Hertfordshire International College - Navitas UK

Located only 25 minutes from London by train, Hertfordshire International College (HIC) provides a range of innovative and exciting pathway programmes into degrees at the University of Hertfordshire (UH). Pathways cover 17 subject areas at undergraduate level, and eight at postgraduate level.

The University of Hertfordshire is a high quality educational establishment which ranks top in the East of England for overall student positivity (National Student Survey, 2023). It received an overall Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), which acknowledged the very high quality of student experience and student outcomes.

The university prides itself in creating employable graduates, who absorb knowledge, skills and professional connections from career-focussed degrees. Every year, 8,000 highly skilled University of Hertfordshire graduates enter the workforce, twice the average for universities in the region.

HIC offers four types of pathways into University of Hertfordshire degree programmes:

• Pre-sessional English: an intensive English language programme allowing students, upon successful completion, to meet the English language requirements for their chosen UH degree
• Foundation study programmes: allowing students, upon successful completion, to enter into the first year of study on their chosen UH bachelor's degree
• First year study programmes: allowing students, upon successful completion, to enter into the second year of study on their chosen UH bachelor's degree
• Pre-master's study programmes: allowing students, upon successful completion, to progress with credits into their chosen UH master's degree

The campus is located in Hatfield, a historic town in Hertfordshire. Students enjoy a range of entertainment options with a diverse array of places to eat and drink. The town boasts public transport links to London and beyond, and is in close proximity to three international airports.

HIC pathway programmes enable students to transition into UH degrees in a number of departments:

Creative Arts

Courses blend cutting-edge techniques with hands-on experience. Guided by industry experts and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, students elevate their creative prowess to turn their passion into a profession.

Life & Medical Sciences

Students explore innovation through programmes that integrate ground-breaking research with hands-on learning. They join a community of forward-thinkers and are guided by experienced faculty and state-of-the-art technology.

Business

Programmes are designed to empower students with essential skills and strategic insights, encouraging innovation and leadership. Students connect with industry leaders and engage in practical projects to develop a global mindset for the business landscape.

Physics, Engineering & Computer Science

Cutting-edge programmes foster a deep understanding of scientific principles and innovation. Industry experts guide students through immersive projects, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Health & Social Work

Students are prepared for compassionate and impactful careers through theoretical and practical approaches. Courses emphasize empathy, ethical practice, and cutting-edge knowledge, with students engaging in real-world scenarios and collaborating with seasoned professionals.

Law

Theoretical foundations are combined with practical skills, preparing students for an evolving legal landscape. Expert faculty guide students through critical analysis, case studies, and practical applications of law. Students can explore specialised areas and even engage in moot courts.

Humanities

Programmes follow a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences. Through engaging with passionate faculty and collaborating on impactful projects, students hone critical thinking skills that transcend traditional boundaries.

In order to enrol on a programme at Hertfordshire International College, students must meet the academic and English language entry requirements.

Requirements can vary between courses, so students are advised to check the criteria for their desired programme prior to application.

Academic requirements

All students must meet the academic requirements for their chosen programme at HIC. Broadly speaking, these are as follows:

• Foundation study programmes (one semester): five GCSE passes at grade 4 / C, or International Baccalaureate MYP five scores at grade 5, or equivalent qualification
• Foundation study programmes (two semesters): five GCSE passes at grade 3 / D, or International Baccalaureate MYP five scores at grade 4, or equivalent qualification
• First year study programmes: 48 UCAS Tariff points (achieved in at least one A-Level taken since 2017), or 24 points in the International Baccalaureate, or equivalent qualification
• Pre-master's study programmes (one semester): pass grade in a recognised bachelor's degree
• Pre-master's study programmes (two semesters): NQF Level 5 qualification, or equivalent

All students must have taken English and maths at GCSE level (or equivalent), with GCSE physics also a prerequisite for engineering students.

English language requirements

Students for whom English is not a first language must supply evidence of their English language proficiency. At HIC, the minimum English language requirements are:

• Foundation study programmes: IELTS overall score of 5.5, with no band lower than 5.5, or an equivalent qualification
• First year study programmes: IELTS overall score of 6.0, with no band lower than 5.5, or an equivalent qualification
• Pre-master's study programmes: IELTS overall score of 5.5, with no band lower than 5.5, or an equivalent qualification

Students may enrol on a pre-sessional English programme at HIC to meet the language requirements for their chosen programme.

