COMING_TO_HARTPURY_UNIVERSITY_POSTGRADUATE_OFFER_HOLDER_GUIDE_2026

CTH 2026

Contents

4. Choosing Hartpury

5. Value of postgraduate

7. Learning environment

9. Our academics

12. Our students

13. Animal and Agriculture

15. Business

17. Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy

19. Sport and Exercise

21. Veterinary Nursing

23. Student support

25. Next steps

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

1

Accept your offer You've chosen a fantastic place to develop your expertise, career and earning potential. You can accept your offer now by emailing us. postgraduate@hartpury.ac.uk

Congratulations! You’re one step closer to postgraduate study at Hartpury University

Congratulations on receiving your offer. Whether you’re developing your existing expertise or embarking on a complete career change, progressing from undergraduate study or joining us after a break from education, we’ll support you to achieve your goals. You’ll benefit from learning that’s embedded in industry. Our specialist campus is a hive of professional activity, providing learning facilities and research test bed for your area of interest. You’ll learn from experts in their fields, most of whom are leaders in professional roles or through important scientific research. They draw on their industry experience as lecturers, applying theory to real-life situations and engaging with their networks for guest speakers. In this offer holder guide, you’ll discover more about your next steps and postgraduate life at Hartpury University. If you have any further questions, please contact us using the details on the back cover.

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

2

TOP 10

UK university for overall postgraduate satisfaction

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2025, Home Students

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

3

WHY STUDENTS CHOOSE US

Our specialist focus means we’re fully immersed in our industries. From commercial learning environments and leading experts to professional partnerships, you’ll find everything you need to enhance your career opportunities. Industry-led qualifications Our qualifications are designed in partnership with industry bodies and employers, which enables our postgraduates to meet market demands. The professional nature of what we do means that what you learn will be directly We’re connected with over 3,000 employers from across the globe. Our students hear from professionals in lectures, undertake volunteering, and contribute to important research and real-world projects. Valuing innovation By appreciating education that sits alongside industry, you’ll learn with the latest technologies, blending professional practice with important scientific research, and develop the expertise to innovate in your field. applicable to the real world. Professional networks

Care and support We consider your unique skills and

experience, supporting you to explore new opportunities. We keep our teaching groups small, so we can adopt a personal approach to your development. Realise your goals Access workshops, placements and advice from our Employability, Skills and Careers team. We’re accredited by the Matrix Standard, which means you’ll receive the highest standard of guidance. Impactful research Postgraduate students at Hartpury are part of a community that makes a real impact in the world through teaching and research. The projects we engage with improve the lives of people, animals and the planet. Enjoyable experiences Through clear, engaging teaching activities, including lectures, workshops and practical sessions, our students are taught to make sense of complex ideas and enjoy their studies.

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

4

THE VALUE OF YOUR QUALIFICATION

Our postgraduate students deepen their expertise as part of a curious and like-minded learning community. They open new opportunities to create meaningful careers, whilst changing the lives of others through improving best practice. Deepening expertise Supported by expert staff, industry networks and facilities, you’ll gain new understanding to help you thrive in your study and career. Broadening skills By working side-by-side with peers, researchers and industry partners, you’ll embed important transferable skills that employers look for.

Making a difference You’ll have the facilities and support you need to improve your professional practice in your chosen subject area and specialism. Connecting with industry Collaborating with leading academics and specialists, postgraduate study

offers you the chance to build connections and opportunities. Higher salaries

Postgraduates are more likely to progress to highly skilled roles, and can expect to earn an average of £16,500 more per year than non-graduates.*

*Graduate labour market statistics 2025 (calendar year 2024)

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

5

Alumni community Our graduates become part of the Hartpury Alumni Network, made up of over 23,000 former students, spanning both the globe and over seven decades. You’ll benefit from discounts for further study, careers advice and guidance, as well as invitations to exclusive activities and events. If you’re already a Hartpury Alumni, you may be eligible for up to 10% off 2026/27 master’s course fees.

