Application requirements

The normal entry requirements for undergraduate degrees are completion of 12 years of school education and successful completion of a school leaving certificate equivalent to UK 'A' Levels.

A Levels

Please see our course pages for the A Level requirements for your course of interest.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

• IBO Level 3 Certificate in Higher Level (HL) subjects
• IBO Level 3 Certificate in Standard Level (SL) subjects
• IBO Level 3 Certificate in Extended Essay
• IBO Level 3 Certificate in Theory of Knowledge

Subject areas

IBO Certificate in Higher Level

Before you apply you should check whether you meet the entry requirements for the degree course you are interested in. The normal entry requirements for postgraduate degrees are completion of a Bachelor degree in a relevant subject area at a level equivalent to a UK second class honours degree.

We accept qualifications from a range of countries. Check out our regional webpages for further information about the results we will accept for entry from various countries.

If the type of qualification you have is not listed, please send in details about your academic achievements when you apply as our admissions team will review each application on a case by case basis.

For the majority of our courses, we accept the following tests;

• GCSE English Language: Grade C or above.
• IGCSE English: Grade C or above.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Score of 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any band) for undergraduate or 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in any band) for postgraduate.
• Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) score of 169 (with no less than 162 in any band) for undergraduate or 176 (with no less than 162 in any band) for postgraduate. C2 Proficiency (CPE) score of 180 (with no less than 162 in any band) for both undergraduate and postgraduate.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 59 (with no less than 59 in any band) for undergraduate or postgraduate.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 72 with band scores of reading 18, writing 17, listening 17, speaking 20 for undergraduate or a score of 79 with band scores of reading 18, writing 17, listening 17, speaking 20 for postgraduate.
• LanguageCert International ESOL: B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) Listening: 33/50; Reading: 33/50: Writing: 33/50; Speaking: 33/50
• LanguageCert Academic: Score of 65 (with no less than 60 in any band) for undergraduate, or 70 (with no less than 60 in any band) for postgraduate
• Skills for English: SELT and Skills for English: Global: Minimum B2 Pass in all four components (equivalent to IELTS 6.0), minimum B2 Pass with Merit in all four components (equivalent to IELTS 6.5).
• Oxford International English Test Centre (OIETC): Overall grade B2+ with B2 in each skill (equivalent to IELTS 6.0), overall grade C1 with B2 in each skill (equivalent to IELTS 6.5).
• Country specific English language qualifications such as Indian Standard XII English Language (65% undergraduate/70% to 75% postgraduate).

IELTS, PTE and TOEFL tests are valid for 2 years and must be valid up to the date the CAS (Certificate of Acceptance for Studies) is issued.

This is not an exhaustive list. Please refer to the UKVI for a full list of approved English language tests. UKVI minimum requirements differ from the University's overall English entry criteria.

Course webpages will specify the English language requirement for each programme. Some courses require a higher level of English language for entry.

IELTS 6.5 (minimum band scores also apply)

• All postgraduate Business courses
• All undergraduate and postgraduate Humanities courses
• All postgraduate Art, Design, Film, Music and Media courses
• All undergraduate and postgraduate Nursing courses
• All undergraduate and postgraduate Social Work courses
• Most courses in the School of Health and Emergency professions
• BSc Nutrition
• BSc Pharmaceutical Science
• MPharm
• MSc Biotechnology
• MSc Pharmacology
• MSc Molecular Biology
• MSc Environmental Management
• MSc Business Psychology
• MSc Psychology
• All postgraduate education programmes

IELTS 7.0 (minimum band scores also apply)

• BSc Physiotherapy
• BSc Dietetics
• MSc Social Work
• MSc Advancing Pharmacy Practice
• MSc Organisational Psychology
• Clinical MD (General Internal Medicine) - Pathway 1

IELTS 7.5 (minimum band scores also apply)

• Clinical MD (General Internal Medicine) - Pathway 2

For ease of reference please see below the UK Visa and immigration agency (UKVI) minimum equivalences of B1, B2 and C1 English language levels. 
*where available, this refers to listening, reading, writing and speaking 7.0 in all four components.

