Hertford College
About the college
Hertford is known for its friendly and informal atmosphere – it’s the kind of place where it’s easy to make friends and feel at home.
We’re proud of our inclusive ethos and have pioneered access to Oxford for students from under-represented groups for over 50 years. Our down-to-earth approach fosters the positive working relationships enjoyed by our students and tutors.
We’re academically ambitious and keen for our students to fulfill their potential, offering personalised academic skills training, generous college bursaries, and support from our experienced pastoral team. The popular college library is open 24/7 with unlimited borrowing, plus the University’s Bodleian Library is just over the road.
Hertford guarantees accommodation for all three or four years of your undergraduate course. First-years live on our main site in the heart of Oxford, while from second year onwards students choose one of our nearby annexes. Three pay-as-you-go meals are available on weekdays, while college brunch is a weekend highlight. Every room also has access to a shared kitchen.
Our creative catering team regularly organise special meals to celebrate everything from Pancake Day to Diwali and host optional formal dinners twice a week. We also have a lively bar and café, where you can grab a lunchtime coffee and sandwich. By night, the bar is home to special events, from live sport on the big screen to music nights and quizzes.
As well as off-site sports grounds, tennis and squash courts, and a superb boathouse, we also have a free gym in college. Our enthusiastic sports teams welcome players (and supporters) of all abilities.
Hertford students organise an annual arts festival and run one of Oxford’s largest music societies, which includes an orchestra and choir open to everyone.
High-profile guests from the worlds of government and politics regularly speak at Hertford. Through other college societies you can also get involved in a wide range of activities, including fundraising for charities which support Oxford’s wider community.
Read more on the college website.
Hertford is…
'...a wonderful home away from home.'
Katie
'…one big family where you know you can get support.'
Imad
'…meeting people from a huge variety of backgrounds and making friends for life.'
Andrew
'…joining in and having fun with our inclusive clubs, teams and societies.'
Aisha
'…studying and living in a supportive, considerate and progressive community.'
Ina
College facilities
Visit our College Facilities Table to compare facilities across different colleges.
College accommodation
Accommodation | College availability |
| All first years on site | Yes |
| Usually offered for all years | Yes |
| Usually offered for three years | Not applicable |
| Usually offered for first year and one other year | Not applicable |
| Some vacation storage for international students | Yes |
Catering
Catering type | College availability |
| Dining hall | Yes |
| Bar | Yes |
| Café | Yes |
Facilities
Facility type | College availability |
| Gym on site | Yes |
| Boathouse | Yes |
| Library open 24/7 | Yes |
| Computer rooms/stations | Yes |
| Wi-Fi throughout college | Yes |
| Music room | Yes |
| Theatre/performance space | No |
| Chapel | Yes |
| Multi-faith prayer room | Yes |
Clubs and societies
Club / society | College availability |
| Music society | Yes |
| Orchestra(s) | Yes |
| Choir(s) | Yes |
| Dramatic society | No |
| College student magazine/paper | Yes |
| Some subject societies | Yes |
| Other societies | Yes |
Courses Available
- Archaeology and Anthropology
- Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
- Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Philosophy
- Economics and Management
- Engineering Science
- English Language and Literature
- English and Modern Languages
- Geography
- History
- History and Modern Languages
- History and Politics
- Human Sciences
- Law (Jurisprudence)
- Law with Law Studies in Europe
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Modern Languages
- Modern Languages and Linguistics
- Music
- Philosophy and Modern Languages
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
- Physics
- Physics and Philosophy
Link areas
In order to ensure that all areas of the UK are fully supported by the University of Oxford, our colleges are working together to establish Oxford for UK, a series of regional outreach programmes offering tailored and local support to students of mixed ages, their parents and teachers.
Getting in touch with the college linked to your region has no influence on your chances of being accepted to this or any other particular college. You are also very welcome to get in touch with any other college for advice about applying or studying here.
Hertford College is part of Oxford for East England.
Link Local Authorities
Essex
Peterborough
Southend-on-Sea
Thurrock
Medway
Camden
Contact
Access and Outreach at Hertford
Outreach and Communications Officer: Lucy Stevens
STEM Outreach Officer: Kathryn Boast
outreach@hertford.ox.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1865 611882
www.hertford.ox.ac.uk
Postal address:
Hertford College
Catte St, Oxford OX1 3BW
Location
Hertford is right in the heart of the city's historic city centre. We’re surrounded by some of Oxford’s most beautiful buildings and next door to the Bodleian Library.
Accommodation includes rooms on the main site, purpose-built annexes by the river, and houses in north Oxford, all around 10 to 25 minutes’ walk away.
UCAS campus code: 7
Oxford OX1 3BW
+44 (0) 1865 279400 www.hertford.ox.ac.ukFounded
1282
Student numbers
Undergraduates: 427
Graduates: 259
Admissions contacts
+44 (0) 1865 279404 undergraduate.admissions@hertford.ox.ac.uk
Registrar & Director of Admissions: Megan Roper
Admissions Officer: Alfie Deere-Hall
Academic staff
Visit the college website for the full list
Our 2023 undergraduate open days will be held on 28 and 29 June and 15 September.
Register to find out more about our upcoming open days.