University of Gloucestershire (UoG) is a diverse, vibrant university with campuses across Cheltenham and Gloucester, in the southwest of England. A research-driven institution, it's ranked top 15 in the UK for postgraduate study (WhatUni Student Choice Awards, 2023) with a wide range of excellent postgraduate courses.
There are over 1,000 postgraduate students at the university, forming a diverse and creative community that supports each other. This community extends to an ever-increasing global alumni network of over 40,000, which provides an abundance of networking opportunities for students.
UoG is renowned for its outstanding teaching and high levels of student satisfaction, where students benefit from expert tutors, modern resources and facilities, and a strong support system. Students enjoy a serene, welcoming and beautiful study environment, and strong national and international industry links which make University of Gloucestershire the ideal location to advance their careers and make essential professional connections.
The university has three campuses spread across Cheltenham and Gloucester, with a new campus coming in 2025 in the heart of Gloucester. Campus locations offer a rich and vibrant history with all the attractions and amenities of contemporary city life.
University of Gloucestershire students on Postgraduate Search say:
''The university offers top-notch education delivered by knowledgeable faculty members who are supportive and dedicated.''
''Dedicated faculty members have not only shared their wealth of knowledge but also provided immense support throughout my academic endeavours.''
''University of Gloucestershire is a great place to study, the lecturers are kind and professional, the facilities large and well maintained.''
University of Gloucestershire offers over 100 postgraduate degree paths, including over 60 taught courses, and research degrees across 28 subject areas. Courses are taught and supervised by industry and academic experts, with students enjoying a supportive and collaborative postgraduate study environment.
UoG has identified six priority research areas, built on existing research strength and areas for future investment:
Park campus:
Francis Close Hall and Hardwick campus:
Oxstalls campus:
Libraries are open 24/7, with computers, WiFi, and dedicated study areas.
University of Gloucestershire students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Systems and processes are seamless, the technology is pretty impressive, and the business school is just so beautiful and modern.''
''I am staying in the on-campus accommodation. The university has a peaceful ambience because of its location.''
''The state-of-the-art facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology have enhanced my learning experience.''
UoG offers en-suite accommodation in both city-centre and campus locations. Weekly rent ranges from £150 to £240.
Full-time students moving to Gloucestershire are guaranteed postgraduate accommodation.
For private accommodation, UoG can help with any issues, and provides a database of approved nearby housing that meets health and safety standards.
Academic entry requirements
Students must meet the academic entry requirements to study on a course at University of Gloucestershire.
For the majority of postgraduate degrees, UoG specifies that applicants need to have a ‘good honours degree, or equivalent qualification'. However, the exact entry requirements vary from course to course.
There may be the opportunity for students returning to university following time in the workplace to use their career experience as part of their application, in lieu of a relevant undergraduate degree. Students are advised to contact the university to discuss their options if they are a mature student looking to apply through this route.
Students are advised to review the entry requirements for their chosen course prior to application. The university's dedicated admissions team is available to contact all year round for individual queries.
English language requirements
Since all courses are taught in English, international students who speak English as a second language require an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no band score lower than 5.5, to enrol on a postgraduate course at UoG.
Alumni Award
Students who have successfully finished an undergraduate degree at UoG are eligible for a discount of up to 15 percent on the cost of their postgraduate course tuition.
International Bursaries
New, international, self-funded students beginning their studies in the academic year 2024/25 may be eligible to benefit from one of UoG's global scholarship packages. These include:
Postgraduate tuition fees at UoG vary depending on the specific course and method of delivery. Typical tuition fees are as follows:
Some courses may vary, and students are advised to carefully check the fees for their chosen degree prior to application.
UoG's strong reputation for student satisfaction is closely tied to the quality of its courses and lecturers, with an emphasis on creating a supportive environment to facilitate students' learning. Its teaching team of highly qualified and widely experienced professionals includes numerous winners of National Teaching Fellowships.
UoG achieved an overall rating of Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023), with student experience and outcomes identified as being of ‘very high quality'. Furthermore, 22 of its courses were rated above 90 percent by students for their teaching (National Student Survey, 2023), with five featuring in the UK top ten in the same measure.
Students study alongside like-minded professionals and learn from experienced industry practitioners and research-active tutors. Teaching and academic support is tailored to each student's individual needs, and the course design provides plenty of opportunities for small group and individual interactions with instructors, tutors and peers.
The university offers over 100 postgraduate degree pathways through its four academic schools, which are:
Each of these schools is a research-informed environment. Research is embedded into all activities, ensuring students and staff benefit from, and contribute to, fundamental applied research.
University of Gloucestershire students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Lecturers are supportive, knowledgeable, understanding, and approachable. They create an invigorating and exciting learning experience.
''Staff are so supportive and genuinely care and want you to succeed. Nothing is too much trouble.''
''The modules are properly structured and also the professors are so supportive. ''
Taught postgraduate degrees are led by expert staff with active links to their industries or sectors, ensuring that curricula continue to be shaped to the changing demands and values of employers their field.
Courses involve regular contact time with tutors through lectures and seminars. Class sizes are kept small in order to give students every advantage, ensuring they get the right amount of attention to thrive. A degree of independent study is also required.