If you have not already demonstrated that you have the required English language proficiency for your course, you will need to take a secure English language test. Please note, if your offer has an English language condition included, this is expressed as an IELTS requirement. We do accept other English language test providers for more programmes, however some courses will only accept IELTS. If this applies to your programme, this will be noted on your offer.

Find out more about booking and taking an IELTS:

• IELTS Academic
• Home Office

The University accepts the following online English languages tests and will use their approval equivalencies to compare against our entry tariff.

• Oxford International English Language Test
• Password Online English Test
• IELTS Indicator

If you have not achieved the required English language level for entry to your chosen degree course, we offer pre-sessional English short courses or a HIC pathway.

To gain entry onto our pre-sessional English programmes, you need to have an offer for a degree course at Hertfordshire, and must undertake a UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT), Academic IELTS or Trinity College Tests of English (UK only) in order to be eligible for a Student visa for a preparatory course.

We will be unable to accept any other English test providers in light of recent changes made by the Home Office to English language provision. Please visit the Home Office website for details of approved test centres where you may undertake one of the new style SELT IELTS.

The following documents are required on applications for all courses. Please submit clear copies of your documents with your application:

• English language qualifications
• Academic transcripts and certificates (front and back)
• References
  • For undergraduate programmes you must provide one signed academic reference on headed paper.
  • For postgraduate programmes you must provide two signed academic references on headed paper.
• Personal Statement. Ensure you include;
  • Your reason for applying for the course
  • Your reason for applying to the University of Hertfordshire
  • Your reasons for applying to a UK university
  • Your career aspirations and how the course fits in with this
• Passport photo page
• Immigration History Evidence (include any visa refusals, previous Student visa held etc)
• Disclosure and Barring Service Check (certain courses only)

Who needs an ATAS?

Certain programmes will require you to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you apply for your visa.

You do not need an ATAS certificate if you are a national of the UK, EU or EEA (including Switzerland), Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea or United States of America.

All students on a time-limited visa who wish to study at Hertfordshire must obtain ATAS if their course requires it – this includes students on the following leave types: Standard Visitor Visa, Skilled Worker (including dependents), Spouse, Refugee, Discretionary Leave, Ancestry, Family member of EEA National, Diplomat, Asylum etc.  Holders of ILTR do not need to apply for ATAS.

When to apply for an ATAS?

You can apply for an ATAS clearance certificate after you have received an offer letter from the University.

If an ATAS is required for your chosen programme, our admissions team will add it as a condition and provide you with the CAH code you need. We do not expect you to have an ATAS certificate at the point of application, but you will need to submit it to us before you reach CAS stage, so we recommend you complete your ATAS application as soon as possible once you receive your offer.

How to check if a course needs an ATAS before applying?

If you want to find out if your chosen course may require an ATAS before you apply, you can check the UK Government website.

How to apply for an ATAS?

To apply for an ATAS clearance certificate, you need to complete and submit an online application form on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. There is no charge for the application.

You must use the details provided in your offer letter to complete your application.

Please see the Government website for full details on how to make your ATAS application.

Some programmes may also require you to undergo DBS checks. The DBS check will be carried out in the UK during the registration process. Therefore, the only set deadline is for you to have your DBS documents with you when you travel to the UK.

You will need to bring a certificate of good conduct when you travel to the UK. The certificate of good conduct will need to be from your home country in order to comply with national guidance and can be obtained from your Local Law Enforcement body prior to entry to the UK.

If you are already residing in the UK you can find additional advice (for a limited number of countries) on the DBS website.

Some programmes may also require you to undergo occupational health checks. The checks will be carried out in the UK during the registration process. Therefore, the only set deadline is for you to have your occupational health check is when you begin your course.

For the occupational health check, you will need to bring your full history of vaccinations plus a certificate of good conduct when you travel to the UK.

Some Creative Arts programmes may also require you to submit a portfolio for review. If a portfolio is required for your programme, it will mention this in the entry requirements section of the course page. Some course pages will include a portfolio guidance video specific to that programme.

Please also read the general portfolio guidance and recommended resources for what to include, where to host and how best to demonstrate your work.

If you are applying to a course within the School of Health and Social Work, you will need to demonstrate your understanding of the healthcare system during your application. You must also familiarise yourself with the additional costs that come with placements, to ensure you can commit to these programmes.

