The best part of studying at the University of Gloucestershire is the sense of community and support that exists across the campus. From approachable lecturers to the friendly student services team, I’ve always felt that there is someone ready to help, no matter how small the issue. The class sizes are manageable, which means we get more personalised attention and meaningful discussions instead of feeling lost in a huge crowd. The campus environment is also a huge plus green, calm, and safe making it a great place to focus on studies while still enjoying student life. The practical teaching style, industry-focused assessments, and opportunities for real-world learning truly make it a great place to develop both academically and professionally. The best part of studying at the University of Gloucestershire is the strong sense of community and genuine support that students receive. The lecturers are approachable, the class sizes allow for personalised learning, and the campus environment feels safe, friendly, and inspiring. The practical teaching style and industry-focused assessments really prepare us for real-world opportunities, which makes studying here feel meaningful and empowering. However, there are a few challenges that could be improved. One of the biggest is the frequent changes of classrooms. It can be distracting and sometimes quite stressful when rooms are switched frequently . Finding the new room especially across different buildings can break concentration and interrupt the flow of learning. Fewer room changes, would help students stay focused and organised. Another significant challenge is that Park Campus does not have its own library, which creates a real disadvantage for students based there. Travelling to other campuses for basic study needs or resources can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially during busy deadlines. Having a dedicated library or at least expanded study spaces at Park would greatly improve the overall student experience. Despite these challenges, the University of Gloucestershire remains a welcoming place where students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. With more stable classroom arrangements and better library access for Park Campus, it would become an even more exceptional place to study.

The best aspect of my course is the independence and depth it allows. As a Master by Research student, I’ve had the freedom to explore my topic in Communications, PR and Media at a level that feels both challenging and rewarding. The one-to-one supervision has been incredibly valuable lecturers are approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in my progress. Their feedback is detailed, insightful and always pushes my thinking further. I also appreciate the flexibility of the course structure, which allows me to balance research, reading, and academic writing at my own pace. The blended learning approach works well, with meetings online or in person depending on what suits the research stage. However, the course also has a few limitations. Because it is research-focused, the contact hours are naturally lower, which can sometimes feel isolating — especially during long stretches of independent work. More structured workshops, peer discussion sessions, or research seminars would make the experience more engaging and help students stay connected. Access to specialised software, research tools and media equipment could also be improved, as these are essential for students working on communications and media-based projects. Additionally, clearer guidance at the beginning of the course about expectations, milestones, and available university resources would help students navigate the research journey more confidently. Overall, the Master by Research in Communications, PR and Media has been a deeply enriching experience. With strong supervision, academic freedom, and a supportive atmosphere, it offers a great platform for developing advanced research skills. With a few improvements especially more structured academic interaction and enhanced access to research resources it could become an even stronger and more student-friendly programme.

The University of Gloucestershire has one of the most charming and student-friendly locations in the UK. Cheltenham offers the perfect blend of calm, beauty, and accessibility ideal for students who want a peaceful environment without feeling isolated. The town is known for its Regency architecture, green parks, and safe neighbourhoods, which creates a relaxing atmosphere to study, walk, and unwind. Everything feels close and convenient: supermarkets, cafés, libraries, gyms, and bus routes are all easily reachable, making daily student life smooth and stress-free. I also love that Cheltenham has a vibrant cultural side. From the Literature Festival to the Jazz Festival, there is always something happening in the town. Students get to enjoy art, music, food markets, and events throughout the year all without the overwhelming rush of a big city. The location strikes the perfect balance between academic focus and enjoyable social life. However, there are a few aspects of the location that could be improved for students. Public transport, especially late in the evening, can be quite limited, making it harder for students who don’t drive. The cost of living in Cheltenham is slightly higher compared to other student towns, especially when it comes to accommodation and eating out. While the calm atmosphere is generally a strength, it can sometimes feel too quiet during weekends or holidays, especially for students who are used to more energetic cities. Another challenge is the distance between different campuses. Having to travel between Park, FCH, and Oxstalls can be inconvenient, especially when timetables are tight or when students need library access particularly for Park Campus, which doesn’t have its own library. More campus-to-campus transport options would make student life easier and more connected. Overall, the university’s location is a beautiful, safe, and culturally rich place to study. With better transport links and more student-focused facilities across all campuses, it would become an even more ideal environment for learning and living.

Great I did my undergraduate degree here and have loved doing my post graduate degree here. The support and work load is great and the industry support we get too is fantastic

Great

Tutors do not have a lot of time but try their best Feedback on assignments is good Personal is dependent case to case on the support

Great

Yes perfect short walk to town, bus stops outside to and out of town!

I don't take part but know there is a large variety of sports and societies at the university

I don't enjoy the workshop aspects

12

Paid placements, talks from industry professionals and helpzone support