After being named Specialist University of the Year 2026, Hartpury University has been recognised once again by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, securing runner-up in the Specialist University of the Year category for 2027.
The latest accolade places Hartpury at the forefront of UK specialist higher education for a second consecutive year, demonstrating sustained excellence and building on its current 2026 title.
The recognition reflects Hartpury University’s continued strong performance, academic vision and distinctive approach to specialist higher education at a time of significant change across the sector.
With specialist expertise spanning sport, agriculture, equine, animal, veterinary nursing, business and now psychology, Hartpury combines industry-focused education and research with outstanding facilities and opportunities for students to put their learning into practice.
Professor Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor of Hartpury University, said: “To be named runner-up Specialist University of the Year 2027, following our win as Specialist University of the Year 2026, is an achievement of which the entire Hartpury community can be immensely proud.
“To receive recognition at the very top of this prestigious category in two consecutive editions of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide demonstrates the consistency of Hartpury’s performance and the strength of the long-term direction we have set for the University.
“Our 2026 title was a landmark achievement, and this latest recognition reinforces the sustained excellence behind that success. We continue to invest in our people, our specialist facilities, our research and our relationships with industry, while remaining focused on providing an outstanding education for our students.
“This recognition belongs to our staff, students, governors, alumni and partners, whose expertise, ambition and commitment continue to move Hartpury forward.”
Rosie Scott-Ward, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Hartpury University, said: “For students choosing where to study, recognition like this provides valuable independent reassurance about the quality and experience they can expect.
“To follow our Specialist University of the Year 2026 title with runner-up recognition for 2027 demonstrates a consistency that we’re incredibly proud of and gives prospective students another reason to feel confident about choosing Hartpury.
“What makes studying here distinctive is the opportunity to become immersed in your chosen subject. Our students learn from academics with strong links to industry, use specialist facilities as part of their everyday learning, and build connections with the professions and sectors they hope to enter after graduation.
“We want students to leave Hartpury not only with an excellent degree, but with the confidence, practical experience and professional connections to take their next step. It’s fantastic to see that approach recognised nationally once again.”
Hartpury University has developed a growing national and international reputation for specialist education and research, maintaining close relationships with industry across its subject areas and providing students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, practical experience and professional networks needed for their future careers.
The University has continued to invest significantly in its specialist learning environment. This year saw the launch of the new University Learning Hub, providing a dedicated contemporary space for university students to learn, collaborate and access academic support.
It follows the opening of the Veterinary Nursing and Technical Skills Centre last year, further enhancing Hartpury’s specialist facilities and giving students access to industry-relevant environments in which to develop practical skills alongside their academic studies.
These investments form part of Hartpury’s continued commitment to providing an outstanding student experience while ensuring its facilities and curriculum evolve alongside the needs of the industries it serves.
The results are published online today as part of The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027, with the Guide appearing in a dedicated print supplement in The Sunday Times this weekend.
