University of Gloucestershire (UoG) is a leading public university in South West England, located on the edge of the Cotswolds. It hosts 4 sub-campuses total 2 in Cheltenham (Park and Francis Close Hall) and 2 in Gloucester (Oxstalls and City Campus). The focus of this article is Oxstalls Campus, which is located in Oxstalls Lane, Longlevens, Gloucester. This is the university’s only Gloucester-based teaching campus alongside the smaller City Campus. Also, this is known as the university’s “high-energy” hub for sport, business, and healthcare training.

4.1.1 Faculties and Programs Available at Oxstalls Campus

General identity

Known as UoG’s “high-energy campus,” it combines business, sport, and healthcare training. The main subject clusters listed by the university are business, accounting, law, marketing, sports, health & social care, and performing arts. So, the Oxstalls campus has a very different focus from FCH (humanities/science) and Park (creative/computing).

Business & law

The Oxstalls campus offers degree programs in Business with various specialisms ranging from a general Business degree to Accounting and Finance, and Marketing. Moreover, there are Human Resource Management degrees and Law degree programs.

Sports-related programs

The Oxstalls campus has a strong focus on degree programs in sports-related subjects such as Sports Coaching and Sports Therapy. Those courses look into areas such as Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation in multiple modes. These degrees are equipped with a placement year and a foundation year. Moreover, the Sports Strength and Conditioning degrees can also be completed as a part-time top-up route. The degree program in Sport and Exercise Science covers general subject areas tied to the sports science labs.

Health & social care programs

This sub-campus of the University of Gloucestershire offers Nursing degree programs that focus on areas such as Adult, Mental Health, and Learning Disability pathways. In addition, there are courses in Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Diagnostic Radiography.

All of these health-related degree programs are strengthened with Operating Department Practice and Social Work. In addition, there are Health and Social Care CertHE program, which is offered as a foundation-style route and guarantees an interview for the above nursing/health degrees.

Performing arts

The Oxstalls campus offers performing arts and production courses tied to its Performing Arts and Events Centre.

Postgraduate & business support note

Growth Hub Gloucestershire, based at The Oxstalls campus, is a business support/resource centre run in partnership with the university. It offers workshops on marketing, planning, GDPR, and social media for local businesses.

4.1.2 History & Functions of Oxstalls Campus

Origins as a campus

The Oxstalls campus was originally developed as a specialist site for sports and health-related courses. Then, the Business School relocation happened in 2018. So, the School of Business and Technology moved to a brand-new home at Oxstalls as a result of an £18 million development.

Following that development project, other new buildings were established, such as houses for Business, Marketing, HR Management, Law, and Accounting & Finance courses. With this project, they centralised the business teaching that used to be based in Cheltenham.

Growth and expansion

University-wide £90 million capital investment programme included major upgrades as a part of a broader plan to double the student population based in Gloucester. This development plan included a new £16 million Business School and Growth Hub building and expanded sports facilities at Oxstalls and the adjacent Plock Court sports site. So, this shows deliberate, ongoing investment in this specific campus. In addition, a new Performing Arts and Events Centre was added as part of the same wave of capital investment.

Current function

The Oxstalls campus functions today as the university’s dedicated hub for sport, health/allied health professions, business, and performing arts. It is described by the university as one of the largest sports campuses in the country, which is also home to the Leisure and Events Management courses.

4.1.3 History of Gloucester

Roman origins

The city of Gloucester was founded by the Romans in AD 48 as a military fort guarding a river crossing. By AD 97, this city became a full Roman colony. The Roman name for the city was Colonia Glevum Nervensis, founded under Emperor Nerva. Also, this is one of the most important Roman settlements in Britain. Roman layout of the city was a grid-pattern city with a forum, temples, and bathhouses. The remains of Roman walls are still visible in parts of the modern city.

Saxon and medieval growth

Saxons captured Gloucester in 577 AD after defeating the native Celts in battle. Then, Monastery founded here in 681 AD by King Osric, dedicated to St Peter. This monastery is the direct ancestor of today’s Gloucester Cathedral. Then it became the capital of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia for a time. This reflects the city’s early political importance.

Then the first royal charter for the city was granted by Henry II in 1155, formalising its status and rights as a town. Moreover, Henry III was crowned in Gloucester Cathedral’s Chapter House in 1216, aged just nine.

Becoming a cathedral city

The cathedral’s present building is built on the site of the original 681 monastery. Moreover, Gloucester was made a city by charter in 1541, when it was given its own bishop.

