University of Gloucestershire

University of Gloucestershire: A Career-Focused University with Strong Industry Connections and a Supportive Student Community

The University of Gloucestershire is a modern public university in South West England, with a history of teaching dating back to 1847. Today, it is home to around 11,300 students and 900 staff, with campuses across Cheltenham and Gloucester. The university welcomes around 2,000 international students from more than 92 nationalities, creating a diverse and close-knit community.

Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, the university offers students a distinctive combination of city and countryside living. Its four campuses are Park Campus, Francis Close Hall, Oxstalls Campus, and City Campus, each serving different academic areas. The university has invested significantly in modern facilities, including specialist cyber and digital facilities, creative spaces, health facilities and its new City Campus in Gloucester.

The University of Gloucestershire is particularly recognised for its strengths in Business, Computing, Cyber Security, Creative Arts, Education, Health, Sports, Applied and Social Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism and Geography. Its career-focused approach is supported by more than 4,000 placements, internships and trips each year, while the university reports that 94% of its graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating based on the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey.

For Indian students planning to study in the UK, the University of Gloucestershire offers internationally recognised programmes, practical learning opportunities, specialist facilities, international scholarships and a supportive environment. Its location provides access to both the lifestyle of Cheltenham and Gloucester and major cities including Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff.

What is the University of Gloucestershire Known For?

The University of Gloucestershire is best known for its career-focused education, practical learning, strong industry connections, specialist facilities and supportive student community.

The university has developed particular strengths in:

• Business & Management
• Accounting & Finance
• Marketing
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Computing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Creative Arts
• Film & Media
• Education
• Psychology
• Health & Social Care
• Sports
• Hospitality & Tourism
• Geography
• Law
• Social Work

One of the university's major strengths is its emphasis on real-world experience. Its courses are developed with industry input and supported by placements, internships, professional experience and employer connections. The university states that it offers more than 4,000 placements, internships and trips every year, helping students build practical experience alongside their academic qualifications.

The university also has a growing reputation for cyber and digital education. Its Park Campus is home to FuturePark, a £5.8 million centre of excellence for cyber and digital opened in 2024, providing specialist facilities for cyber security, computing and computer games design and programming.

Its creative subjects are another important area, with specialist facilities supporting disciplines such as film, photography, illustration, graphic design and other creative practices.

The university's location is also distinctive. Students can experience the cultural and sporting events of Cheltenham and Gloucester while having easy access to the countryside of the Cotswolds.

University of Gloucestershire Rankings – Strong Graduate Outcomes and Subject-Level Performance

The University of Gloucestershire has made significant progress in recent UK university rankings.

In the Guardian University Guide 2026, the university climbed 32 places to 68th out of 123 institutions, making it the fifth biggest riser in the UK. Its subject-level performance was particularly strong in several areas:

• Paramedic Science – 9th nationally
• English – 10th nationally
• Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism – 13th nationally
• Geography – 16th nationally
• Interior Design – 19th nationally

The university also reports that it is ranked 8th in the UK for employability in University Compare's 2026 rankings and 2nd for International in the South West in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026.

Why These Rankings Matter

For international students, overall university rankings are only one part of the decision. Subject strength, graduate outcomes, practical experience, student support and affordability can be equally important.

The University of Gloucestershire's recent improvement in the Guardian rankings, combined with its strong subject-level results and focus on placements and employability, makes it an interesting option for students who want a career-oriented UK education rather than a purely research-focused university.

Quick Facts

• Public university
• Teaching roots dating back to 1847
• Around 11,300 students
• Around 900 staff
• Around 2,000 international students
• Students from 92+ nationalities
• Four main campuses across Cheltenham and Gloucester
• 68th in the UK – Guardian University Guide 2026
• 32-place rise in Guardian 2026
• 94% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months
• More than 4,000 placements, internships and trips every year
• Strong focus on employability and practical learning
• Specialist strengths in cyber, creative arts, business, health, education and applied subjects

Q. Is the University of Gloucestershire a good university in the UK?

A. Yes. The University of Gloucestershire is particularly well suited to students who value practical education, employability, industry experience and strong student support. Its recent rise to 68th in the Guardian University Guide 2026, strong subject-level results and 94% graduate work/further-study rate make it a credible choice for students looking for career-focused education.

