The University of Gloucestershire began as a teacher training college in 1847 and now comprises three campus sites across Cheltenham and Gloucester: Francis Close Hall, Oxstalls, The Park. There is also a Centre for Fashion, Art and Photography located in Chletenham. The Park, Cheltenham is the heart of the university and the largest of the three.
Dating back to the 19th century, it started life as a zoological, botanical and horticultural garden and includes an elephant walk and a lake in the shape of Africa. The area is known for the Cheltenham Racecourse, which is used for university social events and the students’ graduation ceremony.
Offering a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD degrees, students can choose to study subjects such as accounting and law, business management, computing, journalist, fine art, humanities, biology, geography, social science, education and sports. Gloucestershire also offers two year "fast-track" courses in subjects such as law and business, which allows students to enter the workplace or further training faster and at a lower cost.
Your Future Plan is the university’s scheme to guarantee every undergraduate student support to formulate a personal career plan, which they begin working on in their first year of study. It works to develop their presentation skills, volunteering, completing internships and work placements, working on live briefs and running sports teams and social clubs and societies.
Notable alumni include Turner-prize nominated artist Cornelia Parker, TV presenter Adam Buxton and director Lewis Arnold. Honorary doctorates and fellowships have been awarded to a wide range of people, including musician and philanthropist Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens), actor and director Simon Pegg, chef Tom Kerridge and rugby player Phil Vickery.