Trade and industry history

Then, historic industries started to bloom in this city, such as the iron trade, grain and wine trade, tanning, and bell-founding. Also, the cloth trade that flourished from the 12th–16th centuries shows Gloucester’s long-standing role as a trading and manufacturing hub)

Now, Gloucester Cathedral has been used as a filming location for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Due to that, it remains a popular tourist attraction.

4.1.4 Infrastructure & Facilities at Oxstalls Campus

The Oxstalls campus is located within 15 minutes’ walk from Gloucester city centre and Kingsholm rugby stadium. It gives easy access to clubs, bars, shops, theatres, and cafes. There are two linked sites to this university, such as the main Oxstalls Campus (Oxstalls Lane, Longlevens) and Oxstalls Sports Arena (Plock Court, Tewkesbury Road).

Gloucestershire Business School

This building was opened in 2018, as a result of a £18 million investment. It is a purpose-built home for business courses. This building includes features such as a live trading room, moot court room, and innovative teaching spaces. Moreover, the trading room simulates real financial markets for finance students, and the moot court supports law students’ mock trials. So, this facility is mainly used as a teaching hub for Business, Marketing, HR Management, Law, and Accounting & Finance.

Sports Arena & Sports Science Labs

The sports arena of the Oxstalls campus is an international-standard sports arena with 3G pitches, a cricket pavilion, and a pitch. This is used both for teaching and for hosting elite athletes’ training. In addition, this facility includes specialist labs such as an environmental chamber, biomechanics and physiology labs, sports therapy suites, and strength & conditioning facilities. So, this facility can support the Sports Therapy, Strength & Conditioning, and Sport Science courses. Furthermore, this is described as one of the largest sports campuses in the UK.

Clinical Skills Suite

This facility contains a paramedic science simulator and ultra-realistic Lifecast manikins, which let nursing and paramedic students practise real clinical scenarios safely. Also, referenced as “FutureSim”, there is an AI-enabled simulation facility used across Nursing, Paramedic Science, and related health courses.SO, this facility is mainly used to give hands-on training for Nursing, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Diagnostic Radiography, and Operating Department Practice students.

Performing Arts and Events Centre

This building was added as part of the university’s recent capital investment programme. So, it can be called a modern addition supporting performing arts courses. It is mainly used for performances, rehearsals, and events tied to performing arts programs.

 

4.1.5 Weather in Gloucester 

Gloucester has a marine west coast climate, which is the same broad climate type as Cheltenham, since the two cities are only 7 miles apart.

The warmest month is July, with average temperatures of ~22°C (72°F), and the coolest month is January, with average temperatures of ~9°C (48°F). This area experiences annual rainfall of approximately 769–783 mm (30–31 in).

The wettest month is October, with ~73–81 mm of rainfall, and the driest month is February or March, with average rainfall of ~51–56 m. Furthermore, the sunniest month is July, with ~6.6–8 hours of sunshine per day.

4.1.6 Transportation & Airports Closest to Oxstalls Campus

The nearest train station is Gloucester, which is about 20 minutes’ walk away from campus. Also, walking directions from the station to Oxstalls are provided by the university. Students can get trains from here that connect to Cheltenham, Bristol, Birmingham, and London. Moreover, there are public bus services. Stagecoach services run buses between Gloucester and Cheltenham.

Moreover, there are Pay-and-display car parks, payable by card or the JustPark app. Usually, free parking is available for open days. Also, there is good motorway access as the campus site is close to the M5; it’s within easy reach of Birmingham and Bristol.

The nearest airport is Gloucestershire Airport, which is a small airport which flys small regional flights only. Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the nearest major international airport, which is located roughly 1 hour away by car. Moreover, Bristol Airport (BRS) is the second international option, with a similar distance. London airport is best for long-haul connections, but it is about 2 hours away from the campus.

4.1.7 Student Life at Oxstalls Campus

The Oxstalls campus is only 15 minutes’ walk away from Gloucester city centre, giving quick access to clubs, bars, shops, theatres, and cafés. It is also close to Kingsholm Rugby Stadium, which is the home of Gloucester Rugby. Gloucester Quays is an outlet shopping centre and a cinema, popular for casual student outings. It is also located within a short distance from campus, near the historic docks.

Students’ Union events are also open to Oxstalls students, same as other campuses. Welcome, Fayre, quiz nights, Varsity, and popular student bars are there on each campus, plus organised club nights.

