Frequently Asked Questions

Hartpury College and Hartpury University

Outreach Enquiries

Career fairs offer a fantastic opportunity for students and parents to talk face-to-face with Hartpury staff and discuss what study options are available.

If you've not been able to meet us at your school or college's career fair or at a UCAS exhibition, we've collated our most frequently asked questions below.

We also have information on Hartpury College for parents/guardians and carers.

We hope we've answered some of your key questions about Hartpury College and Hartpury University. If you have any other questions, please contact us by emailing  outreach@hartpury.ac.uk or call us on 01452 702428.

Information for College parents

Information for University parents 

FAQs - Hartpury College

Entry requirements vary depending on the level of study and the individual course. All requirements can be found on our website or in our prospectus.

General entry requirements for A-levels is a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including Maths and English Language) in addition to specific GCSE subjects and grades required by each individual A-level subject.

BTEC diploma entry requirements for Level 3 Extended Diplomas vary between five GCSEs at grade 4 or above and six GCSEs at grade 6 or above.

A-levels are traditional academic qualifications, ideal for students who enjoy classroom-based learning. At Hartpury, students study three A-Levels from a choice of 14 subjects.

BTEC diplomas are specialist, applied qualifications in a single subject, built around specific industry-standards and linked to skills required for employment. They are well suited to those who want a more practical learning experience. Our diploma subject areas are Agriculture, Animal, Equine, Sport, Uniformed Public Services and Outdoor Adventure.

One Level Three Extended Diploma is the equivalent of three A-levels and both pathways can progress into employment or university-study level.

No, you cannot combine A-levels and BTEC diplomas at Hartpury as they are equivalent in level of study.

If you are under 19 years of age on 31 August of the academic year in which your course starts and are a UK or EU student, you don't need to pay for your tuition fees.

There may be some additional costs during your course, including accommodation, livery and trips. We do, however, offer a range of bursaries and scholarships to support students studying on our college courses.

We offer a range of bursaries and scholarships to financially support you through your studies. These include (but are not limited to):

  • Residential bursary for support with the cost of accommodation.
  • Joe Henson bursary for local students studying agriculture, animal and equine.
  • Guyll Leng bursary for students from households with limited income and demanding circumstances wishing to study Agriculture, Animal, Equine and related land–based subjects at a college level.
  • Martin Baber bursary for an international work experience.
  • Sports scholarships for support to excel in the sporting field.
  • Discretionary learner support to help with the cost of books, transport and meals.
  • Vulnerable learner bursary for those in care, care leavers or receiving Income Support.

Students are more than welcome to commute to Hartpury for their studies - accommodation is an optional extra available to those who require it.

For those interested in studying the Level 3 Equine Management (Equitation) course, it is compulsory to live in Hartpury accommodation for the duration of the course. This is due to daily yard duties, including on weekends.

There are several ways in which students can get to and from campus. Students can make the most of our free shuttlebuses that run to Gloucester each day, and to Cheltenham at the weekend. They can also hop on one of the public buses that stop regularly on campus. Alongside that, we offer on-campus parking for student cars for a small annual fee.

We also offer student bus transport, based on three zones and charging bands.

  • Zone One: covers places such as Newent, Gloucester, Deerhurst and Highnam.
  • Zone Two: covers places such as Stroud, Dursley, Ledbury, Malvern, Cinderford and Tewkesbury.
  • Zone Three: covers places such as Thornbury, Worcester, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Evesham and Cirencester.

Payment reserves a seat five days a week during the academic year.

Our college open events are ideal for those interested in studying A-levels, a diploma or an Access to Higher Education qualification.

You’ll find out about Hartpury student life, and how we'll support you to develop the skills and experience you need. Depending on the sessions you choose, you'll meet course managers, support teams, students and more.

You can choose to download or have a copy of our prospectus sent to you by filling in the form.

We attend a variety of career and educational fairs across the country, where we will have plenty of our prospectuses available for you to take home.

Our A-level and BTEC diploma students have the opportunity to undertake work experience as part of their courses. We offer opportunities both on and off site, as well as locally and nationally, to help students develop their knowledge and practical skills ready for future study or employment. Examples include working on farms across the country, at the United Nations, the Trauma Unit at Oxford Hospital, veterinary surgeries, and equine yards. To further compliment some of our courses, there are opportunities to gain extra qualifications. These include Level 2 Certificates in Fitness Instructing, Sports Leader awards, tractor driving and safe pesticide use.

No, you can join the sports teams while studying any of our qualifications.

No, our livery is open to students studying on any of our qualifications. 

FAQs - Hartpury University

Entry requirements vary depending on the level of study and the individual course. All requirements can be found on our website or in our prospectus. We make offers on both diploma and A-level grades. Our general entry requirements vary from ABB- CCC or DDM- MMM for undergraduate degrees and DD-EE or PPP for our foundation years. We also make offers using the UCAS Tariff points system.

A minimum of five GCSEs, grades A*- C (or 9 to 4) or equivalent are also required for all courses. This must include English and Maths and some courses will require a Science GCSE.

UCAS Tariff points translate your qualifications and grades into a numerical value. Many qualifications (but not all) have a UCAS Tariff value, which will vary depending on the qualification and the grade you achieve.

Our university open events are designed for those interested in studying a foundation, bachelor’s or postgraduate degree.

They provide a fantastic opportunity for you to discover more about a subject you're passionate about. You'll find your perfect course fit, see where you could live in our student accommodation and chat to current students about student life. Ultimately, you'll get to find out if Hartpury is the right university for you and your future.

You can choose to download or have a copy of our prospectus sent to you by filling in our form.

We attend a variety of career and educational fairs across the country, where we will have plenty of our prospectuses available for you to take home.

Students can live on-campus or off-campus in the heart of Gloucester city centre, located a 10-minute bus ride from Hartpury. We give priority booking to first-year undergraduate students who make us their firm choice by the May UCAS deadline, as well as international students.

If students would like a bit more flexibility and independent living, there is also the option to look into private accommodation.

We offer a whole range of clubs and societies for students to try out. These currently include Basketball, Breeding Society, Green Leaders, Hockey, LGBT+, Media Society, Raising and Giving (RAG), Snow sports and Polo.

If a student would like to set up their own society, our Student’s Union will help to establish a new club.

No, you can join the sports teams while studying any of our qualifications.

No, our livery is open to students studying on any of our qualifications.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

outreach@hartpury.ac.uk