Facilities include the Sports Academy, where students work with elite athletes across 10 sports academies, and players from Hartpury RFC and Gloucester-Hartpury.
Students enjoy a 1,500m² multi-sports hall, 3G pitches, rugby and football pitches, courts, power and cross-training gyms, biomechanics and human performance labs, and a rehabilitation suite.
Animal
The university's many on-site species include invertebrates, reptiles, livestock and exotic species.
Hartpury's animal science laboratories and veterinary nursing centre are the perfect hub for students to learn more about anatomy and physiology, including dissections.
Veterinary nursing
Students have access to the dedicated Veterinary Nursing Clinical Skills Centre, and benefit from extensive on-site specialist facilities across animal, equine and agriculture.
Hartpury University students on Whatuni say:
''Amazing facilities that allow students to get hands on experience handling specialised equipment and animals.''
''Whether you're studying agriculture, equine, veterinary science, or sports management, the resources available are unparalleled and enhance the learning process.''
''I am very happy to have chosen this university to continue my education and grow professionally.''
3.7Hartpury University has an active students' union (SU), which acts as a representational body of the Hartpury community, ensuring the student voice is heard, running the university's clubs and societies, and organising on-site entertainment throughout the year, including the summer ball which hosts big-name acts.
Additionally, the SU provides employability support and opportunities for students to get involved in charity work, volunteering, and campaigning.
Hartpury University students on Whatuni say:
''I really enjoy the location of the campus, and the campus itself with the facilities it offers.''
''Exploring through the city has been one of my favourite things through learning all of the history from the area and, of course, shopping.''
''Lovely atmosphere.''
4.2Hartpury University is in the top ten UK universities for academic support, according to results published by the National Student Survey (2025). This is made possible by the university's dedicated network of support staff, who are on hand to make sure students have the best experience possible.
Support staff include qualified counsellors, nurses, and wellbeing officers. For many common issues, the programme manager is usually the first port of call, with student services and wellbeing teams available to help with everything else, from finance and accommodation to health and happiness. Learning support is also readily available.
The Hartpury University Achievement and Success Centre Team has a proven track-record of making a huge difference to students' marks. Qualified staff assist students in identifying and achieving their academic and personal goals. Meanwhile, the employability, skills and careers team offers information, advice, guidance and workshops to support students with all aspects of their career goals.
Hartpury University students on Whatuni say:
'' Academic tutors are great and offer lots of support or point you in the direction of someone who can offer more support.''
''I find the student support at Hartpury unparalleled. The staff are extremely supportive, friendly and are always aiming to improve.''
''I found everyone supportive and committed to student success and greatness.''
4.3