Hartpury Alumni website

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

6

A DIVERSE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

We’re home to students and staff from over 60 countries, meaning our campus is alive with people from different backgrounds and cultures. You’ll share your journey with this diverse community, exploring new ideas and creating new possibilities for you and those around you. Our 360-hectare rural campus blends advanced technologies with acres of rural space. It’s home to a vibrant hub of professional learning, where you can develop your skills and expertise. You could be among the first students to use our brand-new university learning facility, opening soon. With social and quiet study spaces, books and electronic resources, and access to our learning and careers support teams, it’s a great study spot.

Opportunities to meet online and in person

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

7

Our postgraduate students enjoy the best of both worlds. Whether your learning is on campus or accessed remotely, we provide an environment to flourish as individuals while creating new ways of working to improve standards across our specialist subjects. You can get involved with important research and industry projects, both inside and outside your learning, through dissertations, module briefs and voluntary roles. Staff and students work together to help improve performance, prevent injury and disease, promote sustainability, enhance quality of life for people and animals, and more. Book an online appointment with your programme manager, or join us on campus, to discuss what’s important to you.

…and socialising! As well as our sports academies and horse riding/livery

opportunities, our campus offers lots of places to meet up with friends for a coffee, take a walk or try something new. With multiple cafes and restaurants, clubs and societies, recreational activities, and plenty of spectator sport, you’ll always find something to suit your mood. www.hartpury.ac.uk/student-life

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

8

YOUR ACADEMIC EXPERTS

Outstanding teaching and research is high on our agenda. This means you’ll get the best of both worlds – access to the latest research science and engaging learning activities to help you make the most of your studies.

Finding innovative ways to protect endangered species

Professor Vicky Melfi Professor of Human-Animal Interaction Expertise : Human-animal interactions in wild and captive contexts

Visit our academic research hub for biographies on our experts

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

9

Improving understanding of animal psychology and welfare practice Dr. Ben Brilot Head of Sustainability Expertise : Animal psychology and emotional states

Exploring equine anatomical symmetry and the link to performance, health and welfare Dr. Kirsty Leśniak Programme Manager and Senior Lecturer MSc Applied Equine Science, MRes Equestrian Science Expertise : Equine anatomical symmetry and performance

Animal

Equine

Among the UK’s leading veterinary physiotherapists

Improving ethical decision-making for human-animal relationships

Dr. Gillian Tabor Reader and Programme Manager, MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy Expertise : ACPAT Veterinary Physiotherapist

Dr. Chris Pawson, Reader in Anthrozoology Expertise : Human and animal behaviour

Equine

Animal

A leading global equine physiology and rehabilitation expert Associate Professor, Kathryn Nankervis Equestrian Performance Expertise : Water treadmill exercise and rehabilitation

Influencing national animal welfare policy and practice

Designing sustainable farming models to optimise productivity Professor Matt Bell Professor in Agriculture Expertise : Sustainable agri-food systems and enterprise Dr. Wanda McCormick Head of Agriculture, Environmental and Animal Sciences Expertise : Physiological impacts of welfare challenges in captive animals

Animal

Equine

Collaborating on projects to advance equine health and performance Associate Professor, Russell MacKechnie-Guire Reader in Equine Biomechanics Expertise : Horse-saddle- rider interaction and spinal kinematics

Equine

Agriculture

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

10

Advancing best practice within youth athletic development Dr. Ben Drury Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Strength and Conditioning Expertise : Accredited strength and conditioning coach Developing high-quality educational experiences for all Dr. Polly Pick Principal Lecturer in Business Expertise : Leadership and Management, Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, work-based and experiential learning An expert in coach/teacher education and development Dr. Luciana De Martin Silva Principal Lecturer, MSc Sports Coaching Expertise: Teaching and learning approaches in physical education, sports coaching A leading voice in sports management and public health Associate Professor, Kevin Harris Hartpury Sports Business Hub Expertise : Sports management, development and public health

Sport

Sport

Sport

Advancing sports coaching practice through power dynamics Dr. Martin Longworth Senior Lecturer, Sports Coaching Expertise : Sociology of sports coaching and physical education