Hertfordshire International College offers financial support to its students through a selection of scholarships, bursaries and discounts, including:

• Regional scholarships: eligible students demonstrating academic excellence may receive a regional scholarship of up to GBP 1,000
• Early bird discount: students who pay their fees in advance of the deadline receive a GBP 500 discount on their tuition fees
• Visa waiver scheme: eligible students can have the cost of their visa reimbursed by HIC
• Navitas Family Bursary: students who have another family member also studying at HIC are eligible for a 10 percent discount on their tuition fees
• Engagement incentive: students who engage in pre-arrival webinars and events may be randomly selected by HIC to win shopping vouchers

Merit awards and bursaries are also made available to eligible students throughout their time at HIC.

Students at HIC enjoy access to all of the University of Hertfordshire's state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• A vibrant, inclusive student union
• Dedicated support services
• Campus medical centre
• Campus food and drink outlets
• The Learning Resources Centre, which boasts an expansive 24 hour library alongside computer zones, study spaces, and a cafe
• Sports Village, complete with the latest fitness equipment and technology

UH has recently invested over GBP 7 million in redeveloping The Forum, an innovative space housing collaborative teaching spaces and social facilities, including its own bar and nightclub.

Evidencing its constant commitment to investing in the student experience, the University of Hertfordshire also has two exciting developments running concurrently:

• A brand new, innovative, and sustainable building for the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science will open in September 2024. Designed to transform learning, teaching and research in the STEM fields, it will be the largest structure on campus, providing students with access to the latest technologies and inspiring workspaces.
• A new UH medical school is anticipated to accept its first cohort of students in 2027. Aligned with the UK's NHS Long Term Workforce plan, it aims to enhance patient care and address workforce shortages in the healthcare sector.

Accommodation

HIC students who wish to live on campus are reserved spaces in UH halls of residence, where modern rooms are available to suit all budgets. Students can also choose to rent privately in the local area.

Upon successfully completing a pathway programme at Hertfordshire International College, students seamlessly transition into the degree of their choice at the University of Hertfordshire. Nearly all programmes at the university are recognised by professional bodies, enabling students to quickly kickstart their career upon graduation.

UH degrees are built with a career focus, and the university boasts strong links with a number of multinational corporations including IBM, PWC, Jaguar Land Rover, Warner Brothers, and P&G.

96.5 percent of University of Hertfordshire graduates find employment or are in further study within six months of graduation. Of those who are in work, 78 percent are in professional or managerial positions.

Further evidencing the employability of UH graduates, 99 percent are in work or further education within 15 months of graduating (Guardian University Guide, 2023).

Careers support

An expansive range of careers support is provided to all UH students throughout their time studying and for two years after graduation. Services offered include:

• Face-to-face appointments with a careers advisor
• Assistance with careers planning
• Support with job applications
• Careers workshops
• Careers fairs and events
• Networking opportunities
• Freelance development practice
• Digital resources, including access to Handshake, UH's bespoke career planning portal

HIC boasts friendly, supportive staff, who are all specialists in their field. This experienced team prides itself in seeing the potential, ambition and energy in every single student, guiding each individual to fulfil both their academic and personal goals.

Both HIC and UH take a holistic approach to learning, with all courses designed with employability at their core. This career-focussed approach sees strong outcomes every year, with 96.5 percent of UH students finding employment within six months of graduation.

The university ranks in the top 25 percent of all universities for research impact, with 90 percent of its impact classified as outstanding or very considerable (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).

UH Rankings

In recent years, teaching excellence at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognised on a national scale, with high rankings across a number of league tables, including:

• First in the UK for creative media and entertainment schools (Rookies, 2023)
• First in the UK for graphic design (World Branding Society, 2023)
• First in the UK for paramedic science (Guardian University Guide, 2024)
• First in the UK for student satisfaction in economics and politics (Complete University Guide, 2024)
• First in the East of England for overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey, 2023)
• Fourth in the UK for physiotherapy (Guardian University Guide, 2024)
• Ninth in the UK for nursing (Guardian University Guide, 2024)