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Based in Gloucestershire, in the heart of England’s countryside, Hartpury University is a specialist provider of agriculture, animal, equine, sport, and veterinary education. Across these specialised fields, the university offers both taught and applied research degrees at master’s level, as well as a range of PhDs.
Hartpury’s campus is situated within 360 hectares of rural grounds and offers its 4,600-strong student body an array of world-class facilities and expertise. The university’s small class sizes ensures that students experience a personalised approach to learning as they conduct research which helps to improve the futures of people, animals, and the planet. At Hartpury, students are provided with the tools to develop their expertise as they plan for successful future careers in performance, academia, and industry.
The university has received investments totalling more than £50 million in recent years, a significant part of which is invested in its world-class teaching facilities and technologies. There are 11 businesses on site, which each offer excellent learning, research, and career opportunities for postgraduate students.
Hartpury University students on Postgraduate Search say:
“Hartpury is a great campus for anyone who wishes to study in the fields of animal welfare, agriculture, sport, equine or vet nursing.”
“I love studying at Hartpury, with lecturers who really care about students as individuals and have excellent knowledge in their field. It has completely transformed me as a person in the best possible way.”
“Fantastic lecturers. Amazing campus and facilities. Great student support.”
Postgraduate
Hartpury University provides an array of postgraduate courses in agriculture, animal, equine, sport, and veterinary physiotherapy subjects. Hartpury provides flexible part-time and full-time postgraduate programmes across a range of master’s degrees, PhDs, diplomas, and certificates. Courses can include weekend block delivery, supported by online learning materials, to ensure that study fits around students’ other commitments. Students can undertake postgraduate study immediately after completing their honours degree or after time out from education, and applications from industry professionals are always welcome.
Hartpury University’s excellent 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 such as coaching, psychology, behavioural science, nutrition, and veterinary science.
The university ensures that students not only have a high-quality educational experience, but also assists postgraduate students in developing their research portfolio and experience in presenting their findings. Students and staff share their progress at global conferences, publish in renowned academic journals, and feature in national and international media.
Hartpury’s postgraduate degrees are developed in consultation with real-world employers and in partnership with industry professionals. Students are supported to achieve their personal goals through small class sizes, and have opportunities to tailor modules and projects to fit their personal aspirations. Additionally, short courses in specialist areas provide further opportunities for students to strengthen their expertise and develop a range of transferable skills.
Hartpury University students on Postgraduate Search say:
“Whether in person or online, my lecturers are passionate and make themselves readily available to go over course content outside of contact hours. My favourite aspect of teaching is the blended style of theory and practice, where we begin with the theory of a topic, before engaging with it on a practical level.”
“Blended mix of online and onsite teaching which works around my job and lifestyle. Content is good and in depth and my supervisor for my dissertation is amazing and always on hand to support me. Really progressing my skills to be ready for my dream career!”
“Hartpury has brilliant and inspiring lecturers who are active in research with outstanding facilities.”
Entry requirements vary at Hartpury University on a course-by-course basis. To find out more about entry requirements for all courses, students can visit the Hartpury postgraduate application page.
Postgraduate master’s students are required to submit evidence of relevant qualifications they hold or qualifications they are currently undertaking when they make an application to Hartpury, in addition to any relevant industry experience, a personal statement and a reference.
For a supervised PhD, applicants to Hartpury are generally expected to hold at a minimum a 2:1 or a master’s qualification from a UK university, or an equivalent degree from a university outside of the UK. Prospective research students are also required to submit an outline of their proposed research project. Students are encouraged to discuss their proposed programme of research with a potential academic supervisor or a relevant research centre lead at the university.
PhD and research degree students are also required to submit an example of critical writing, two referees, and evidence of relevant qualifications with their application.
Hartpury’s helpful admissions team are available to guide prospective students through the application process. The university also welcomes applications from students with equivalent experience or alternative qualifications.