Business

Specialising in professional ethics and informed consent to treatment

Dr. Carol Gray Principal Lecturer, Department of Veterinary Nursing

Expertise : Member of the RCVS and EACHvet; a special interest group advancing communication within veterinary healthcare (European Association for Communication in Healthcare)

Veterinary

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

11

WHAT OUR POSTGRADUATES SAY

"Hartpury’s an international university, and that’s something that appealed to me. Whether you want to go into research, come up with your own business, or do something completely innovative, Hartpury will support you to be successful.” "I’m passionate about driving change in agriculture. From my undergraduate experience, I knew Hartpury would treat me as an individual and that I would be supported to mould my research to complement my own experiences and values.” “I took my postgraduate degree as a mature student, which shows it’s never too late to start a new adventure. Hartpury has opened new doors and enabled me to share my passion with like-minded interesting people.”

Hartpury have outstanding facilities and their staff are experts at what they do. I love seeing young people realise their potential – it’s life changing for them. My research will help to influence more tailored coaching and games programmes.” “My commitment to delivering top-tier patient care and passion for critical care nursing led me to Hartpury. I particularly enjoyed the lectures. Being able relate lecture material to clinical practice was extremely valuable.”

Dr. Isabeau Deckers PhD: equine spinal biomechanics, MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy

Gerry McGinty MRes Sport and Exercise Science

Jessica Saunders PGCert Advanced Equine Veterinary Nursing (Critical Care)

Elle Vercoe-Gibson PhD: One welfare in dairy stakeholders

Amanda Gates MRes Anthrozoology

Hear from more of our postgraduates

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

12

ANIMAL AND AGRICULTURE

project briefs and undertaking collaborative research to improve practice. If you care about the protection of natural resources, you’ll find everything you need on campus. From developing new innovative ways to protect endangered species, to understanding ethics and law to influence new policies, we’ll support you to make a difference to the future of the natural world. Play a key role in shaping the future through sustainable agri-science and business practice. With access to a commercial farm and Digital Innovation Farm, you can help us to improve productivity as well as animal and farmer health and wellbeing.

Join a talented community that’s leading the way in animal and agricultural science. You’ll have access to an abundance of animal species across campus, from our dedicated collection to wildlife. Students also have opportunities to access our equine centres, commercial Home Farm and Agri-Tech Centre, and robotic milking stations. Our professional networks will enable you to engage with employers, hearing from professionals in lectures, working on live

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

13

In the field Our students have opportunities to further their learning away from campus. Our MSc Biodiversity Conservation cohort regularly undertakes practical sampling techniques whilst getting to the heart of the many successes and lessons to take forward within the conservation management industry. Current students have developed an understanding of the challenges that land managers face in the pursuit of increasing environmental benefits for biodiversity, whilst simultaneously maintaining business sustainability and food production.

Get to know our department

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

14

Join a tight-knit community of professionals from a range of businesses and sectors worldwide. Develop your understanding of the challenges facing your sector and explore them from different perspectives. Created in consultation with industry professionals to give you the edge in today’s business world, our postgraduate provision will enhance your competitiveness in today’s BUSINESS

business arena. Supported by our business experts, you’ll identify, investigate, and find solutions that make a positive difference in your industry. You could utilise our campus facilities and commercial businesses to explore how theory applies to real-world practice. As well as our renowned campus facilities, you could engage with key local and regional sports teams and bodies to complete consultancy briefs via our Hartpury Sports Business Hub.

Postgraduate business at Hartpury

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

15

Now and the future Whether you’re progressing your career or launching a new one, you’ll emerge as a confident business professional, empowered to influence real change. Our postgraduate business students enhance their professional mindsets with a global perspective and are prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. You’ll use your skills to think creatively with an entrepreneurial approach, developing viable and applicable business solutions.

“Hartpury has a long-established reputation across our specialist business industries. Explore your role in depth and stretch your thinking. It’s your chance to challenge yourself and really dig into something that matters to you.”

