Opportunities in and near Gloucester

University of Gloucestershire’s Performing Arts Masterclass Day is an outreach event for students who are interested in developing their skills and exploring future study or careers in the performing arts. The day is designed to give attendees a practical taste of performing arts learning in industry-standard facilities on campus. Participants can choose from a range of interactive taster sessions, including acting, dance, singing, voice and technical theatre. The content of the day is flexible, so schools can register interest and indicate what their students would most like to experience. The event also gives students the chance to meet current university students and pick up useful advice for university applications. It is intended to help young people build confidence, test their abilities and get a clearer sense of what studying performing arts at university could involve.

Discover what it is like to study Accounting and Finance at the University of Gloucestershire through a hands-on taster day on campus. The event is designed to give students an authentic feel for university-level learning in a subject area linked to accounting, finance, and the wider business world. Throughout the day, participants take part in interactive taster sessions that explore key areas of accounting and finance. The sessions are intended to help students understand how financial decisions affect organisations, and to build awareness of the kinds of skills and knowledge needed for a career in the sector. Students will also have the chance to meet current university students and hear about their experiences, making the day useful for asking questions about university study and student life. It is a good opportunity for Year 12 and Year 13 students to explore their options and see where an Accounting and Finance degree could lead.

Join the University of Gloucestershire for a Music and Media Taster Day at Park Campus in Cheltenham. This outreach event is designed to give sixth form students a feel for studying media and communications at university, with a focus on creative pathways and practical learning. Participants will take part in interactive taster sessions across a range of courses, including journalism, animation and sound production. The day also includes a chance to see industry-standard facilities and meet current students, helping attendees understand what study and student life in these creative areas might be like. The event is aimed at students exploring higher education options and considering careers in media, communications and related creative industries. It offers a hands-on introduction to the subject area and a useful opportunity to ask questions and learn more about next steps.

Creative Connections Festival is an outreach event from the University of Gloucestershire designed to give students a first-hand look at creative study and career pathways. It brings together industry experts, alumni and current students so attendees can hear about the range of opportunities available in creative fields such as film production, animation, journalism, photography and games programming. Students can explore the university’s facilities, meet current creative students and take part in practical taster sessions across a range of course areas. The event is aimed at Year 12/13 students or equivalent, and is suitable for both school and college groups as well as individual bookings. The event is a useful chance to experience campus life at Park Campus in Cheltenham and to get a sense of what studying a creative subject at university could involve. It also meets Gatsby Benchmark 5, making it especially relevant for careers guidance and provider encounters.

Hereford College of Artsinvites prospective undergraduate applicants to an on-campus Open Day on October 3rd, 2026. The event is designed to help you explore courses, meet course leaders and current students, and see specialist studios and technical workshops. Scheduled sessions run throughout the day so you can choose talks and activities that match your interests. You can expect arrival and a course marketplace, course talks, drop-in workshops, campus tours, an accommodation tour, and a complimentary light lunch followed by a panel Q&A with senior staff and student ambassadors. Campus tours run from 12:00 and sessions are repeated to give flexibility. The day includes information on student finance, wellbeing and portfolio/audition support. The Open Day takes place at the College Road campus (HR1 1EB), Hereford. Booking is via the Eventbrite sign-up on the HCA events page (book one ticket for the student and add guests). If you need accessibility support or have questions, contact the Outreach and Events team at outreach@hca.ac.uk or call 01432 273359.

Join the Royal Agricultural University on campus for an undergraduate open day designed for prospective students who want to learn more about studying and living at RAU. The event gives visitors a chance to explore the university, get a feel for the student experience, and ask questions about courses and support available on site. Attendees can meet academic staff to discuss their course of interest, hear directly from current students about life at the university, and speak with support services teams. The day also includes a tour of the campus, helping prospective applicants see the facilities and setting for themselves before making decisions about their next steps.

Join the University of Gloucestershire for an immersive Health and Social Care careers day designed for Year 12 and Year 13 students (or equivalent). The event introduces Occupational Therapy pathways and includes a careers carousel with employers from a variety of healthcare settings, giving students direct insight into different roles across the sector. Participants will tour the university's immersive health and social care facilities, meet current students, and take part in a 45-minute workshop delivered by academic experts. Workshops and activities cover areas such as nursing, paramedic science, radiography, social work, physiotherapy and more, offering practical, hands-on experience and realistic simulation learning. Please note some practical sessions are medical in nature and may use simulation manikins/models; students should be comfortable with this. To register interest, complete the short online form on the event page; organisers will then contact you to confirm places.

