Why choose Huddersfield for undergraduate study?

Huddersfield makes a great first choice university. Here's why.

Choosing a university is a big deal. There’s lots to think through, like where to go and what to study.

Occasionally it might even feel like information overload – just at a time when you’re probably busy with other things. That's why we've created this page to highlight a number of reasons why Huddersfield makes a great first choice university.

We're recognised for our teaching excellence.

The University of Huddersfield is a gold-rated university in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Huddersfield delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK.

Learn about the TEF and how it helps you choose where to study.

Added to that, we won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

First in England for professionally qualified teaching staff

So who will you be taught by?

Well, figures released by the Higher Education Funding Council for England see the University of Huddersfield come top of all the universities in England for the proportion of staff with teaching qualifications. (HEFCE 9 Dec 2016)

We’ve been the UK’s leading university for the receipt of National Teaching Fellowships, to mark Britain’s best teachers, for the past nine years!

And we’re the UK’s only university where 100% of permanent teaching staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy*. So you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you be the best.

Meet our staff.

*permanent staff, after probation: some recently appointed colleagues will only obtain recognition in the months after their arrival in Huddersfield, once they have started teaching

Huddersfield has a fantastic record of graduate employability

This is great news for our students. After all, getting a job is a key reason to study at university.

94.5% of our undergraduate students go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating*. It’s a testament to the confidence employers have in Huddersfield graduates and an important reason to come to Huddersfield.

*Destinations of Leavers Survey 2014/15

Professional work placements play a key part of student life

One of the reasons employers have such confidence in Huddersfield graduates is due to the real-world experience they gain from placements.

Did you know Huddersfield is a Top 10 University in England for paid work placement*?

Learn more about placements here.

*HESA 14/15

I had a very varied course whereby I had the opportunity to go and study on Erasmus in Holland on my second year and then I went on a work placement in Kent in my third year. I really enjoyed my time in Holland as it was a great cultural experience and made me realise that I wanted to work in international business.

- Emily Halstead, work placement student.

Connect with professional bodies and industry

The truth is you’ll need an edge when you go into the jobs market after your degree. Something to give you that little extra to really impress employers.

Many of our courses give successful graduates professional body accreditation including, Law, Architecture, Psychology, Pharmacy, Accountancy, Chemistry, Engineering and Computing.

Add to that the links many of our staff retain from their previous experience working in industry. You might even make a few contacts during your course to improve your chances of getting a job after graduation. Not to mention the network you’ll build with your fellow students.

100% of our students have the opportunity to undertake professional work experience during their studies, including guest lectures and projects set by industry partners.

It’s a great opportunity that could prove vital to gaining a job after graduation.

Research inspired courses

Academics never stop researching, there is always something new and exciting to be discovered. At the University of Huddersfield, research is not a bolt on, it shapes our courses – making them challenging, exciting and thought provoking.

We have world-class centres of research excellence and specialist facilities that enable research to be conducted by both our staff and students. In addition, many of our academics are influential thinkers and leaders in their field and these qualities filter down throughout our teaching.

Lower cost of living

Ok, so you might be worried about moving away from home and having to fend for yourself. Well, don’t be. Huddersfield is just the place to start finding your feet and become more independent.

Unlike some large cities, Huddersfield offers a relatively low cost of living, giving you more for your money. This means it’s easier to enjoy all that Huddersfield, the University and the surrounding areas have to offer.

For further help our students have put together a guide to saving money at university.

Investing in the University campus

We’re continually investing in our campus and our latest development Oastler Building was opened in April 2017 by our Chancellor, HRH The Duke of York KG. 

Connected with Oastler, Student Central was built with only one thing in mind – our students. It is a £22.5m hub that combines access to the library, computing, sport, leisure and eating space all under one roof.

Speaking of the library, you’ll love it. Seriously, it’ll be your second home. It’s open 24/7, with a huge amount of material available online. You can study at a time that’s right for you with all the information you need, instantly at your fingertips. 

You’ll also get to use some fantastic facilities as part of your course. To find out more visit our course finder.