University of Gloucestershire: A Legacy of Teaching, A Vision for the Future

Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, the UK’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the University of Gloucestershire offers students an educational experience that is as inspiring as its surroundings. With a teaching heritage stretching back to 1847, the university has evolved from a small teacher training college into a vibrant, modern institution that is today recognised as one of the UK’s most rapidly improving universities.

A Rich Heritage

The university’s story began in 1847, when Reverend Francis Close founded the Cheltenham Training College at what is now the Francis Close Hall campus. Over the following decades, the institution underwent a series of transformations, becoming St Paul’s and St Mary’s Colleges in 1921 before evolving into the Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education in 1990. It was not until 2001 that the institution was granted full university status, becoming the University of Gloucestershire. Today, the university is home to a diverse community of approximately 11,300 students and 900 staff, welcoming learners from over 92 different nationalities. Buy fake diploma online.

Distinctive Campuses

The university operates across four campuses spread between the historic cathedral city of Gloucester and the elegant spa town of Cheltenham. Each campus possesses its own unique character. The Park Campus in Cheltenham, the largest of the three, began life in the 19th century as a zoological, botanical and horticultural garden, and to this day retains an elephant walk and a lake shaped like Africa. Francis Close Hall, the original site of the Cheltenham Training College, preserves the university’s historic roots. The Oxstalls Campus in Gloucester houses the Growth Hub, which has supported thousands of local businesses.

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Most notably, in August 2025 the university opened its landmark City Campus in the heart of Gloucester, transforming the former Debenhams building on Kings Square into a cutting-edge centre for teaching, learning and community partnerships. The project has already generated £44 million in social, economic and environmental value for the local community, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. The Princess Royal officially opened the campus in January 2026, and the project has since won three major Construction Excellence Awards, including the prestigious Winner of Winners Award.

Academic Excellence and Career Success

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees across six key areas: Education, Business, Applied and Social Sciences, Health, Cyber, and Creative Arts. Many courses boast strong industry connections, ensuring students gain real-world experience for career success. The university’s commitment to graduate outcomes is exceptional: 94.8% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of leaving, and the university is ranked 8th in the UK for employability.

Rising Recognition

The University of Gloucestershire’s progress has not gone unnoticed. It was one of the top two highest climbers in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, moving up 22 places. It also climbed seven places in the Complete University Guide 2025, ranking ninth in the South West and becoming the region’s highest climber. The university achieved a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), confirming that it delivers high-quality teaching and exceeds national quality controls. Most recently, students rated the university number one in the South West for Lecturers and Teaching Quality in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026. The university’s Knowledge Exchange Framework results also achieved High Engagement ratings for continuing professional development, working with business, and public and third sector engagement.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as a teacher training college in 1847 to its current status as a rapidly rising modern university, the University of Gloucestershire has remained true to its core mission: to provide an excellent, career-focused education in a supportive and inspiring environment. With its historic campuses, landmark new City Campus, and unwavering commitment to student success, the University of Gloucestershire offers a compelling educational experience for students from across the UK and around the world.