University of Gloucestershire Campuses – Four Specialist Locations Across Cheltenham and Gloucester

The University of Gloucestershire has four main campuses, spread across Cheltenham and Gloucester. Each campus has its own academic focus, facilities and atmosphere.

Park Campus – Cheltenham

Park Campus is the university's Creative and Computing Campus.

It is home to:

• Computing
• Cyber Security
• Computer Games
• Creative Arts
• Digital subjects
• Specialist creative facilities
• FuturePark cyber and digital centre

FuturePark provides specialist facilities for cyber security, computing and computer games design and programming, giving students access to modern technology-focused learning environments.

Francis Close Hall – Cheltenham

Francis Close Hall has a distinctive historic character and is home to academic areas including:

• Humanities
• Architecture
• Illustration
• Sciences
• Other specialist subjects

The campus provides a quieter academic environment while remaining close to the centre of Cheltenham.

Oxstalls Campus – Gloucester

Oxstalls is focused on a range of professional and applied subjects, including:

• Business
• Accounting
• Law
• Marketing
• Sports
• Health & Social Care
• Performing Arts

The campus also includes specialist facilities for sport, health and professional learning.

City Campus – Gloucester

City Campus is the university's newest campus and opened in the heart of Gloucester.

It focuses particularly on:

• Education
• Teacher training
• Psychological Sciences
• Social Work

The campus includes an immersive Virtual Reality room, EEG laboratory, teaching simulation spaces, study areas and City Library. It also includes a Health, Arts and Wellbeing Centre developed in partnership with the NHS Integrated Care Board and a public library developed with Gloucestershire County Council.

Life in Cheltenham and Gloucester

Students benefit from living between two distinctive locations.

Cheltenham is known for its festivals, cultural activities, restaurants, independent shops, sporting events and lively student environment.

Gloucester offers a more urban experience, with its historic cathedral, renovated docks, shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

The wider county provides easy access to the Cotswolds, while Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff are also accessible from the region.

Q. Which is the best campus of the University of Gloucestershire?

A. There is no single best campus because each serves a different academic purpose. Park Campus is particularly suitable for Computing, Cyber Security and Creative Arts; Francis Close Hall is suited to Humanities, Architecture and Sciences; Oxstalls focuses on Business, Law, Sport and Health; while City Campus specialises in Education, Psychology and Social Work. The best campus depends on your chosen course and career goals.

University of Gloucestershire Courses – Practical Programmes with Strong Industry and Career Focus

The University of Gloucestershire offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Computing, Business, Cyber Security, Creative Arts, Health, Education, Law, Sport, Psychology, Hospitality and Tourism. Its courses place a strong emphasis on practical learning, professional experience and employability.

Popular Subject Areas

Computing & Digital Technologies

Computer Science | Cyber Security | Artificial Intelligence | Computer Games | Software Engineering | Computing

Students develop programming, software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and problem-solving skills through practical projects and specialist facilities.

The university's FuturePark provides dedicated facilities for cyber security, computing and computer games design and programming, giving students opportunities to work with industry-relevant technologies.

Business & Management

Business Management | International Business | Marketing | Accounting & Finance | Business Analytics | Entrepreneurship

Students develop skills in:

• Business strategy
• Marketing
• Finance
• Leadership
• Entrepreneurship
• Business analytics
• Management

The university's strong emphasis on placements and employer engagement allows students to connect academic learning with professional practice.

