Horses, sport and farming shape life at Hartpury, a specialist university on a large rural estate a few miles north-west of Gloucester. It gained university status in 2018. The campus has its own equine centre, commercial farm and indoor arena, plus elite sports teams in rugby, netball and more. Degrees are hands-on, with a lot of time outdoors.
Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Official website: hartpury.ac.uk
2018
Rural estate near Gloucester
Equine centre, farm and indoor arena
£14,000 – £17,000
International students, undergraduate and postgraduate
£11,000 – £14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on hartpury.ac.uk before you apply.
BSc (Hons) Equine Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BSc (Hons) Agriculture
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
MSc Equine Science
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
One of the UK's largest equine education centres.
A working farm used for teaching.
Elite sport programmes alongside study.
Equine graduates work with yards, breeders, feed firms and equine charities.
Veterinary nurses join practices and referral hospitals.
Sport graduates move into coaching, performance analysis and strength and conditioning.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Most first-years live on the estate, which has its own gym, shop and bar. Some students bring their own horses to the livery yard.
Gloucester is about 15 minutes by car or bus, with its cathedral and docks. Cheltenham and Bristol are within an hour.
CAS from Hartpury University
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Undergraduates apply through UCAS, with the main deadline usually in late January. Hartpury may still accept later applications if places remain. Postgraduate applications go direct.
Programmes start in September.
You'll apply for a Student visa. Hartpury University gives you a CAS number once your offer is unconditional and the deposit is paid. You can then apply online up to six months before the course starts, with bank evidence and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Equine science, veterinary nursing, sport and agriculture are popular. Entry is based on A levels or equivalent, and veterinary nursing asks for science subjects. International applicants need IELTS 6.0 or above.
Hartpury offers some scholarships, including sport scholarships for athletes. Ask the international office about awards for your course.
