University of Gloucestershire

The University of Gloucestershire is a modern and career-focused institution with a rich educational heritage dating back to 1847. Located across the vibrant towns of Cheltenham and Gloucester, the university has developed into a thriving academic community that combines high-quality teaching, industry engagement, and strong student support. With a diverse population of approximately 11,300 students and 900 staff members, the university offers an inclusive and welcoming environment where students from around the world can achieve their academic and professional ambitions.

The university is recognised for its commitment to student success through its three key promises centred on careers, accommodation, and connections. This student-focused approach has contributed to impressive graduate outcomes and a strong reputation for employability. University of Gloucestershire is ranked 8th in the UK for employability according to University Compare 2026, demonstrating its effectiveness in preparing students for the modern workforce. Graduate success is a key strength, with 95% of graduates progressing into employment or further study after graduation, highlighting the value of a Gloucestershire degree.

Academic excellence is supported by impactful research and innovative teaching. In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), 47% of the university’s research was classified as world-leading or internationally excellent. The institution also received a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, reflecting the quality of its student experience, learning environment, and graduate outcomes.

The university operates across four distinctive campuses: Park Campus, Francis Close Hall Campus, Oxstalls Campus, and City Campus. Each campus specialises in different subject areas, including business, education, health, creative arts, cyber studies, social sciences, computing, humanities, and law. This diverse academic offering ensures students benefit from specialised facilities and expert teaching within their chosen field.

A defining feature of the University of Gloucestershire is its strong emphasis on practical learning. Many courses incorporate work placements, industry projects, field trips, and opportunities to develop career-ready skills. Supported by experienced academic staff and extensive industry connections, students gain valuable real-world experience that enhances their employability upon graduation.

The university is home to around 2,000 international students representing more than 92 nationalities, creating a truly global learning environment. Combined with a wide range of clubs, societies, and support services, students enjoy a vibrant university experience while studying in a region renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. With excellent transport connections to major cities including Bristol and Birmingham, the University of Gloucestershire offers an ideal balance of academic excellence, career development, and student life.

The University of Gloucestershire provides a comprehensive range of student services designed to support academic achievement, personal wellbeing, career development, and everyday student life. With a strong commitment to student success, the university ensures that every student has access to expert guidance, practical assistance, and professional support throughout their studies and beyond graduation.

One of the university’s standout services is its dedicated student support network. Students can access confidential one-to-one advice through experienced support teams whenever they need assistance. To make support even more accessible, the university offers Nova, a chat-based digital student assistant available at any time. Nova provides quick answers and guidance on accommodation, wellbeing, library services, IT support, finance, study skills, assessment regulations, international services, and student life without requiring an appointment.

Students also benefit from two specialist Student Centres located in Cheltenham and Gloucester. These centres act as a central hub for support, offering guidance on a wide range of academic and personal matters. Their effectiveness is reflected in the university’s recognition, with student support services ranked among the Top 20 in the UK in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023.

Career development is a major focus at the University of Gloucestershire. The Careers and Employability Team supports students from their first day on campus through to their professional careers after graduation. Students can access career coaching, interview preparation, employability workshops, work placements, volunteering opportunities, professional mentoring, and paid temporary jobs through Unitemps. This strong employability focus has contributed to the university being ranked 8th in the UK for employability in the Uni Compare Rankings 2026.

The university’s unique UoG Career Promise further demonstrates its commitment to graduate success. With 95% of graduates progressing into employment or further study, the university provides ongoing support for graduates. Those who are not employed within six months of graduation can access six months of free career support, followed by the opportunity for a paid internship and lifetime career coaching.

Student wellbeing is supported through a wide range of specialist services, including disability support, counselling, mental health and welfare assistance, study skills development, and financial guidance from the Money Advice Team. The university also promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment through its Chaplaincy, which supports students of all faiths and worldviews and hosts initiatives such as the Global Café to encourage cultural exchange and social connections.

International students receive additional support through Student Hubs and specialist visa and immigration guidance, helping them settle successfully into life in the UK. Alongside more than 60 clubs and societies, these services create a supportive and engaging university experience where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally.

The University of Gloucestershire has established itself as a respected institution within UK higher education through consistent improvements in national rankings, strong graduate outcomes, high-quality teaching, impactful research, and a growing international reputation. Its recent achievements demonstrate a university committed to academic excellence, student success, and continuous development.

In national league tables, the University of Gloucestershire continues to strengthen its position. The university is ranked 68th in The Guardian University Guide 2026, reflecting a significant rise of 32 places compared to previous years. It is also ranked 84th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide and 98th in the Complete University Guide 2027. Notably, the university climbed 16 places in The Complete University Guide 2026, 6 places in The Times University Guide 2026, and 15 places in The Daily Mail University Guide 2026, highlighting strong institutional progress across multiple ranking systems.

Several academic subjects have earned particularly impressive positions. According to the Complete University Guide 2027, Communication & Media Studies ranks 19th, Art & Design ranks 30th, and Sociology ranks 49th in the UK. These rankings reflect the university’s growing academic strength across a variety of disciplines.

Globally, the University of Gloucestershire continues to gain recognition. It is placed in the 1001–1200 band in both the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The university is also ranked within the 801–1000 band in the THE Impact Rankings 2025 and holds an impressive 819th position in the QS Sustainability Rankings, demonstrating its commitment to responsible education and sustainable development.

Teaching quality remains one of the university’s key strengths. The institution achieved a Silver Rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, receiving recognition for its “very high-quality” student experience and outcomes. The framework also highlighted the university’s “outstanding quality” in staff professional development and academic practice. Further evidence of student satisfaction can be seen in the National Student Survey 2024, where some subject areas achieved 100% satisfaction for academic support, and the university’s overall positivity rate for academic support increased by 2.6% compared with the previous year.