Join the University of Gloucestershire for a Cyber and Computing Taster Day designed to introduce Year 12 and Year 13 students (or equivalent) to the digital world and the role of technology in society. The event explores how computing and cyber security go beyond coding to include creativity, problem-solving and protecting information. Academic staff will lead sessions that explain the big ideas behind computing and cyber security and demonstrate how digital tools can be used to tackle real-world problems. During the day you will take part in interactive activities and discussions that show how technology connects people and the challenges involved in keeping information safe. The programme is aimed at students considering higher education or careers in computing, cyber security and related digital fields, and will help you see the broad opportunities available in a connected world. For more information, contact the university via email provided on the event page.

Youth Rangers is a regular volunteer programme for young people run by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. It gives participants hands-on experience in nature conservation through practical tasks such as scrub clearance, surveying and habitat creation, while developing wildlife skills and teamwork. Sessions run 12:30-16:30 on the third Saturday of each month at Robinswood Hill in Gloucester. Sessions are suitable for beginners with no prior experience; they are run outdoors in all weathers and are useful for personal development and for young people completing volunteering hours for awards such as Duke of Edinburgh. Places are free but limited. Young people must register their interest (online) and book individual sessions via the Trust's events/Eventbrite booking system; sessions open for booking on the first Monday of each month. If a member turns 18 while involved there are opportunities to take on volunteer youth leader responsibilities.

The University of Gloucestershire undergraduate open days are on-campus events designed for prospective undergraduate applicants to explore campuses, meet academic staff and current students, and learn about courses and student life. Attendees can join course talks to hear about specific programmes, take specialist facility tours where available, and speak to admissions, money advice and accommodation teams to get practical guidance. Open days include campus tours led by student ambassadors, opportunities to view on-campus and off-campus accommodation (with shuttle buses to off-campus residences), and sessions to help applicants prepare for interviews or portfolio requirements for particular courses. The events also showcase local area highlights to help candidates get a feel for living in Cheltenham and Gloucester. Dates for 2026 are listed on the page; places must be booked via the university booking form embedded on the site. After booking you will be informed which campus to attend and given further event information and timings.

University of Gloucestershire campus visits let prospective students explore the university's campuses across Cheltenham and Gloucester, meet student ambassadors, and get a feel for student life. Visits typically include a guided tour led by a Student Ambassador and the opportunity to see teaching facilities, accommodation options and social spaces. If you would like to speak to an academic from your subject area, the Student Recruitment Team will try to arrange this where possible. Bespoke tours are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants; you can enquire about date and time availability via the campus visits booking on the university website or by contacting the Student Recruitment Team. Tours usually last around 45 minutes, after which visitors can explore accommodation options independently. Virtual tours are also available to view online if you cannot attend in person. Booking in advance is required to help the university plan visits and keep group sizes small. Parking is free at Oxstalls, Francis Close Hall and Park Campus (provide your car registration to the Student Ambassador on arrival); for City Campus the page recommends nearby car parks such as Kings Walk Car Park (GL1 1EA), Hare Lane South Car Park (GL1 2DA) and Eastgate Shopping Centre Car Park (GL1 1TH). For enquiries call 01242 714300.

Join the University of Gloucestershire for a Psychology Taster Day at the new City Campus in Gloucester. Attendees will gain hands-on experience in the university's facilities and learn about degree-level study in psychology from expert teaching staff.

Participants will receive insider interview tips, have opportunities to chat with current students, and take a guided tour of the campus and facilities. The event is designed to help Year 12 and 13 (or equivalent) students explore what studying psychology at university is like.

For more information or to register, contact the outreach team via [email protected]. The event takes place at City Campus, GL1 1AW, Gloucester.

Join the University of Gloucestershire for an immersive Health and Social Care Taster Day at Oxstalls Campus. The event is designed to give students a practical feel for studying and working in the health and care field, with a welcoming introduction to university-level learning and campus life.

Participants will take part in three 45-minute workshops led by academic experts. Sessions cover areas such as nursing, paramedic science, radiography, social work and physiotherapy, giving students a chance to explore different pathways within the sector and ask questions about the courses and careers associated with them.

