University of Bedfordshire vs University of Hertfordshire: Which is Better? Complete Comparison Guide for Students (2025)
Compare University of Bedfordshire and University of Hertfordshire for costs, rankings, student life, and employability. Complete guide for 2025 applicants.
📌 Introduction
For students considering universities just north of London, two popular choices are the University of Bedfordshire (UoB) and the University of Hertfordshire (UH). Located less than 30 miles apart, both attract thousands of UK and international students every year.
While Bedfordshire is known for being affordable, career-focused, and inclusive, Hertfordshire has built a reputation as a modern, high-ranking university with strong research and professional links. Because they're so close geographically, students often compare them directly before making a choice.
This 2025 guide provides a detailed comparison of Bedfordshire vs Hertfordshire, covering courses, costs, facilities, student life, employability, and international support — so you can decide which is the better fit.
🏫 University Overviews
✅ University of Bedfordshire (UoB)
Established in 2006 after merging the University of Luton and De Montfort's Bedford campus
Around 20,000 students, with 4,500+ international students
Campuses in Luton, Bedford, Milton Keynes, and Aylesbury
Strong focus on affordability, inclusivity, and career-readiness
Offers excellent support for first-generation students
✅ University of Hertfordshire (UH)
Gained university status in 1992, evolving from Hatfield Polytechnic
Over 25,000 students across two main campuses (College Lane & de Havilland in Hatfield)
Known for its research strength, modern facilities, and high rankings
Offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs
Member of the University Alliance group
💡 Bedfordshire = affordable, inclusive, and practical. Hertfordshire = modern, high-ranking, and career-ambitious.
📚 Courses & Programs
🎯 Bedfordshire Specialisms
Business & Management
Nursing & Healthcare
Media, Journalism & Creative Arts
Computer Science & IT
Education & Social Studies
Sports Science
👉 Bedfordshire focuses on employability-oriented courses with built-in internships and work placements. Many programs are designed for students balancing jobs with studies.
🎯 Hertfordshire Specialisms
Engineering & Technology
Aerospace & Automotive Design
Law & Business Studies
Creative Arts, Film & Music
Computer Science, AI & Robotics
Pharmacy & Health Sciences
👉 Hertfordshire is especially strong in STEM and creative industries, often collaborating with companies like Airbus, MBDA, and Warner Bros Studios.
💡 Bedfordshire = broad practical focus. Hertfordshire = industry-leading in STEM, law, and creative sectors.
📊 Rankings & Reputation
Bedfordshire:
Ranked in the lower half of UK league tables, but consistently praised for student satisfaction and inclusivity
Recognized for social mobility and widening participation
Strong track record in media and healthcare courses
Hertfordshire:
Typically ranks in the top 60–70 UK universities (Complete University Guide 2025)
Known globally for research in aerospace, robotics, and law
High graduate employability ratings in official statistics
💡 UH has higher global recognition; UoB is respected for inclusivity and community impact.
💷 Tuition Fees & Cost of Living
Cost Factor
Bedfordshire
Hertfordshire
International Tuition
£14,000–£16,000/year
£15,000–£18,500/year
Housing (Luton/Bedford)
£600–£800/month
-
Housing (Hatfield)
-
£700–£900/month
Living Expenses
£350–£450/month
£400–£500/month
Total Monthly Living
£950–£1,250
£1,100–£1,400
💡 Bedfordshire = budget-friendly. Hertfordshire = more expensive but with stronger prestige.
🎉 Student Life & Campus Experience
Bedfordshire
Luton campus: modern facilities, central town location
Bedford campus: sports and teacher training focus
Smaller student population = more close-knit, community feel
Students' Union runs cultural events for diverse international community
Hertfordshire
Two large campuses in Hatfield with state-of-the-art labs, libraries, and sports village
Famous Forum Hertfordshire nightclub and live music venue
Over 100 societies and sports clubs
Excellent transport links → 25 minutes to central London by train
Known for being highly welcoming to international students
Provides visa workshops, orientation, and English support
Smaller numbers → personalized services
Hertfordshire:
Large international student population (6,000+)
Dedicated International Office, career mentoring, and pre-sessional English
Strong links with international employers
💡 Both supportive, but UH has larger global outreach; UoB offers more personal attention.
👩🎓 Graduate Outcomes & Careers
Bedfordshire
Strong outcomes in healthcare, teaching, business, and media
Many graduates stay in local/regional industries
Employability focus but limited global brand recognition
Hertfordshire
Higher average graduate salaries
Career pathways in engineering, computing, business, and law
Alumni network includes global companies like Airbus, PwC, and Warner Bros
💡 UoB = regional employability. UH = global career reach.
✅ Pros & Cons
Bedfordshire
✔ Pros:
Affordable tuition and living costs
Strong student diversity and inclusivity
Practical, career-focused programs
✘ Cons:
Lower UK rankings
Smaller global alumni network
Hertfordshire
✔ Pros:
Higher global ranking and recognition
Excellent STEM and creative programs
Strong graduate outcomes and alumni network
✘ Cons:
Higher tuition and living costs
Larger classes, less personal support
🏆 Which is Better for You?
Choose Bedfordshire if:
You want an affordable degree with a supportive environment
You're focused on career-readiness in business, media, or healthcare
You prefer a community feel with lower living costs
Choose Hertfordshire if:
You want a higher-ranked university with global recognition
You're aiming for careers in STEM, law, or creative industries
You prefer a larger, modern campus with strong student culture
💡 Both universities serve different student needs: Bedfordshire is practical and affordable, while Hertfordshire is ambitious and globally competitive.
📌 Conclusion
In 2025, the University of Bedfordshire and the University of Hertfordshire both present valuable opportunities for students.
Choose Bedfordshire if you're looking for affordability, inclusivity, and a practical, supportive experience.
Choose Hertfordshire if you want prestige, advanced facilities, and global career prospects.
Both universities will equip you for success — the choice depends on whether you prioritize value and community or rankings and global reach.
❓ FAQs
Q1. Which university is cheaper?
👉 Bedfordshire, both in tuition and cost of living.
Q2. Which has better rankings?
👉 Hertfordshire, consistently placed higher in UK league tables.
Q3. Which is better for student life?
👉 Hertfordshire offers bigger events and societies, while Bedfordshire provides a close-knit, supportive community.
Q4. Which has stronger employability?
👉 Hertfordshire, especially for global careers. Bedfordshire is excellent for regional industries.