The University of Gloucestershire has a long and varied past; the culmination of changes to past educational institutes. With ideal locations giving easy access to the countryside the University creates a great student experience in terms of balancing study with leisure. The locations means that in your free time you’re never far from a nightclub, great country pubs, bars and Inns or great shopping in Cheltenham or Gloucester. Not very far away is the Cotswold Water Park for outdoor activities such as water-skiing and sailing. Around the year there are great events like the Cheltenham Festival and the legendary horse racing at Cheltenham racecourse.

The history of the University of Gloucestershire began over 150 years ago with the establishment of the Mechanics Institute which was founded in 1834. The real change came in 1992 when the Cheltenham & Gloucester College of Higher Education (also known as CGCHE) was first allowed to award both first and postgraduate degrees in a range of subjects. This was followed in 1998 by the University being enabled to award Research Degrees which added to its prestige. In 2001 it was finally awarded University status, giving us what is now the University of Gloucestershire. Many students arrive at university via the UCAS clearing system which is based in Cheltenham.

Campus

The University of Gloucestershire has three main student campuses. One campus is in Gloucester and two are in Cheltenham. The Gloucester campus is Oxstalls. The two Cheltenham campuses are Francis Close Hall and ‘The Park’ where in past years the Guitar Festival has been held. Some students study at more than one campus but this doesn’t present a problem as they are linked electronically, and there is also a frequent bus service ensuring that students who do study at more than one location don’t have their education compromised by the split site.

The Park which is the business school is conveniently located within 10 minutes walking distance of Montpellier and so is close to Cheltenham town centre. This gives great access to all the bars and individual shops which make Cheltenham such a fantastic student experience. As students come from around the globe to study here the atmosphere is cosmopolitan which all adds to the student experience. The Park is known for its computing, hospitality/tourism, management and law courses.

The second Cheltenham campus is Francis Close Hall. Known as FCH the campus accommodates Social Science, Humanities and Education. This campus is the closest to the centre of Cheltenham and so gives great access to bars, eating out, shopping and nightclubs. It is very popular with students because of the high quality facilities which include leading edge laboratories and design studios. The campus also has high quality computer and library facilities giving students maximum support. There is also a refectory, a student training restaurant and Student Union bar on the site making the facilities comprehensive.

The Oxstalls campus which is based in central Gloucester is relatively new, having opened in 2002, focuses on Social Care, Sport and health. Being relatively new the facilities are fantastic. These include a sports Hall with Astroturf floor, a student learning centre which boasts over 200 pc’s, and laboratories which cater for biomechanics and biochemistry. There is of course also standard facilities such as a student bar and student helpzone.

Commitment

The University of Gloucestershire puts great emphasis on skills that are appropriate for the work environment. This commitment is supported by centre of Worked based Learning. This facility can be used by students and potential employers to establish work placements and work experience. This gives the students greater credibility and employability; and allows the University to build contacts and develop relationships with a wide range of organisations and businesses.

The University of Gloucestershire is also planning to spend £5 million pounds on refurbishment. The work would improve various parts of both the academic facilities and the facilities at Student Union. The work would include additional quality teaching space and study space.

Accommodation

For many people University is their first experience of living away from home so campus accommodation is a key factor. The University of Gloucestershire has Halls of Residence actually on or near each of the three campuses. These provide over a thousand rooms in Halls of Residence. These can be a great way to meet new friends and integrate into student life. They also offer a great place to work with many single study rooms offering ensuite and broadband service. There are other advantages such as laundry facilities. In 2010 – 2011 prices ranged from approximately £80 per week.

The halls of Residence are also well situated for the bus services and close to the town centres of both Cheltenham and Gloucester, for nights out. Following their first year in halls many people like to rent accommodation with their friends. Cheltenham and Gloucester both offer a wide variety of accommodation to rent. Typical rent in 2011 was £65 per week plus bills. Fortunately the University of Gloucestershire keeps a database of properties on which landlords have registered to make it easier to find a suitable house or flat. For accommodation information If you are looking for a Cheltenham Hotel accommodation during your visit, why not visit the hotels section, where you can book online.

Tuition Fees

One of the big talking points of the last year and of student life recently has been the change in tuition fees. For clarity only students who starting their studies in 2012/2013 will have to pay the revised tuition fees. The fees for the 2011 to 2012 academic year are £3375. The fees to be charged by the University of Gloucestershire in the academic year 2012 to 2013 will be £8250 per year. These have been approved by the Office of Fair Access (OFFA).

Students can apply for grants to pay the fees which will be paid directly to the University of Gloucestershire. You will only start to repay the loan once you have graduated and are working, and are earning over £21,000 per year. The current terms are that you will 9% of the part of your income which is OVER the £21000 threshold. There are also loans available to help towards your living costs. There may also be non repayable grants for disabled students and students from low income families. After 30 years any outstanding loans are to be written off.

University League Tables

The Complete University Guide ranked the University of Gloucestershire

75 for 2012, it was ranked 62 for 2011 

The top ten universities in the UK are Cambridge, Oxford,  Imperial College London, London School of Economics, Durahm, St Andrews,University College London, warwick, Lancaster, Bath, Bristol.

The university of Birmingham ranks 22, and The University of Manchester ranks 29  in the Complete University Guide.

University of Gloucestershire

Address: University of Gloucestershire, The Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 2RH. Telephone +44 (0)844 8010001.

USEFUL Information on Cheltenham

For information on getting to Cheltenham.

Everyday services such as a new NHS dentist and  private dentists in Cheltenham , doctors,  and  libraries in Cheltenham. There a wide range of activities for Cheltenham students from cinemas in Cheltenham to sports facilities in Cheltenham. Also there are wide range of educational facilities including the world renowned Cheltenham Ladies College, cheltenham College as well as the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham. Unemployment in Cheltenham is lower than the national average so students looking for jobs in Cheltenham may stand a better chance of finding work although the number of jobs in Cheltenham is still poor.