History of the University of Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire’s history goes back to 1952, when Hertfordshire County Council built Hatfield Technical College on land donated by the de Havilland aircraft company for educational use.

Here are some of the milestones and achievements in over half a century of innovative higher education in Hertfordshire:

2011 – present

Law Building

Professor Quintin McKellar is appointed VC. The new Law Court building opens with a state-of-the-art replica Crown Court.

2001 – 2010

Law School building starts

Awarded Times Higher Education Entrepeneurial University of the Year in 2010. deHaviland Campus and The Forum open.

1991 – 2000

Art Gallery

The new Learning Resource Centre opens, followed by a regional art gallery.

1981 – 1990

College Lane

Professor Neil Buxton becomes the new Director of Hatfield Polytechnic.

1961 –1980

Balls Park

Wall Hall and Balls Park Teacher Training Colleges merge to form Hertfordshire College of Higher Education.

1941 – 1960

deHaviland Aircraft

The de Havilland Aircraft Company and the County Council enter into a partnership to train de Havilland aircraft apprentices.