The University of Gloucestershire is a public university located in South West England, on the edge of the Cotswolds. This university hosts 4 sub-campuses, which are Park Campus, Francis Close Hall, City Campus, and Oxstalls Campus. Today, the university hosts a student community of over 9,000–10,000 students from 50+ countries. The Park Campus is located in The Park, Cheltenham, GL50 2RH, which is a leafy, parkland setting close to Montpellier and Bath Road. The university has a creative and computing hub, nicknamed the “Hogwarts campus” by the university itself, since the buildings look historic, but the facilities inside are cutting-edge.

4.1.1 Faculties and Programs Available at Park Campus

The Park campus is nicknamed “Hogwarts campus” by the university itself, due to historic buildings paired with a crime scene house, interview suite, and biomedical science lab.

Creative subject areas

The Park campus offers degree programs in Fine Art and Illustration, which are also taught at FCH. Under this field, students can specialize in Animation, Photography, Editorial & Advertising, Documentary Photojournalism pathways, Design (general design courses), and Digital Media. Moreover, they offer courses in Sound and Music Production and Performing Arts & Production, which are vast subject areas.

Media, journalism & communications

The Park campus also offers degree programmes in Film, Media & Television, Sports Journalism with a placement-year option, Sports Journalism and Communications as a top-up route, and Journalism & Communications.

Computing & technology

The Park campus also offers a range of degree programmes in computing technology, such as Computing & Cyber Security, Game Technologies, and Game Art. In addition, they offer Data Science programmes, especially full-time and part-time MSc routes. There are also Engineering Management MSc degrees that students can pursue.

To facilitate Cyber Security, Computing, Computer Games Design, and Programming courses, the campus has a dedicated space, which is a purpose-built learning facility.

In addition, there are Law, Marketing, and Business-related degrees hosted by the Park campus but taught across the campuses.

4.1.2 History & Functions of Park Campus

Origins of the site before it was a campus

The site on which the Park campus is situated was purchased in 1831 by a local solicitor, Thomas Billings, to build the Gloucestershire Zoological, Botanical and Horticultural Gardens. His original plan was to build an ambitious zoo/botanical garden project, meant to open on Queen Victoria’s coronation day, in 1838. However, that project ultimately failed.

Even today, there are surviving traces of that original garden plan, such as Elephant Walk and a lake shaped like the continent of Africa. Also, the site shape still remains as a teardrop-shaped ground with the “point” of the teardrop marked by a building called Cornerways.

Change of ownership and design

Later, the site was sold in 1839 to architect Samuel Whitfield Daukes, who was the same architect who designed the original Francis Close Hall building in 1849. Then, Daukes turned it into “pleasure grounds,” designing villas around the park. Some original entrance gates from this period still survive until today. Fullwood House is a notable building within the grounds from this era, which stands as a beautiful point in the landscape.

Becoming an educational institution

In 1869, Shaftesbury Hall was opened as a purpose-built facility for the female department of Cheltenham Training College, which is now converted into Chelsea Square apartments. In 1921, Cheltenham Training College split into two: St Paul’s College (male) and St Mary’s College (female). This is the same institution whose male branch later became your FCH campus.

Then, in 1930, St Mary’s College purchased The Park site, and this transaction is what turned The Park into what is now Park Campus. In 1979, St Paul’s and St Mary’s merged into the College of St Paul and St Mary and reunited after nearly 60 years of separation.

In 1990, this campus merged with Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology (GLOSCAT) to form Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education (CGCHE). Then, in 2001, the University of Gloucestershire gained university status, becoming the University of Gloucestershire.

The Park campus functions today as the university’s creative and computing campus, which has a distinct role compared to FCH’s humanities and science focus.

4.1.3 History of Cheltenham

The town first appears in records in 803, as Cheltanham. The name’s meaning is debated but linked to “steep hill” + “settlement/water or meadow. Also, the name appeared in the Domesday Book as “Chintenham” and was recorded as a royal manor in the Gloucestershire section of the Domesday Book. The town was granted the market charter in 1226 and formalised its status as a market town.  Mineral springs were discovered in Cheltenham in 1716 by a local farmer named William Mason, noticing pigeons gathering at a spring in his meadow. This land, which was once his farmland, is now where the Cheltenham Ladies’ College is situated. Then, following the discovery of the mineral spring, the development was driven by Captain Henry Skillicorne, who was Mason’s son-in-law, from 1738. He dug out the spring into a proper well, added pumping equipment, landscaped the grounds, and planted Well Walk Avenue.