Dr Polly Pick Principal Lecturer in Business

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

16

EQUINE AND VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPY

You’ll learn to optimise the welfare of horses, humans and the environment in decision-making From maximising community engagement in best practice to counteracting UK-wide and international welfare issues, our students are helping to implement positive change. Our annual international equestrian events will enable you to work behind the scenes, experiencing events management and marketing first-hand. We have extensive connections with governing bodies and businesses including racecourses, charities, veterinary centres,

Our equestrian heritage enables us to provide students with unparalleled opportunities. Develop your skills in an inspirational environment as you learn from academic and industry experts, exploring new topics that suit your interests and aspirations. Support and lead on projects in our Equine Therapy Centre, designing and implementing treatment programmes for a range of horses. Our renowned Rider Performance Centre is home to advanced simulators used by Hartpury students and professionals for research that’s addressing real-life challenges.

research laboratories, nutritionists, professional athletes and coaches.

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

17

Therapy and rehabilitation

Our internationally recognised expertise in therapy, hydrotherapy, and high speed treadmill treatment, honed over 20 years of applied experience, made us the ideal co producer for the world’s first international guidelines, Equine Water Treadmill Exercises: A guide for users. Developed in partnership with the British Equestrian Federation and Pet Plan Charitable Trust, these guidelines are informing the training of hundreds of sports horses worldwide.

Discover our research online

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

18

SPORT AND EXERCISE

groups. Our reputation provides access to industry experts, live business briefs, and work placement opportunities via our Hartpury Sports Business Hub. Nine Sports Academies on campus make us the ideal place to develop professional coaching skills or undertake research to help improve the world of performance and grassroots sport. We’ve produced over 400 international athletes across the past 20 years.

Benefit from our proven track-record. Make the most of our fantastic links with community and performance sports organisations. Through multi-million-pound facilities, extensive professional networks and sports clubs on campus, we provide opportunities for students to engage with a wide range of applied settings across performance sport, business and enterprise, schools and community

Discover out sport facilities

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

19

Facilities on campus

Our multi-million-pound facilities include: • eight grass pitches and two 3G pitches with integrated cameras for analysis, • a human performance laboratory with an anti-gravity treadmill and altitude chamber, • a biomechanics laboratory with training tracks and force platforms, • a medical centre and rehabilitation suite, cross training, power, and performance gyms, • a 1,500m 2 double sports hall with integrated cameras for analysis. • global performance analysis software by Hudl, including WIMU GPS integration.

“We’ll explore how we can build on your experiences to get you where you want to be. We’ve got the experience and flexibility to really shape individual journeys for our postgraduate students.”

Sarah Lee Head of School

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

20

VETERINARY NURSING

a difference. You’re joining a diverse community of veterinary nurses. Taught by veterinary professionals, as well as our expert staff, you’ll debate ideas, share experiences, and critique the latest literature, applying teaching material to real scenarios. You’ll be supported to thrive in your learning and emerge as an advanced veterinary nursing practitioner, ready to progress in your chosen area of specialisation.

Developed in consultation with industry experts, our courses will give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to realise your full potential. We push the boundaries of the profession, advocate for exciting pathways within veterinary nursing careers, and inform industry to make

Explore our Veterinary Nursing school

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

21

Our research specialisms

We’re committed to shaping veterinary nursing education and advancing veterinary practice. Our veterinary nursing team devise real world solutions for the sector, with research interests spanning: • Veterinary professional ethics and law • Equine intensive care • Behaviour and rehabilitation • The human impact of companion animal euthanasia • Canine behaviour in waiting areas • Consent surrounding companion animal neutering • End-of-life care for animal patients.

“We produce highly skilled veterinary nurses, qualified and empowered to develop their careers whilst improving clinical veterinary nursing through evidence based practice.”

