​University of Gloucestershire rises in league rankings

The University of Gloucestershire is earning top marks as it surges up the nation's league table.

The higher education centre has risen 11 places in The Complete University Guide table, while its student support department has been ranked seventh best in the country.

The institution, which has 9,000 undergraduate students, 1,000 postgraduate students, 40,000 alumni and 1,000 staff, is now 80th in the ranking of 126 universities by the university guide website.

Its position is based on 10 categories including student satisfaction, research quality, the student/staff ratio and how much is spent on facilities.

In addition, over the past 12 months more than 20,000 students have cast their opinions on their experience of studying at universities across the UK.

In the far-reaching survey, Gloucestershire came in 62nd.

Vice-chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, Stephen Marston, said they were delighted at the rise in the league tables.

"These rankings are a tribute to their achievements and to the skill and commitment of the university's staff providing excellent teaching and a rich student experience," he said.

"The university is committed to giving our students a strong foundation for their future and helping them realise their potential."

The university is also considered one of the best education bodies in the country for student support and had pride of place at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards recently.

Based on student reviews, the institution was rated seventh in the UK for the quality of support it provides out of 111 universities.

Students have praised the helpful and supportive lecturers, good communication, and exceptional provision of Helpzones and the DegreePlus initiative.

DegreePlus helps around 3,000 students a year find a placement or internship.

Speaking at the Whatuni Awards ceremony, Stewart Dove, director of student services at the university, said he was delighted Gloucestershire was ranked in the top 10.

"It is huge testament to the dedication of both our lecturers and support staff that the personal and academic support provided by the university to our students has been recognised," he said.

"Our students tell us what makes the university special is our close-knit, supportive community and the personal contact between staff and students."

The university is based across three campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester and is split into 10 academic schools.

These include accounting and law, art, design, business management, computing and media as well as sports and exercise.

It also trains teachers, and has an "outstanding" rating from Ofsted for its programme.