General Information

The University of Hertfordshire is based on two campuses in Hatfield.  Fifteen of the University’s Schools are based at College Lane Campus; Humanities, Education and Business are at de Havilland Campus and the School of Law is in St Albans, a short bus ride away.  Our two campuses in Hatfield, less than one kilometre apart, are linked by a network of paths, cycle routes and a frequent shuttle bus service.

Academic Calendar 2008-2009

Semester A Orientation Programme: Mon, 22 September 2008 – Fri, 26 September 2008

Semester A:                                Mon, 29 September 2008 – Fri, 23 January 2009
(integral Christmas vacation)         Mon, 22 December 2008 – Fri, 9 January 2009)

Semester B Orientation Programme: to be confirmed

Semester B:                                Mon, 26 January 2009 – Fri, 5 June 2009
(integral Easter vacation)              Mon, 6 April 2009 – Fri, 24 April 2009)

Semester A examinations will take place during the final two weeks of the semester
Semester B examinations will take place during the final three weeks of the semester

Applications

The following should be provided:

1. Module selection form
2. Original Transcript
3. List of courses currently being taken if not shown on the transcript
4. Descriptions of any classes being taken which will act as pre-requisites for modules to be taken at UH

The above paperwork should be sent to Christina Fairhead in the UH Study Abroad Office by the Study Abroad Advisor at the home institution.

Deadlines

30 April – for students applying for Semester A or the academic year
31 October – for students applying for Semester B

Module selection

This should be based on research made by applicants in identifying suitable modules as unfortunately we do not have the resources to carry out a matching exercise for students.  Students are asked to list the modules they wish to take at UH in order of priority indicating whether these will transfer as Major, Major requirement, Minor or Elective.  Two alternate modules in case of timetable clashes or class cancellations should also be provided.  The module selection form should be signed by the student’s academic advisor to confirm that the selection is approved and credit will transfer. 

A full time student at UH is usually required to study 120 credits (= 60 ECTS credits) per academic year.  Exchange students studying for one semester will therefore need to take 4 modules of 15 credits.  Students studying for Semesters A & B will need to take 4 modules of 30 credits (all year modules) or 8 modules of 15 credits (one semester modules) or a combination of these provided the total number of credits equals 120.

Please note that students will not be allowed to take more or less than 4 modules per semester.  Students may select any courses providing they can be timetabled and any pre-requisites are met. 

Module descriptions

The online module catalogue is currently not available.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by coursework, examination or a combination of the two.  Examinations are held during the final two weeks of Semester A and during the final three weeks of Semester B.  Students are required to remain at UH to sit all examinations if they wish to gain credit for their studies at UH. 

Exchange students are advised to apply for university accommodation.  However accommodation is only guaranteed to students studying at UH for an academic year, providing application deadlines are met.  University accommodation for students studying for one semester is subject to availability.  All university accommodation is self catering and meal plans are not available.  At College Lane Campus the accommodation is fully furnished with mainly single bedrooms and shared bathrooms/showers.  At de Havilland Campus there are fully furnished singly study bedrooms.  All rooms have network points. 

Full details of the accommodation together with an application form are included in the Accommodation Guide a copy of which will be sent to each applicant with their offer letter.  This information and an application form can also be downloaded from our website at: http://www.herts.ac.uk/international-students/accommodation/home.cfm

Please note that students will be asked to pay for their accommodation in full on arrival.

Registration

Exchange students arriving at the start of the academic year will be required to register with the university during Orientation Week and those coming in Semester B will register on the first day of the semester.  They will be asked to provide the following documentation:

Offer letter
Passport
Accommodation letter (if they have one)
Passport photos
Current transcript

All students will be registered in the School of Combined Studies as Credit Accumulation & Transfer Scheme (CATS) students.

Tuition fees are waived for exchange students.

Entry Clearance

Information on the current requirements for entry clearance can be found on:

http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/

Insurance

Exchange students will be eligible for free or subsidised medical treatment under the National Health Service (NHS) if they fall into one of the following categories:

1. enrolled on a course lasting longer than six months
2. national or resident of an EEA country
3. from a country which as a reciprocal health agreement with the UK (Australia has such an agreement but the USA, Canada and Singapore do not)

Students who do not fall into one of the above categories, will be charged for any medical treatment and we therefore strongly recommend that medical insurance is arranged before arriving in the UK.

Students may also wish to consider taking out Personal and Travel Insurance.

Employment

Exchange students are allowed to work on or off campus for up to 20 hours per week providing there is no work restriction on their student visa.  The UH Students’ Union has an employment agency on campus to help students find work.

Pre-Arrival Information

The Pre-Arrival Guide will be sent with the offer letter.  This Guide is primarily intended for degree seeking students coming from overseas but some of the information it contains may be useful for exchange students.  It can also be downloaded from our website at: http://www.herts.ac.uk/international-students/pre-departure/home.cfm

Overseas Students’ Orientation Programme

Students arriving for Semester A or the academic year are invited to join the Overseas Students’ Orientation Programme held prior to the start of Semester A.  This week is intended for students coming from overseas but we strongly recommend that all exchange students participate as it gives them the opportunity to complete the required formalities before semester starts when there are fewer students on campus.  It is also a chance to enjoy the social events and settle in before the UK students arrive.

It has not yet been confirmed whether an Orientation Programme will be arranged in the 2008-09 academic year for those students arriving for Semester B.  Alternative induction arrangements will be made for exchange students if it does not go ahead.

Further information?

Please contact: 

Christina Fairhead
Study Abroad Office
M016, de Havilland Campus
Hatfield, Herts AL10 9AB

Tel:  +44 1707 285417
Fax: +44 1707 285515
e-mail: C.Fairhead@herts.ac.uk

Financing Your Semester

Estimated Costs

Contact us at the Study Abroad Office, Clark Hall, Room 543 Tel  (408) 924-5931 Fax (408) 924-5976
or send us an email