Catherine Phillips Head of School

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

22

We’ll support you to get to grips with postgraduate study, especially if you’ve been away from education for some time, through personal support that extends beyond the classroom. You’ll be assigned an Academic Personal Tutor on arrival, who may also be your Programme Manager, and have access to our Student Advisers for academic support throughout your course. • Academic support: Tailored academic skills support for postgraduate students, helping those from both industry and academic backgrounds thrive. This includes 1:1 tutorials, daily drop-ins, online materials, and a programme of targeted workshops; • Wellness Development Support: A safe, confidential space for students to talk and feel supported, in person or online. Friendly and approachable, our advisors will work collaboratively with you on specific challenges. Referrals to specialist services are also available if needed. • Disability and Learning Support: Comprehensive guidance for students with a diagnosed condition, whether that be medical, physical, mental health or neurodiversity, including guidance for Diagnostic SUPPORTING YOU TO SUCCEED

Assessments, creating a learning profile to share with those supporting your studies, and exam access arrangements.

If you’re eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), apply now. We can support you with this.

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

23

Your wellbeing Our Student Wellbeing team of counsellors, nurses, and wellbeing officers are here to support you through your academic journey – offering guidance on everything from time management to self-balance and mindfulness. For any extra help, our Student Assistance Programme offers 24/7 support via a confidential helpline. www.hartpury.ac.uk/wellbeing Employability, Skills and Careers Empowering futures through skills, support and placements. Whether you want to enhance your employability skills, talk through career options, sharpen up your CV, write a covering letter or practice your interview skills, our team can help. They support students in building a portfolio to help them stand out from the crowd and become confident in finding employment. www.hartpury.ac.uk/esc Communities of Practice Connect with people from different backgrounds in areas you’re passionate about, enabling you to contribute to projects that are making a difference in a

range of important areas. www.hartpury.ac.uk/cop

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

24

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Finance Getting your student finance sorted will mean you can give all your attention to your postgraduate studies. Discover more about tuition fees, student loans, grants, bursaries and scholarships via our website. www.hartpury.ac.uk/pg-finance www.hartpury.ac.uk/internationalfees Paid assistant roles Our teaching and research assistant roles provide a unique opportunity to become a part-time staff member alongside your studies. You’ll earn a salary, whilst gaining new skills and expertise for your career. www.hartpury.ac.uk/pg-cth-hub Accommodation Whether you’re relocating here for the duration of your studies or looking for temporary accommodation when you need to be on campus, there are plenty of local options to help you feel at home. www.hartpury.ac.uk/pg-accommodation Getting around Our campus is well connected to public transport. From Gloucester train station, you can hop onto our Hartpury shuttle bus, which stops on campus. Local taxi firm Andy Cars is also a good option. If you’re planning to drive here, you can register your vehicle online. www.hartpury.ac.uk/parking

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

25

International student essentials As an international student, there are a few extra things to consider, including getting your Student visa, travel arrangements, and understanding life in the UK. Graduate Visa Route: A Graduate visa gives students who have been studying on a Student Visa permission to stay in the UK for at least 18 months after successfully completing their course. You’ll find plenty of information via the online hub below and our international team are on hand to help. international@hartpury.ac.uk

For the most up-to-date

information, visit your CTH2026 hub

CTH 2026 Offer Holder Guide

26

Questions? If you have any questions at all, please do get in touch with the relevant team below. They’re on hand to support you to prepare for and succeed in your studies. Accommodation accommodation@hartpury.ac.uk | +44 1452 702352 Achievement and Success Centre asc@hartpury.ac.uk | +44 (0) 1452 702415 | Disability and learning support | +44 (0) 1452 702416 Admissions postgraduate@hartpury.ac.uk | +44 (0) 1452 702333 Employability, Skills and Careers HEcareers@hartpury.ac.uk | +44 (0) 1452 702656 International international@hartpury.ac.uk | +44 (0) 1452 702344 Sports Academy sportsacademy@hartpury.ac.uk | +44 (0) 1452 702515 Student Finance studentfinance@hartpury.ac.uk | +44 (0) 1452 702697 Wellbeing wellbeing@hartpury.ac.uk | +44 (0) 1452 702327 This document was produced in January 2026. The information reflects the provision as it is at this time. Check our website for the most up to date and detailed information.

Hartpury University, Hartpury House, Gloucester, GL19 3BE T: +44 1452 702333 | www.hartpury.ac.uk