Personal statement topics to consider

Understanding the profession

The University will want to know that a student understands the various avenues available to them as a health practitioner. We advise that prospective students of our health courses visit their online professional body. The University must stress how important it is that students of this area are fully aware of the work ahead of them, and that means doing thorough online research.

Interests and hobbies

In addition to a focus on health studies, our course tutors want to get to know the students who come to study. Personal statements are also a place for applicants to get across the kinds of people they are in their free time, and applicants might want to mention hobbies and interests like playing sports or a musical instrument.

The NHS

The NHS need not be complicated for new students, but it is important that they understand how it works. We advise that students look to the NHS website and search online to consolidate their knowledge.

Once students are familiar with how it works, we advise that they research the Constitution and the Values of the NHS by visiting the UK Government’s website at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-constitution-for-england

When examining applicant personal statements, the university will want to know that a prospective student understands the Values of the NHS. Therefore, we advise that applicants devote a portion of their personal statement to make clear their understanding – perhaps by including examples of the Values that relate to their own experiences.

Why health?

The University wants to know that its applicants are willing and eager to become health practitioners. We advise that applicants make clear their reasons (both personal and professional) for wanting to study and work in this field.

Your experience

Work experience is often a vital way to improve studies with practical work – especially for upcoming health practitioners. We advise that students look to local hospitals and clinics for opportunities where you might observe practitioners as they work.

This may prove difficult with larger hospitals, so students may look to community-based clinics, hospices, charities, and other settings that may offer experience to studying health practitioners.

Whilst the University does not expect students to complete a set period of work experience (anything from a few days to a few weeks is acceptable), we strongly advise that they seek it out, as it can be invaluable to informing and shaping the development of health practitioners.

When looking at personal statements, the University wants to know what experience an applicant has, how long for, and where/with whom it was completed. It’s also important to describe just how this experience influenced their decision to pursue the health sector.

Programme specific personal statement guidance

The following personal statement guidance documents have been put together by our Admissions Tutors within the School of Health and Social Work. These will enable you to write and develop your personal statement to support your application.

• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Child)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Mental Health)
• BSc (Hons) Nursing (Learning Disability)
• BSc (Hons) Therapeutic Radiography
• BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging
• BSc (Hons) Midwifery
• BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science
• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
• MSc Social Work and BSc (Hons) Social Work

Offer holder guidance - funding, placements, travel and accommodation

The following guidance document provides information on frequently asked questions about placements and transport. Please ensure you understand the additional costs and travel commitments that will be required for placements.

• Advice and Guidance for International Offer Holders of Health and Social Work

During the application form, you will be asked to provide;

• A portfolio of your work (details as below)
  • A selection of images of significant works/designs (maximum of 20)
  • Images of sketchbook work (maximum of 20)
  • Images that show your development process and research (maximum of 20)

The portfolio should be clearly annotated with an indication of media used and size. Please visit our website for further information and guidance on how you may present your portfolio.

You can attach your portfolio on the application form by providing us with a URL to a digital drive or online portfolio.

Applicants to the MA Art Therapy programme must have completed approx.1,000 hours of relevant work experience.  This can be one year full-time or the equivalent in part-time employment in a clinical setting, working with people in psychological, emotional and/or physical need.

This includes mental health, special education or youth and community work, as well as work in general health care settings with adults or children. Voluntary work is acceptable but it needs to be consistent, over a period of time and meet the required hours.

You can download the Professional Practice Log and upload your completed document with your application.

As part of your application you need to present at least two short film scripts or one feature length script of your own writing. Episodic television scripts are also accepted.

You can attach this document with your application.

As part of your application you need to present at least two short film projects - documentary or scripted fiction - on which you have participated in a lead role of director, producer, or head of the department.

Please note, corporate or promotional videos will not be accepted, such as videos made for a local group or church.

You can provide the URL link for this with your application.

As part of your application you will be asked to provide the following information during the application form:

1. Describe a patient’s skin disease that you have personally been involved in diagnosing and treating that has proved clinically challenging.

2. Summarise your clinical experience since qualifying as a doctor (You will be asked to provide this in a table format):

3. Please reflect on your career to date and provide a short account (250 words) to include:

• What are your main achievements to date?
• What specific areas of dermatology practice do you feel you need to improve on?
• What do you hope to gain from this masters?