Accounting & Finance

Accounting | Finance | Accounting & Finance | Financial Management

Students develop financial analysis, accounting, business and analytical skills that can support careers across banking, accounting, finance and business.

Cyber Security

Cyber Security | Cyber & Digital Technologies | Computing

Cyber Security is one of Gloucestershire's notable technology areas.

Students can develop knowledge of:

• Network security
• Cyber threats
• Digital forensics
• Information security
• Ethical hacking
• Cyber risk

The specialist FuturePark facilities provide an environment focused on cyber and digital learning.

Creative Arts, Design & Media

Graphic Design | Illustration | Photography | Film | Animation | Fashion | Fine Art | Media

The university has a strong creative offering supported by specialist studios, production spaces and practical projects.

Students can build portfolios while developing skills relevant to the creative industries.

Film, Television & Photography

Students can develop practical experience in:

• Film production
• Photography
• Television
• Digital media
• Production
• Visual storytelling

The emphasis on practical work can help students build a professional portfolio before graduation.

Education & Teaching

Education Studies | Primary Education | Secondary Education | Teacher Training | Early Years

Students develop teaching, communication, classroom and educational skills through academic study and professional experience.

Psychology & Social Sciences

Psychology | Psychological Sciences | Sociology | Social Work | Social Sciences

Students develop research, analytical and interpersonal skills while exploring human behaviour, society and social issues.

The new City Campus in Gloucester includes specialist facilities such as an EEG laboratory, immersive VR room and teaching simulation spaces for relevant programmes.

Health & Social Care

Nursing | Paramedic Science | Health & Social Care | Social Work | Allied Health

Students combine academic study with practical and professional learning.

The university has specialist health facilities and partnerships that support students preparing for careers in healthcare and related professions.

Law & Professional Studies

Law | Business Law | Legal Studies

Students develop legal research, critical thinking, communication and analytical skills through academic and practical learning.

Sport & Exercise

Sport | Sports Coaching | Sport & Exercise Science | Sports Therapy

The university provides specialist sports facilities and practical opportunities for students interested in:

• Sports performance
• Coaching
• Exercise
• Sports management
• Health and fitness

Hospitality, Tourism & Events

Hospitality Management | Tourism | Events Management | Hospitality, Events & Tourism

This is one of the university's stronger subject areas, with Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism ranked 13th nationally in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Students develop skills in:

• Hospitality operations
• Tourism management
• Events
• Customer experience
• Business management

Geography & Environmental Subjects

Geography | Environmental Studies | Related Applied Sciences

Geography is another strong subject area, ranking 16th nationally in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Students can explore physical and human geography, environmental challenges, sustainability and applied research.

Q. What Are the Best Courses at the University of Gloucestershire?

The best course depends on your career goals, but the university is particularly worth exploring for:

Computer Science | Cyber Security | Business | Accounting & Finance | Creative Arts | Film & Media | Education | Psychology | Health | Sport | Hospitality & Tourism | Geography

For technology-focused students, Cyber Security and Computing are particularly interesting because of the university's dedicated FuturePark facilities.

For students interested in creative careers, Film, Photography, Illustration, Graphic Design and related subjects provide strong practical and portfolio-based options.

Student Life at the University of Gloucestershire

Students can participate in a wide range of:

• Student societies
• Sports clubs
• International societies
• Academic societies
• Volunteering
• Cultural activities
• Student events
• Careers activities
• Creative projects

The university's location gives students the opportunity to experience both Cheltenham and Gloucester, while the surrounding Cotswolds provide access to outdoor activities and countryside.

Campus Experience

Students have access to facilities including:

• Computing laboratories
• Cyber security facilities
• Creative studios
• Film and media facilities
• Science laboratories
• Health facilities
• Sports facilities
• Libraries
• Student accommodation
• Study spaces
• Careers services

The university's four-campus structure means students generally study in facilities specifically designed around their subject area.

Careers & Employability at the University of Gloucestershire

Employability is one of the university's major priorities.

