Teaching and Training Methods postgraduate degrees

The University of Gloucestershire offers a comprehensive range of facilities and a vibrant student life across its three campuses: The Park and Francis Close Hall in Cheltenham, and Oxstalls in Gloucester. Situated in the picturesque surroundings of Cheltenham and Gloucester, students have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Cotswolds, attend world-famous festivals, and enjoy diverse shopping and dining experiences. The area offers a rich mix of music, sports, and entertainment venues, contributing to a vibrant student life. The Francis Close Hall and Oxstalls campus libraries provide 24/7 access to extensive collections, IT resources, wireless printing, and photocopying services. Across the university, students have access to over 500 computers, free Wi-Fi, and loanable laptops. Media equipment, including camcorders and dictaphones, is also available, with digital editing software installed on all library PCs. The university boasts a variety of specialist facilities tailored to different disciplines. For instance, the Oxstalls campus houses the Business School and Growth Hub, featuring a live trading room, innovative teaching spaces, and a moot court room. Additionally, the campus offers an international-standard sports arena, 3G pitches, and a cricket pavilion and pitch. The University of Gloucestershire fosters a diverse student community where individuals from various backgrounds learn together while embracing university life. The Chapel at Francis Close Hall offers a tranquil space for reflection, providing mental and emotional support for students seeking peace amidst their academic journey. This inclusive environment enhances student well-being, encouraging a sense of belonging and personal growth. A potential area for improvement would be the provision of short-term university accommodation for students in need, particularly at the postgraduate level. Given the unique challenges faced by these students—such as research commitments, placements, or unforeseen personal circumstances—offering flexible housing options would greatly enhance their academic experience and overall well-being. This initiative would reflect the university's commitment to student support, ensuring that all scholars have access to a stable and conducive living environment during critical phases of their studies.

The staff and students around the campus are always so welcoming and friendly. It really makes me enjoy where I’m studying. I think something that could be improved is the university’s response to student based issues.

The University of Hertfordshire has great facilities, but there are quite a few unnecessary procedures that could be streamlined, such as booking appointments for even the smallest matters. My experience so far has been disappointing from an academic perspective. I was expecting better quality education, but instead, most of the lectures consist of simply reading from PowerPoint slides, and the practical sessions have been far from engaging. While I understand that self-study is important, not all students, especially international ones like myself, have prior industrial experience or expertise. It's crucial that the university recognizes this and provides clearer, more detailed information about the curriculum, how exams work, and what is expected in terms of assessments. Relying solely on self-study and putting too much responsibility on the students isn’t fair, especially when we're paying for a quality education.

University of Essex, is within the heart of colchester with easy access to train stations to into London and bus stops to get into town. Its a small campus that has lot of greenery and has multiple places to study, eat and socialise. The lecture theatre give you enough space to work in and there are plenty of lab spaces that you can use in lessons and when doing your own studies.