As part of your application you will be asked to provide the following information during the application form:

1. Describe a patient’s skin disease that you have personally been involved in diagnosing and treating that has proved clinically challenging.

• Outline in no more than 500 words why this patient case was difficult and what you learnt from managing them.

2. In the box below please summarise your clinical experience since qualifying as a doctor. For each example, please include the following:

• Details of your clinical experience with patients
• Include the type of experience
• Details of the clinical setting e.g. Dermatology Clinic/ Communication Clinic
• Start and finish dates for each experience (MM/YY - MM/YY)
• Name of the Hospital/Health Centre

3. Please reflect on your career to date and provide a short account (250 words) to include:

• What are your main achievements in dermatology to date?
• What specific areas of dermatology practice do you feel you need to improve on?
• How will you use learning from this masters to improve your clinical practice?

As part of your application you will be asked to provide the following information during the application form:

• Evidence of practice experience in an educational setting, or having studied education for the bachelor degree.
• A personal statement which reflects on past experience of educational practice or study, and explains future career aspirations (250 words)

Please be aware that these awards are not teaching qualifications, and do not cover teaching strategies.

To be considered for this programme, you must have;

• Substantial work experience as a teacher/practitioner in early childhood settings (children under five years old)
  or 
• You need to have studied early childhood education for bachelor degree.

For each example, please include the following:

• Include the Type of Experience
• Start and Finish Dates (MM/YY - MM/YY)
• Name of the School/College

This award is not for applicants who have experience of teaching and practice in other settings such as primary and secondary schools.

As part of your application you will be asked to provide the following during the application form:

Submit a video for advocacy assessment. This advocacy exercise assesses your ability to:

• Formulate an argument
• Support your argument with evidence
• Persuade your audience
• Use English appropriately (including grammar, vocabulary, tone)
• Structure an argument
• Clearly deliver your points

Choose from one of the following topics to discuss for your advocacy assessment video:

1. Criminal barristers should not be permitted to go on strike
2. Virtual courts are a good way to clear a backlog in cases
3. Persuade someone to move to another country

Rules for the video:

• The video should be one take and not edited together.
• The video should be a maximum of 5 minutes long.
• Upload the file with your application form and include your full name in the file name.
• The maximum file size is 5GB.
• You can only submit 1 video.

The following courses require additional content:

• BSc (Hons) Sport Studies
• BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching
• BSc (Hons) Sports Business Management

As part of your application you will be asked to provide the following during the application form:

1. What athletic sport experience do you have?
2. What is your highest level of representation/ participation/ achievement?
3. What sport coaching experience do you have?
4. What is the highest level role/ achievement in sport coaching?
5. Do you have any coaching qualifications? (If yes, please provide details)
6. Are you currently in a paid coaching or athletic performance position?

As part of your application you will be asked to upload a completed NHS declaration form. Download the NHS declaration form and upload your signed and completed document with your application.

When completing our application form, there will be a section asking you to confirm your age. You must inform that you will be under the age of 18 at the start of your programme.

If you fail to declare this on your initial form it will delay your application and may result in your application being withdrawn.

The majority of University facilities are intended for use by adults (aged 18 and over). As such, parents/legal guardians are required to accept responsibility for this and ensure that students under the age of 18 years understand and comply with arrangements for younger students.

Before a student under the age of 18 joins their course, their parent or legal guardian must complete the consent form. This can be submitted during your application form, or using the document upload form following application submission.

We also recommend reading the under 18 policy.

If you have any further queries please email international@herts.ac.uk.

Students who are under the age of 18 but do not have a parent or legal guardian based in the UK are required to inform the University of a UK based guardian. If you are unable to provide information about a UK based guardian, this may delay and prevent enrolment.

The UK based guardian will be their point of contact in the UK should an emergency situation arise. This guardian can be a nominated relative or friend living in the UK. Alternatively, a guardian can be appointed through an organisation offering legal guardianship services.

If you would like contact details for organisations that are able to act as a legal guardian for you within the UK, please see below for some examples. These guardianship organisations have been accredited by the Association of Educational Guardians for International Students (AEGIS) who inspect guardians to ensure they meet the required standards.

For further queries, please contact the International Office at international@herts.ac.uk.