Employability is another standout area. The University of Gloucestershire is ranked among the Top 10 universities in the UK for graduate employability by Uni Compare and ranks 3rd in the South West for Career Prospects in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026. With 95% of graduates entering employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, the university ranks among the Top 30 universities in England for graduate outcomes. Additionally, several courses, including Journalism, Physiotherapy, Computer Games Programming, and Religion, Ethics and Philosophy, achieved 100% graduate-level employment or further study outcomes.

Research excellence further strengthens the university’s reputation. In REF 2021, all subject areas were recognised for producing internationally excellent research, with many submissions rated as world-leading. The university also doubled the size and scope of its research activity compared with the previous assessment.

The University of Gloucestershire’s achievements extend beyond academics. It earned First Class status in the 2023/24 People and Planet University League, reflecting its leadership in sustainability, and won the 2021 International Green Gown Award for its innovative sustainability-focused educational project. The university was also recognised with the Culture and Diversity Award at the C2S Regional Business Awards 2024, highlighting its commitment to inclusion and community engagement.

Through strong rankings, excellent teaching, successful graduate outcomes, internationally recognised research, and a commitment to sustainability and student support, the University of Gloucestershire continues to strengthen its position as a highly regarded university in the UK and on the global stage.

Student life at the University of Gloucestershire is designed to be enriching, inclusive, and memorable. More than just a place to earn a degree, the university offers a welcoming community where students can build lifelong friendships, develop confidence, and discover new opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. With a diverse and connected student population, the university creates an environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Set on the edge of the Cotswolds, the UK’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the University of Gloucestershire provides an exceptional student experience in a stunning location. Students enjoy the perfect balance of academic life and outdoor adventure, with easy access to beautiful countryside, historic towns, and vibrant urban centres. The campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester place students at the heart of two dynamic destinations known for their culture, heritage, entertainment, and community spirit.



Cheltenham is widely recognised as the UK’s renowned Festival Town, hosting more than 45 festivals each year celebrating music, literature, arts, culture, and creativity. Gloucester offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern attractions, featuring its iconic cathedral, famous docks, shopping destinations, entertainment venues, museums, leisure facilities, and sporting culture. Together, these locations provide countless opportunities for exploration and recreation throughout the year.

The university places a strong emphasis on helping students feel at home from the moment they arrive. Current students support newcomers during their first week, assisting with move-in, campus orientation, and settling into life in Cheltenham and Gloucester. This friendly approach helps create a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning of the university journey. Student engagement is a key part of life at Gloucestershire. Through the Students’ Union, students can choose from more than 60 clubs and societies covering sports, arts, culture, academic interests, and special hobbies. Whether students are interested in anime, creative activities, rugby, netball, football, gardening, or community initiatives, there are opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. Students also have the freedom to establish their own societies if their interests are not already represented.

For those interested in health and wellbeing, UniSport offers a variety of programmes that encourage physical activity, social interaction, and personal wellness. The university also promotes volunteering, leadership opportunities, cultural events, film nights, and themed social activities, helping students build valuable skills while creating lasting memories.

International students benefit from initiatives such as the Global Café and community events that encourage cultural exchange and friendships across different nationalities. Combined with a welcoming atmosphere, excellent social opportunities, and an inspiring location, student life at the University of Gloucestershire delivers a rewarding and well-rounded university experience.

The University of Gloucestershire offers a comfortable, safe, and student-focused accommodation experience designed to help students settle quickly and make the most of university life. Whether students are joining the university for the first time or returning for further study, a range of accommodation options is available across Cheltenham and Gloucester, providing flexibility to suit different lifestyles, preferences, and budgets.

One of the university’s most attractive accommodation benefits is its guaranteed housing offer. As part of the university’s three key student promises, all first-year undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students are guaranteed a place in university accommodation, provided they apply within the required deadline. This commitment helps students begin their studies with confidence, knowing that suitable accommodation will be available close to their campus.



The university provides approximately 1,500 self-catered rooms located either on campus or within easy reach of university facilities and city centres. Students can choose from a variety of residence options in both Cheltenham and Gloucester. Accommodation includes university-managed residences as well as partner-managed halls that reserve rooms specifically for University of Gloucestershire students. This broad selection ensures students can find accommodation that matches their individual needs.

In Cheltenham, students can choose from popular residences such as Pittville Student Village, Park Challinor, and Park Villas. These residences place students close to academic facilities and the vibrant social environment of Cheltenham. In Gloucester, accommodation options include Blackfriars, Oxstalls Halls, and Upper Quay. These residences offer convenient access to university campuses, city-centre amenities, and local attractions.

Many accommodation options provide modern self-catered living arrangements, with most rooms featuring en-suite facilities. The residences are strategically located near teaching buildings, libraries, social spaces, and transport links, making daily student life more convenient and enjoyable. Students benefit from living within a welcoming community that encourages friendships, independence, and personal development.

The university also provides access to university-approved private housing and lodgings for students who prefer alternative accommodation arrangements. This additional flexibility allows students to select housing that best suits their personal circumstances.

A dedicated residential support team is available throughout the academic year to assist students with accommodation-related matters and ensure a positive living experience. The team offers guidance, practical support, and assistance whenever needed, helping students feel secure and supported during their time at university.

With its accommodation guarantee, extensive housing options, modern facilities, and strong student support network, the University of Gloucestershire provides an excellent living environment where students can focus on their studies, build lasting friendships, and fully enjoy their university experience.