Sports facilities

On the Oxstalls campus campus there is an international-standard sports arena, 3G pitches, a cricket pavilion, and a gym. So, the campus itself is considered one of the largest sports facilities of any UK university.

Moreover, there is a municipal sports facility option nearby called GL1 Leisure Centre. It is a large public leisure centre with four swimming pools, an indoor tennis facility (6 indoor/4 outdoor courts), and a modern gym. GL1 also hosts local swim clubs and has disabled-accessible facilities.

Clubs & societies 

There are 20+ sports clubs, including football, rugby, cricket, hockey, climbing, swimming, equestrian, etc., and 40+ societies including  DJ society, gaming/e-sports, LGBTQIA+ society, subject-related societies.

Given Oxstalls’ sport/business/health focus, expect a natural concentration of sports clubs, business society activity, and healthcare-related student groups specifically based here. So, it can be said that the Oxstalls campus has a good “campus flavour” in contrast to FCH and Park.

Extra & co-curricular activities

On the Oxstalls campus, students train and sometimes compete alongside elite athletes at the sports arena. It is a genuinely distinctive feature of this campus.

In addition, there are business placements/networking through the on-site Growth Hub Gloucestershire, which gives business students direct access to local companies and workshops.

Also, there is clinical simulation practice for health students in the FutureSim suite, which offers hands-on, realistic training well before actual clinical placements.

4.1.8 Nightlife Near Oxstalls Campus

The ATIK Nightclub is Gloucester’s main superclub, which is very popular with students. This venue offers three rooms, big-name DJ sets, live acts, and a technicolour interior. It is located on Eastgate Street, central Gloucester.

This venue caters to a broad age range with urban and dancefloor classics spanning several decades. It is also known for affordable student drinks and themed nights (student nights offer drinks from as little as £2)

Butlers Venue Bar is a bar/club and a multi-award winner for Best Bar None, three years running. It is well known for its LED-lit interior and light-up dance floor. It is located on Eastgate Street, less than 10 minutes’ walk from central student accommodation. This venue offers free entry, VIP booth/bar packages available for special occasions, and free soft drinks for designated drivers.

Café René is a pub by day, a live-music and cellar-bar venue by night, located in the Regent Street area, central Gloucester. It offers a relaxed pub atmosphere upstairs, house music, and live acts in the underground cellar bar in the evenings.

Moreover, Blue Bamboo Sports Bar is a sports bar with a gin/craft-drinks focus, located on Gloucester Quays. (combines live sport, good food, and craft gin). It offers waterside views, outdoor seating that’s popular in summer, and a party atmosphere continuing after the sport ends.

4.1.9 Accommodation for Oxstalls Students

There are six halls-of-residence blocks located directly on Oxstalls Campus, which are Robinswood Villa, Crickley Villa, Coopers Villa, Chalford Villa, Birdlip Villa, and May Villa (named after local Gloucestershire hills and places)

In addition, there are 21 cluster flats with en-suite rooms spread across six blocks (genuinely on-campus accommodation, unlike FCH, which has none directly on-site)

Blackfriars is a mix of en-suite rooms, townhouses, and studios, located in Gloucester city centre. It is a popular option for students who want to be closer to the nightlife and shops. Also, Ermin Hall has en-suite rooms built to a high specification.

The six villa blocks are the most convenient option, being right on Oxstalls Campus itself. At the same time, Blackfriars and Ermin Hall offer a livelier, more central experience, at the cost of a longer walk. Also, there are off-campus private housing options that are owned by university-approved private landlords.

4.1.10 Medical Services & Nearest Hospitals 

Students of the Oxstalls campus are advised to register with a local GP within the first few weeks of term, based on guidance from the university. Gloucestershire Royal Hospitalocated in the Great Western Road, Gloucester, is the nearest hospital to the Oxstalls campus. Also,  GL1 3NN, founded in 1912, is a large acute hospital with 683 beds, run by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

It provides services from a full 24-hour Emergency Department (A&E), covering 999 ambulance cases, GP referrals, children’s emergencies, minor injuries, and maternity care.

For non-emergency or specialist care, students can reach Cheltenham General Hospital, located on Sandford Road, Cheltenham. It offers daytime emergency care and specialist outpatient services.

Read More: 
University of Gloucestershire England UK (Part 1)

Francis Close Hall – University of Gloucestershire (Part 2)

City Campus; University of Gloucestershire (Part 4)