The turning point of the city was the visit of King George III in 1788 to help cure his illness. This secured Cheltenham’s reputation as a modest spa destination. Then, the well was renamed the “Royal Well” to commemorate the royal visit, which is still in use today.

Regency-era boom

During the Regency era, the development of promenades, parks, and bandstands for the genteel took place, with a social culture of balls, concerts, card games, and billiards flourishing. This town is known as the most complete Regency town in Britain. Moreover, educational institutions for the wealthy grew alongside spas during the Regency period as a part of the “Health and Education” civic identity. This same civic tradition later produced Cheltenham Training College in 1847.

4.1.4 Infrastructure & Facilities at Park Campus

The park campus is surrounded by picturesque parkland with a green, landscaped campus setting, distinct from FCH’s stone-quadrangle feel.

Cornerways

This building was originally built as the entrance building for the failed 1830s zoological/botanical gardens, and it sits at the “point” of the teardrop-shaped site. The most notable feature of this building is that it has a high tower, which is a visual landmark within the campus grounds. So, the building holds a historical significance as one of the few surviving structures from the site’s pre-educational history.

Fullwood House

Built during the Daukes “pleasure grounds” redevelopment era from 1839 onward and is described as a point of interest within the landscape. Today, it is used as part of the wider campus estate.

FuturePark

This building is the newest major addition to the campus, costing £5.8 million. It is built specifically for computing, cybersecurity, and games courses. So, it is equipped with a Cyber Control Centre, Virtual Reality Facility, digital lounge, and a social area. It is designed to feel like an industry tech environment, not a traditional classroom.

Other facilities

In addition, the Park campus consists of interior design teaching space, a specialist media centre (for film, TV, and journalism courses), and a dedicated design course area.

Moreover, there are specialist engineering areas and acomputing and& technology specialist area. The campus refectory offers hot meals, snacks, sandwiches, a salad bar, and fresh baked goods, and it is the main on-site catering facility.

4.1.5 Weather in Cheltenham 

The Cheltenham area usually has a Marine West Coast climate. So, the general characteristics are mild, temperate, with fairly wet year-round rain. The warmest month is July, with an average high temperature of ~22°C (72°F). Also, the coolest months are January and February, with an average temperature of ~9°C (48°F). Also, the annual rainfall is approx. 763–795 mm (30–31 in).

Now I have what I need for Park Campus. Here’s the second part.

4.1.6 Transportation & Airports Closest to Park Campus

The nearest train station is Cheltenham Spa, which is located about 20 minutes’ walk away from Park Campus. This runs trains connecting to London, Birmingham, Bristol, and Bath via National Rail. Stagecoach runs regular bus services around Cheltenham and Gloucester. Also, students can get discounted fares via the StudentRider ticket

Moreover, there are car parking facilities for students who wish to travel in their own vehicles. The main car park entrance is from The Park, between Merestones Road and Brook Court. There are pay-and-display options, payable by card or the JustPark app. Also, free parking is usually available on open days

Nearest airports 

Gloucestershire Airport is the closest airport to the Francis Close Hall campus, located about 10 minutes from central Cheltenham. Mainly, it flies small/private and regional flights (not major international routes). Also, it offers daily scheduled flights to the Isle of Man and welcomes private/commercial aircraft.

Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the nearest major international airport to the Francis Close Hall campus, located roughly 40 miles away. In addition, Bristol Airport (BRS) can be mentioned as the second option for international flights, as it’s located roughly around 45 miles away.

4.1.7 Student Life at Park Campus

Entertainment

In less than 10 minutes’ walk from Montpellier and the Bath Road, students can access boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants. Moreover, 15 minutes’ walk from Cheltenham town centre, there are wider entertainment options available for students.  The Brewery Quarter nearby has an IMAX cinema, bowling, crazy golf, and restaurants such as The Botanist, Five Guys, and Nando’s.