The university reports more than 4,000 placements, internships and trips every year, giving students opportunities to gain professional experience alongside their studies.

Depending on the programme, students can gain experience through:

• Internships
• Work placements
• Employer projects
• Industry visits
• Professional practice
• Volunteering
• Research projects
• Professional accreditation

Students can receive careers support with:

• Career planning
• CV preparation
• Job applications
• Interview preparation
• Placement searches
• Employer networking
• Graduate opportunities
• Entrepreneurship

The university reports that 94% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, according to the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Potential career sectors include:

• Technology
• Cyber Security
• Business
• Finance
• Creative industries
• Education
• Healthcare
• Sport
• Tourism
• Hospitality
• Public services

Q. Does the University of Gloucestershire provide placement opportunities?

A. Yes. The university places considerable emphasis on practical experience and reports more than 4,000 placements, internships and trips each year. The exact placement structure depends on the chosen programme.

For Indian Students

The University of Gloucestershire is particularly worth exploring for Indian students interested in:

Computer Science | Cyber Security | AI | Business | Accounting & Finance | Creative Arts | Education | Psychology | Health | Sport | Hospitality | Tourism

Its combination of practical education, specialist facilities, placements and a supportive international community makes it an interesting alternative to larger UK universities.

The university also provides dedicated information and support for students from India, including country-specific admissions guidance and scholarship information.

University of Gloucestershire Fees – Affordable Tuition, Scholarships and International Student Support

Tuition Fees for International Students

The University of Gloucestershire's international tuition fees vary depending on the course and level of study. For 2026/27, the university publishes separate fee bands for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with individual course pages providing the exact fee applicable to each programme. The university also notes that fees may increase in subsequent years in line with its annual fee policy.

For postgraduate taught programmes beginning in 2026/27, the published international fee bands range from £18,490 to £20,190 for a full Master's degree, depending on the programme.

Study Level	2026/27 International Fees
Undergraduate	Course-dependent
Postgraduate Taught – Band A	£20,190
Postgraduate Taught – Band B	£19,570
Postgraduate Taught – Band C	£19,055
Postgraduate Taught – Band D	£18,490

Students should check the individual course page before applying because the exact fee depends on the programme.

Scholarships for International Students

The University of Gloucestershire offers several tuition-fee discounts and scholarships for international students starting in 2026/27.

These include:

• Global Scholarship – £1,500
• Undergraduate Merit Scholarship – £7,500
• Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship – £5,000
• Sports Global Excellence Scholarship – up to £7,500 for undergraduate students
• Progression Partner Scholarship – £5,000

The Global Scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible new, self-funded international students and does not require a separate application.

The Undergraduate Merit Scholarship provides a £7,500 tuition-fee waiver spread across three years, while the Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship provides a £5,000 reduction from the first year's tuition fee.

Q. Is the University of Gloucestershire affordable for international students?

A. It can be a relatively cost-conscious option compared with many higher-fee UK universities. Its postgraduate international fees begin at £18,490, and eligible international students can access scholarships of up to £7,500, which can significantly reduce the overall tuition cost.

University of Gloucestershire for International Students – Supportive and Well Connected

The university has an international community of approximately 2,000 students representing more than 92 nationalities. It provides dedicated support for students arriving from overseas, including students from India.

International students can receive support with:

• Visa and immigration guidance
• Arrival and orientation
• Accommodation
• Academic support
• Careers and employability
• Student wellbeing
• International student advice
• Scholarships
• Student activities

Accommodation for International Students

The university provides accommodation across Cheltenham and Gloucester and offers an accommodation guarantee for eligible new international students who meet the relevant application deadline.

For September 2026, published accommodation prices range from approximately £165 per week for rooms with shared facilities to £265 per week for self-contained studios. Many en-suite rooms with shared kitchens are listed between £199 and £214 per week.