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As a specialist university, Hartpury is recognised for its academic strength in the fields of agriculture, equine, sports, and animal and veterinary physiotherapy. Hartpury was ranked in the top 20 UK universities for postgraduate teaching, engagement, assessment, organisation, and support in the most recent Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES 2023).
Hartpury has a superb reputation for agriculture and the university’s students are expertly guided to shape the future of the industry. Students have access to the government-backed Digital Innovation Farm project and a £2 million Agri-Tech Centre.
Hartpury has a well-established reputation for animal-related research, particularly in animal and veterinary physiotherapy. Both students and staff have presented at major international conferences and have their work regularly published in leading journals. Hartpury’s state-of-the-art rider performance centre, meanwhile, contains the most advanced riding simulators in the world, a leading equine therapy centre, international competition arenas and stabling for 230 horses. Hartpury hosts major international equine events and promotes rider development and competition opportunities.
Hartpury also excels in sport research and education. The university’s sports facilities include the £10 million Sports Academy, where students actively work with elite athletes across 10 sports academies including Gloucester Rugby and Cheltenham Town Football Club.
Hartpury University students on Postgraduate Search say:
"The facilities for equestrian study are outstanding. I chose to study here based on those and the expertise of the lecturers and staff at the university."
"Sport and equestrian facilities are very good."
"The newly refurbished sports facilities are state of the art, which is critical for my S&C degree. Based on many institutions I have visited, Hartpury’s fields, 3G pitches and gym facilities are unrivalled."
Hartpury University has an extremely high graduate employment rate, with 97% of graduates finding employment or engaged with further study or other meaningful activity within 15 months of completing their course (Graduate Outcomes, 2023).
Hartpury has 10 performance sports academies and 11 working businesses on-site, including an equine therapy centre, a rider performance centre, a sports business hub, the Hartpury medical centre, and the Digital Innovation Farm. These businesses and facilities provide students with excellent access to expert networks of industry professionals, which can prove invaluable as they transition to postgraduate employment. Hartpury’s strong connections to industry help students develop their knowledge and skillsets in a professional environment as they progress to careers in relevant fields.
Additionally, Hartpury’s dedicated innovation careers and enterprise centre offers information, advice, guidance, and workshops to support students with all aspects of their career goals, while the achievement and success centre have a proven track-record of making a huge difference to student’s marks as they plan towards their futures.
Hartpury postgraduates enter a range of professional careers. Recent graduates have gone on to become top-level coaches, academic researchers, journalists, veterinary professionals, lecturers, conservationists, and microbiologists.
Hartpury University students on Postgraduate Search say:
"The career prospects from the course are extremely vast and the facilities that allow you to gain experience whilst there help with career progression."
"So many opportunities and endless support from staff to help you strive to achieve your best!"
"The contacts are second to none which is really helpful for placement, scholarship and working opportunities."
Hartpury has a very active Students’ Union (SU), which acts as a representational body of the Hartpury community and makes sure student voices are heard. The SU organises on-site entertainment throughout the year, including the summer ball which hosts big-name acts. In addition to this, the SU provides employability support and opportunities for students to get involved in charity work, volunteering, and campaigning.
Clubs and societies
At Hartpury, there are around 20 societies and clubs to choose from, including a large selection of both competitive and recreational sports teams. Sports available include equestrian, polo, hockey and vaulting, and there are a variety of sports academies for those looking to play at an elite level.
City life
Hartpury postgraduate students are able to enjoy the best of both city and country life while studying at the university. The Hartpury campus spans 360 hectares of beautiful countryside, whilst Cheltenham Spa town and Gloucester city are just a short drive or bus ride away.
Gloucestershire is well-known as ‘the festival county’, home to over 45 music, arts, sport, and food festivals each year. The newly developed Gloucester Quays is a favourite among students for outlet stores, al fresco summer dining, a vibrant café culture and a selection of trendy bars.