Moreover, the Students’ Union events are open to Park students, as well as FCH. The SU organizes events such as Welcome Fayre, quiz nights, open mic nights, and Varsity

Sports facilities

There are university-wide sports clubs open to all campuses, regardless of where you study. Moreover, there are Municipal/private sports facility options near Park Campus. The Sandford Parks is a sports facility that has a historic 50m outdoor heated pool and student discounts. Also, it is located within a short distance from campus.

Leisure at Cheltenham is another sports facility nearby that has an indoor gym, pools, and racquet sports. In addition, there is Prince of Wales Stadium nearby, which is an athletics and sports venue, visible on the official campus map as a close landmark.

Clubs & societies 

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

Since Park Campus is the creative/computing hub, students can expect a stronger natural pull toward media, film, music, gaming, and design-related societies.

Extra & co-curricular activities

There is a strong industry-placement culture within the Park campus. Students in the School of Creative Industries complete over 4,000 work placements/internships yearly at companies like the BBC, ITV, Universal Music, and Warner Bros. In addition, FuturePark hosts hands-on extracurricular tech events such as hackathons and cybersecurity challenges.

4.1.8 Night Life Near Park Campus

MooMoo Clubrooms is a nightclub that is an official SU “night out” partner venue, which means that it is a part of the Students’ Union’s official night out circuit. It is located on Rodney Road in the Regent Street area, central Cheltenham. It has a three-floor venue (Kukui, Boutique, Fever rooms), with each playing different music genres such as R&B, pop, dance, and chart hits.

The Frog and Fiddle is a pub and live-music venue, popular among students. It is a grassroots gig venue with a capacity of about 200 in its “barn” room located in the Brewery Quarter, High Street, Cheltenham. Moreover, this venue consists of pool tables, 12–14 sports screens, live bands, drag shows, occasional wrestling nights, and a dog-friendly beer garden.

The Brewery Quarter is a general night-out hub and an entertainment complex combining bars, restaurants, cinema, bowling, and a microbrewery.

In addition, there is a Montpellier bar, which is known for a more upscale, boutique bar scene compared to the mainstream clubs in the town centre. More importantly, Cheltenham holds Purple Flag status, an accreditation confirming the town’s night-time area is safe, well-managed, and welcoming

4.1.9 Accommodation for Park Campus Students

University halls of residence

Park Villas and Park Challinor are the two main halls physically located on Park Campus. They are located about 20 minutes’ walk from the town centre.

Challinor Halls are a recently renovated mix of en-suite and shared-bathroom rooms where students can get accommodation. Each bedroom is equipped with a study area, desk, WiFi, storage, and a wardrobe. Also, there is a shared kitchen per flat. Most importantly, all bills are included, including heating, water, electricity, plus contents insurance.

Other Cheltenham halls 

Pittville Student Village is another accommodation facility located about 40 minutes’ walk away from Park Campus. So, it’s a less convenient option compared to Park Villas/Challinor.

Moreover, there are off-campus accommodation options. There are university-approved private landlords and shared houses are available for students who prefer independent living after the first year.

On-campus housing costs (across Park halls) generally range from £126–£199 per week. Off-campus private rentals in Cheltenham are typically higher, since these are shared across a full property rather than per room.

4.1.10 Medical Services & Nearest Hospitals (Park Campus)

All students are strongly advised to register with a local GP (General Practitioner) within the first few weeks of arrival. The university guides new students on which GP practice to register with, based on their campus/accommodation location.

The nearest hospital is Cheltenham General Hospital, which is located roughly a 20–25-minute walk away. They provide general hospital care, including a consultant-led Emergency Department (8 am–8 pm). Also, there is a nurse-led Minor Injuries and Illness Unit overnight.

Furthermore, the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, located in Gloucester, provides 24-hour A&E, including ambulance and GP-referred emergencies.

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

Francis Close Hall – University of Gloucestershire (Part 2)

City Campus; University of Gloucestershire (Part 4)