University of Hertfordshire to open county’s first medical school a year early amid new NHS reforms
The announcement aligns with the government's unveiling of a new series of NHS reforms aimed at enhancing patient care and experience
The University of Hertfordshire will open the county’s first medical school in September 2026, a year earlier than initially planned. The announcement aligns with the government's unveiling of a new series of NHS reforms aimed at enhancing patient care and experience.
The medical school, to be called ‘The Hertfordshire Medical School’, is set to address the urgent need for more healthcare professionals in the region and across the UK. The new school will offer a five-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, training up to 70 students annually.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced the NHS reforms today, which focus on improving patient experience and care. These reforms are intended to support the region’s healthcare system and tackle the shortage of medical professionals.
The University of Hertfordshire had originally planned to open its medical school in 2027 but decided to bring the date forward after discussions with NHS partners and progress in the General Medical Council’s (GMC) approval process.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mairi Watson said, “We are delighted to be able to bring our opening date for the new Hertfordshire Medical School forward to September 2026 at a time when demand could not be greater or more desperately needed. Our NHS is in transition, and it's long been known that universities are going to be key in delivering the solution.”
The University’s new medical school will train highly skilled doctors through a five-year MBBS programme. The first cohort, consisting of international students, is set to begin in September 2026. The University is also collaborating with local NHS partners to seek funding for UK students in the future.
Professor Zoe Aslanpour, Dean of the Hertfordshire Medical School, emphasised the University’s commitment to social mobility and diversity within the medical profession. She said, “With a longstanding reputation in medical sciences... the University’s existing excellence in healthcare education, research, widening access and socio-economic impact will be bolstered by the Hertfordshire Medical School.”
The medical school will offer local and regional clinical placements from the first year, supported by City St George’s, University of London. Key local NHS partners, including Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust and West Herts NHS Trust, are also backing the initiative.
The announcement of the Hertfordshire Medical School comes alongside the government’s introduction of “tough” NHS reforms, including a new league table of NHS providers and increased autonomy for high-performing hospitals. This follows previous measures aimed at strengthening the NHS workforce and improving patient care.
Professor Rachel Allen, Interim Executive Dean for the St George's School of Health and Medical Sciences, expressed support, saying, “We look forward to working together with the University of Hertfordshire, sharing our wealth of experience and expertise in medical education to provide the best possible support to the future healthcare workforce.”
The University’s new medical school is expected to improve patient care across Hertfordshire, where there are currently 0.5 GPs per 1,000 patients, significantly below the national average of 2.8 GPs per 1,000. The institution also aims to meet rising demand for medical education in the East of England, where applications to study medicine have increased by 47% over the past five years.