Hartpury University students on Postgraduate Search say:
"Hartpury is an amazing university for studying postgrad. The beautiful rural campus has a very special feel to it."
"Hartpury has a warm and welcoming feel. Fantastic setting in the country, yet not far from the city."
"I love studying at Hartpury. It’s a warm & welcoming environment."
Hartpury offers a range of accommodation options, but most postgraduate students choose to live off-campus. There are plenty of off-campus accommodation options in the villages surrounding Hartpury, Gloucester city centre and the nearby town of Cheltenham Spa.
Wherever students decide to live, the university accommodation team is on hand throughout the year to help and offer advice.
Facilities
The university’s world class facilities are a major reason why many students choose to pursue their postgraduate education at Hartpury. Hartpury's facilities include globally renowned equine performance centres, canine therapy facilities, state-of-the-art veterinary science laboratories, and professional grade sports and nutrition centres. There has been over £50 million invested into Hartpury’s cutting-edge facilities in recent years.
Moreover, there are over 70 domesticated and non-domesticated species on campus, as well as nine specialist businesses. This includes a commercial farm, where students can experience the hands-on aspects of running an agricultural enterprise. It is an ideal setup for ambitious postgraduate students, with many opportunities for career development.
Hartpury University students on Postgraduate Search say:
"Perfect campus experience with nice sized accommodation blocks and a nice mix of people from different courses."
"Amazing facilities accessible to all students."
"The campus is outstanding, both facilities and scenery."
Hartpury University is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of its diverse student body throughout their time at the university. Hartpury has a dedicated network of support staff who are always available to make sure students have the best possible experience while at the university. The programme manager is generally the first port of call for academic issues. Hartpury provides a wide range of additional support options to ensure students receive the care and assistance they need to successfully complete their programmes of study and go on to achieve future career success.
The university’s student services and wellbeing teams provide pastoral support, learning support, disability support, and academic support to postgraduate students at Hartpury. The university’s dedicated student zone is a one-stop shop for any and all student queries. From safety and wellbeing to finance, job, and accommodation support, Hartpury’s support infrastructure of trained staff is always on hand to assist students with any issues they may face while studying at the university.
Hartpury University students on Postgraduate Search say:
“Mental wellbeing is also a priority for students, and this comes across in the day-to-day life of the University. The support available really is outstanding. “
“Lots of student support and extra services we can access.”
“The level of individual support available is excellent.”
Hartpury University, its partners, and associated organisations offer a wide-range of financial support packages to eligible students applying for postgraduate courses. For details regarding available studentships, scholarships and bursaries, students should visit the university’s funding page.
Studentships are available to PhD students through the university, as well as through independent research charities and government bodies.
Hartpury additionally offers a tuition fee discount to alumni of the university. A 20% fee reduction is available to alumni for postgraduate courses, while there is a 10% reduction on professional course fees for Hartpury alumni.
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Hartpury offers a range of specialised and carefully curated taught postgraduate degree courses. Class sizes are kept small, which gives each student more contact time with their tutors. Taught degrees can be studied with either flexible, part-time, or full-time attendance.
Research
Hartpury prides itself on conducting exceptional applied research across all of its subject areas. Students are encouraged to lead research projects and co-publish with staff in well-known academic journals, as well as present at conferences. Regular research seminars enable staff and students to stay informed about interdisciplinary research activities across the university. Hartpury itself also hosts a range of conferences. Such events provide a platform for staff to share their expertise while supporting postgraduate students as they develop as researchers and practitioners.
Distance learning
Hartpury offers an online MSc in Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation which has been specially designed to address animal welfare challenges in relation to the UK legal system. Students learn how apply theory to practice in a postgraduate degree developed to prepare students for future success in management roles. The course is delivered online, but students are given the opportunity to attend campus during the spring semester to use Hartpury’s specialist facilities and share their knowledge with staff and fellow students.
Sound interesting?
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Hartpury University