We have an outstanding track record of developing players as well as preparing them for a career beyond their sport. We’ll help you balance your studies and your rugby commitments.
We’re seven-times British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) National Champions. Among our graduates are professional players including Jonny May, Alex Cuthbert and Ross Moriarty. In fact, more than 200 of our students have gained international caps or signed professional contracts around the world.
You’ll benefit from our extensive links with professional and semi-professional clubs, allowing you to combine playing for Hartpury and an external team. Some players will have the chance to represent our RFU Championship side - the only student-led team in the league.
Off the pitch you’ll also have access to our performance services. Strength and conditioning coaches, physiotherapists, and nutritionists to lifestyle management and game analysis will keep you performing at your peak.
We design your timetable with you in mind, meaning you'll get the best from your qualification and your training. As well as weekly sessions from dedicated coaches, you’ll have opportunities to compete at your level of university sport. The British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues are your chance to compete against some of the UK’s top teams.
Hartpury is proud to be a Rugby Football Union University Partner in recognition of its commitment to further enhancing the rugby experience for its students.
As the sport’s governing body in England, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) continues to give a huge endorsement to the work of its 14 partnership universities, which includes Hartpury, to develop rugby union.
"I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am now if I hadn’t come to Hartpury. It’s the best place I can think of to develop your rugby and further yourself academically."
Jonny May, England and Gloucester Rugby winger
"I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am now if I hadn’t come to Hartpury. It’s the best place I can think of to develop your rugby and further yourself academically."
Jonny May, England and Gloucester Rugby winger
Register your interest
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Nutrition (with Foundation Year)
Examine the science behind the effect of nutrition on athletic performance. Use our dedicated sport performance kitchen and human performance laboratories, working with a range of athletes, including from our Championship rugby team, 10 sports academies, and recreational sports men and women.
BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning (with Foundation Year)
Immerse yourself in a performance sports environment, using dedicated gyms and human performance laboratories to perfect your coaching style. Work alongside our student athletes as you develop the knowledge to improve the physical preparation of sports men and women.
BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences (with Foundation Year)
Work with the next generation of student athletes, improving their performance through sports science and exercise. Learn in our new, dedicated Human Performance and Biomechanics Laboratories, which are kitted out with technology used by Premier League and NFL teams.
BSc (Hons) Physical Education and School Sport (with Foundation Year)
Make a difference to the lives of young people through physical education and school sport. Build the skills for a rewarding career, inspiring children to be more active, and improving their health and wellbeing through sport.
Over 250 international athletes have developed their talents at Hartpury over the past 15 years. From equestrian medal-winners at the Olympics, to our BUCS-winning squads for men's and women's rugby and men's football, we nurture the very best talent.
Our equestrian athletes receive world-class coaching to develop their competition careers. Graduates include Rio Olympic medal winner Astier Nicolas and dressage star Olivia Oakeley.
We have teams in the top tier of women’s rugby; the Premier 15s, and BUCS National League, and are previous BUCS champions. Our university team is coached by England star, Natasha Hunt. Recently, graduate Zoe Aldcroft was named World Rugby Women's 15s Player of the Year 2021.
We have teams in the BUCS league for football and futsal. Students play regularly in the Women's Futsal Super Series live on BT Sport. Players also feature for club sides in the National League.
Our senior football programme is among the best in the UK. We're 11-time BUCS Premier League winners and five-time BUCS national champions. Successful graduates include Ghana internationals Abdul Majeed Waris and David Accam, and Mustapha Bundu who played for Sierra Leone in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
Five former students and staff were named in Team GB rowing squad for the Tokyo Olympics. We've seen numerous Home International appearances, as well as Henley Regatta, National Schools and BUCS Regatta wins. We have a strong relationship with British Rowing.
We play in the top levels in the BUCS leagues, BUCS Golf Tour and The R & A competitions. Former student George Bryant won the English and Welsh BUCS Golf Championship, and Joe Buenfeld won the Junior European Open.
Our Netball Academy is coached by netball star Jess Shaw. We're a Team Bath Netball Academy Development Centre and BUCS league winners. Students play for Netball Superleague teams.
We support athletes competing at the top of their national governing body talent pathway, including athletics, biathlon, cricket, swimming, and others.
Our partners & accreditations
