University of Hertfordshire shortlisted for University of the Year at 2025 Times Higher Education Awards
The University was also shortlisted for three further categories: Outstanding Estates Team, Outstanding Marketing / Communications Team of the Year, and Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year, making it one of the five most shortlisted universities in the UK.
Selected alongside leading institutions across the UK and Ireland, the University earned its place on the shortlist for its exceptional performance during the 2023–24 academic year, after demonstrating excellence in student experience, innovation, research impact and global engagement.
In a year defined by financial pressures and uncertainty across the sector, Herts distinguished itself through financial resilience and a forward-thinking international strategy that led to a record-breaking 11.5% increase in international student recruitment. This achievement not only strengthened the University’s financial position and enriched campus diversity, but also earned Herts the prestigious 2024 King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade - the only UK university to receive this honour.
The 2023-24 academic year marked a series of other milestones for the University of Hertfordshire, such as the opening of Spectra, the £100 million home for its School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science and the region’s most significant science and innovation hub for STEM businesses. Spectra has since helped secure the University its largest-ever research grant - £13.5 million from Research England’s E3 Fund - leading to the launch of the Biodetection Technologies Hub, the UK’s leading centre for biodetection research.
The University also launched bold ventures, including a successful bid to open Hertfordshire’s first Medical School – the Hertfordshire Medical School - in 2026 and Propeller Stage One, a commercial film studio opening this September. Student experience remained outstanding, with top regional and national satisfaction rankings, and the University hosted its largest, in-person public event the Festival of Ideas, welcoming over 4,600 attendees onto its campuses.
Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said: “Being shortlisted for the 2025 Times Higher Education University of the Year award is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the extraordinary progress we have made in recent years.
“We have – and continue - to deliver transformative change, from expanding our global reach and securing major research funding, to launching pioneering initiatives such as Spectra, the Hertfordshire Medical School and Propeller Stage One. These achievements reflect the dedication of our staff, the talent of our students and our commitment to creating opportunity and driving innovation across our region and beyond.
“I would also like to recognise the leadership of my predecessor, Professor Quintin McKellar, who retired as Vice Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire last month after 14 years in post. It was his vision, dedication and determination during this time that laid the foundations for much of the progress we are celebrating today, and I want to thank him for his outstanding contribution to the University and its community.”
Now in their 21st year, the THE Awards celebrate excellence across the UK and Irish higher education sectors. This year’s awards feature 20 categories, including the newly introduced Specialist Institution of the Year, and attracted over 500 entries from more than 120 institutions, with 69 making the final shortlist. Winners, including the recipient of the THE Outstanding Achievement Award, will be announced at the ceremony on Thursday 13 November at the EICC in Edinburgh.
Chris Havergal, THE editor, said:
“At a time of unprecedented challenge for higher education, the THE Awards enter their third decade as a steady and staunch reminder of the exceptional work that continues to take place across the UK and Ireland every day… It really is an achievement to have reached this stage in a very competitive year.”
“The fact that we received well over 500 entries for this year’s awards is a sure sign that the sector’s commitment to transforming lives for the better is undimmed. We offer our sincere congratulations to all those institutions and individuals shortlisted – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage in a very competitive year.
“At THE, we have long recognised that the sector draws so much strength from its diversity and that there is no single model of success. That’s why we are delighted to see such a wide range of providers making the shortlists, including for the new category of Specialist Institution of the Year, which honours some of our truly unsung heroes.
“We are also hugely excited to be taking this year’s awards ceremony to Scotland for the first time. We look forward to you joining us in Edinburgh on 13 November for a special celebration of innovation and excellence in higher education, which in these times go unrecognised or underappreciated far too often.”
Watch a video centred around the University of Hertfordshire’s nomination. Find out more about all of the shortlisted entries for this year’s Times Higher Education Awards 2025.