The 2026/27 university accommodation contracts run for 40 weeks, with specific residences priced at different rates. For example, Challinor Hall non-en-suite accommodation is listed at £165 per week, while several en-suite options are £191 per week.

Why Gloucestershire Can Be Attractive to International Students

• Practical and career-focused education
• Relatively competitive tuition fees
• Scholarships of up to £7,500
• International community from 92+ nationalities
• Dedicated support for Indian students
• Modern specialist facilities
• Placement and internship opportunities
• Accommodation options in Cheltenham and Gloucester
• Access to the Cotswolds
• Good connections to Bristol, Birmingham and Cardiff

Q. Is the University of Gloucestershire good for international students?

A. Yes. It is particularly suitable for students looking for practical education, employability opportunities, international support and a relatively manageable overall study budget. The combination of scholarships, accommodation options and career-focused courses makes it worth considering.

The Honest Verdict – Is the University of Gloucestershire Right for You?

The University of Gloucestershire is best suited to students who value practical learning, employability, professional experience and a supportive university environment.

Gloucestershire Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Want practical, career-focused education.
• Are interested in Computing or Cyber Security.
• Want to study Business or Accounting.
• Are interested in Creative Arts and Media.
• Want to study Education or Psychology.
• Are interested in Health or Social Work.
• Want to study Hospitality or Tourism.
• Prefer a smaller university environment.
• Want access to both city and countryside.
• Are looking for international scholarship opportunities.

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Specifically want a Russell Group university.
• Prioritise global university rankings above practical experience.
• Want a large metropolitan university such as those in central London.
• Prefer a highly research-intensive institution.
• Want a university with a very large international research profile.

For students prioritising employability, practical experience, affordability and student support, Gloucestershire can be a strong option.

Frequently Asked Questions About the University of Gloucestershire

Q. Is the University of Gloucestershire good for Indian students?

A. Yes. It is particularly worth considering for Indian students interested in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Business, Accounting, Creative Arts, Education, Psychology, Health, Sport, Hospitality and Tourism. The university also provides dedicated information for applicants from India.

Q. What is the University of Gloucestershire famous for?

A. The university is particularly known for its career-focused teaching, practical learning, Cyber Security and Computing, Creative Arts, Business, Education, Health, Sport, Hospitality and Tourism.

Q. Does the University of Gloucestershire offer scholarships?

A. Yes. For 2026/27, eligible international students can access scholarships including the £1,500 Global Scholarship, £7,500 Undergraduate Merit Scholarship and £5,000 Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship.

Q. Can international students work while studying?

A. Eligible international students can generally work within the conditions attached to their UK Student visa. Students should check the current UK Government rules applicable to their individual visa.

Q. Is the University of Gloucestershire affordable for students?

A. It can be relatively affordable compared with many UK universities. For 2026/27, international postgraduate taught fees range from £18,490 to £20,190, depending on the programme, while scholarships can reduce tuition further for eligible students.

Q. Does the University of Gloucestershire provide placement opportunities?

A. Yes. The university places significant emphasis on practical experience and reports more than 4,000 placements, internships and trips every year. The exact opportunities depend on the course.

A Final Word – Why the University of Gloucestershire Deserves Your Consideration

The University of Gloucestershire offers a combination of practical education, career preparation, specialist facilities, international support and relatively competitive tuition fees.

Its strongest options include:

Computer Science | Cyber Security | Business | Accounting & Finance | Creative Arts | Education | Psychology | Health | Sport | Hospitality | Tourism

For Indian students, the university's international scholarships, dedicated India support, accommodation options and focus on employability make it an interesting UK study destination.

Its biggest limitation is that students looking specifically for a Russell Group or globally elite research university may find other institutions more suitable.

However, if your priority is practical learning + employability + affordability + supportive student experience, the University of Gloucestershire deserves consideration.

Overall Verdict: A strong career-focused option for international students seeking practical education and good value in the UK.