Reading lists and requirements are made available to students if they are successful in their application to the university.
UoG embeds research in all areas of study, with every academic school engaged in research. UoG has been recognised for the quality of its research by recent government assessments, and has identified research priority areas in its strongest fields.
UoG has positioned itself as a pioneering institution, and uses research to not only further the global community but to drive its own teaching. Students make use of the information uncovered through this research to become pioneers in their field, giving them a significant career advantage.
Distance learning is available for a number of postgraduate courses at UoG, allowing students to gain a degree from the university wherever they live in the world.
Some courses are offered solely through distance learning, with seminars and lectures recorded and posted online, and students are given support in order to develop the necessary skills to excel.
At University of Gloucestershire, teachers and educators all boast a wealth of experience and/or current industry activity, allowing students to learn at the cutting edge of their disciplines.
The university has been recognised for the quality of its research output in various recent assessment ratings. Research submitted across all subject areas was judged to be ‘internationally excellent' by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, with a selection judged as world leading.
This focus on pioneering research also means that students benefit from the very latest information in their chosen fields, so the university broadly has a reputation for excellence in teaching via the use of contemporary materials and modern learning methods.
Across the university there is a particular focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration and co-creation. This is supported by access to thriving communities of academics and professionals, as well as specialist facilities. The departments at the university look to challenge students and inspire them to shape the community around them.
University of Gloucestershire students on Postgraduate Search say:
''I've found the academic experience to be incredibly enriching.''
''They teach really fantastically and I thoroughly enjoyed each class of each professor.''
''The lecturers and facilities give you the energy to strive for more in terms of learning and the school has advanced technology.''
Gloucestershire is a beautiful county, with nearby cities including Bristol and Birmingham offering metropolitan experiences. Cheltenham and Gloucester are smaller but have plenty for students to do, with hundreds of bars and restaurants, clubs and venues catering to the student community.
Regular county events include the world-famous Cheltenham Jazz, Science, Literature and Music Festivals, Wychwood, and Cricket, providing a vibrant atmosphere all year around.
Nearby, the picturesque Cotswolds provide plenty of ways to relax. For the more adventurous there's rock climbing, kayaking, skiing, mountain biking and snowboarding, plus the world-famous Cheltenham Racecourse and Gloucester Rugby's Kingsholm Stadium.
University of Gloucestershire students on Postgraduate Search say:
''It has a friendly environment and welcoming behaviour for international students.''
''They've been doing amazing job, even socially, the school runs so many activities on campus.''
''The university has an amazing culture.''
UoG has more than 80 inclusive clubs and societies catering for all interests and abilities. Sports clubs include cheerleading, dance, rowing, trampolining and American football.
Postgraduate students are encouraged to get involved in societies alongside undergraduates. They provide an excellent opportunity to widen social circles and further expand potential networking opportunities in future.
University of Gloucestershire Students' Union represents the student voice on campus, with representatives in each subject area and elected officers working in leadership roles.
All students have opportunities to get involved, whether it's joining or forming a society, running for office, or simply enjoying the year-round catalogue of activities and events.
University of Gloucestershire's student support services are ranked in the top 20 in the UK (WhatUni Student Choice Awards, 2023).
Just as UoG has sought to cultivate a supportive learning environment between students and academic staff, help and additional support is also available for students who require it beyond the lecture theatre or seminar room.
The Helpzone offers a range of services to students on each campus, ranging from advice on disabilities, mental health and the provision of counselling, to support with academic writing skills or help with managing finances and finding affordable accommodation. If students have an issue that may be affecting their studies, the Helpzone has trained professionals to support them through it.
For students looking for specialist careers or employability advice, trained consultants run free, regular workshops and offer one-to-one advice and mentoring.
All support services are available in person, via the telephone or via email. Student concerns are treated in the strictest confidence.
University of Gloucestershire students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Lectures encouraging and supportive, library team fantastic and I can always book meetings to help with searches and referencing.''
''All of the sections at this university from admission to money advice, they are all very supportive.''
''University management is highly cooperative and supportive, and course teachers are so cooperative.''
Employability
The majority of UoG postgraduate degrees are accredited by professional bodies, with all courses designed to place a central focus on professional development. As a result, UoG graduates stand out in the job market, with 97 percent of postgraduates employed, or in further study, within 15 months of completing their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023).
Careers support
At UoG, students build their knowledge and get hands-on practical skills, supported every step of their journey by careers counsellors, professional business people, top athletes, expert clinical practitioners and experienced performers.
Students receive personalised careers and employability support and professional development opportunities through the university's ‘Your Future Plan' initiative. This boasts resources and workshops including career coaches, and career studios rated 9.6/10 by students (2024).
Based at the Oxstalls campus, the Growth Hub, a partnership between the university and Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, offers a wealth of business resources and access to networks within the local community. The Growth Hub also hosts a series of free business workshops led by external speakers, covering topics such as marketing, planning, GDPR guidance and social media for SMEs.
University of Gloucestershire students on Postgraduate Search say:
''Studying at University of Gloucestershire was the best choice I made to improve my career. ''
''University of Gloucestershire helps students to get in a better position and accepts that students should employable while leaving uni.''
''Chances to complete placements and get on the job experience.''