The day includes practical, simulation-based activities, so some sessions may involve medical learning tools such as manikins or models. Students should be comfortable with this style of hands-on experience before attending. Schools or students can register interest using the online form, and the university will then confirm places.

Join the University of Gloucestershire for a Marketing Taster Day at the Oxstalls Campus, designed to give Year 12 and Year 13 students an introduction to how marketing decisions are made.

During the day, academics will guide you through how human behaviour, social trends and target audiences influence marketing campaigns. Sessions will cover topics such as how culture, gender and peer influence shape decisions and how marketers use these insights to promote products and address social challenges.

You will also explore practical marketing skills including managing budgets, timelines and projects, and see how marketing combines creative thinking with planning and evaluation. The event runs 10:00-14:30 on dates in spring 2026 (dates TBC) and takes place at the Oxstalls Campus in Gloucester (GL2 9HW).

Volunteer online or from home with the British Red Cross and support people in need wherever you live in the UK. This flexible remote volunteering option is designed for people who want to make a real difference without needing to travel to a shop or office. There are several ways to get involved. You could help research, photograph and list items for the online shop, support fundraising, answer calls on a national support line, or assist with services for refugees and families who are trying to reconnect. By volunteering remotely, you can gain valuable experience, meet like-minded people and contribute to the Red Cross humanitarian mission. It is a flexible way to support others, build skills and take part in meaningful community action from home.

Mathsaurus’s free course helps students prepare for the Intermediate Maths Challenge by working through a large set of past paper questions from recent UKMT papers. The course focuses on building confidence through practice, with clear support for each question so learners can develop their problem-solving skills rather than just checking answers. Each question includes a short video hint to help students get started, followed by full video solutions. The course covers 125 past paper questions drawn from the 2021 to 2025 Intermediate Maths Challenges, making it a substantial revision resource for anyone who wants structured practice with this style of mathematical challenge. It is designed for pupils aged 13 to 16, and is also open to enthusiastic younger students. The course is free to access and can be started by choosing the free option and then accessing it from the student dashboard.

Entelechia Collective is a youth-led non-profit focused on mental health awareness and destigmatising mental health among young people. This volunteering opportunity is open to young people who want to contribute to a cause with real social impact while building practical experience in a supportive, youth-led environment. Volunteers can help with a range of creative and communications tasks, including writing, design, marketing, and making reels. The role offers hands-on experience, volunteer hours, and a certificate, and it may suit applicants who want to develop content skills while supporting a mental health initiative for youth. Successful volunteers are contacted with more detail about the kind of reels and content they may be expected to create.

Youth volunteer placements with the British Red Cross give young people the chance to gain practical experience in the humanitarian sector while contributing to meaningful work that supports communities across the UK. Placements are designed to help volunteers build confidence, develop new skills and explore career options in a real-world setting. Volunteers may get involved in a wide range of activities depending on the role, including research projects, event support, helping with administration and project management, attending team meetings and contributing ideas to strategic discussions. The placements are flexible, with many roles remote and others office-based or hybrid. These opportunities are suitable for people with little or no previous experience. The British Red Cross provides guidance and training, and its bursary scheme can support young volunteers aged 15-25 from low-income households. Most placements last between 3 and 12 weeks, with time commitments often arranged around the volunteer’s circumstances.

Associated British Ports (ABP) has launched a virtual work experience programme that helps students explore how ports operate and the careers connected to maritime logistics. The programme is designed as a flexible online experience, making it easier for young people to take part wherever they live and on a device that suits them. Created with Talent XP, the programme uses interactive modules to introduce learners to four key areas: keeping Britain trading, the energy transition, safety and wellbeing, and careers at ABP. Students learn how goods move through ports, how ports support renewable projects, and how ABP approaches a safety-first workplace culture. The experience is intended to widen access to port-related careers and give students a starting point for future opportunities. Participants can also hear about apprenticeship and graduate pathways at ABP, and they receive a certificate when they complete the modules.

This virtual work experience programme, created in partnership with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, is designed to help students explore healthcare careers and understand what working in the NHS can involve. It offers an accessible starting point for young people who are interested in healthcare but are not sure which route to take. Participants work through interactive online learning, expert-led modules and practical tasks that are designed to build real-world understanding of the sector. The programme also includes quizzes, webinars and opportunities to hear from professionals working at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, giving students insight into different roles, pathways and the skills needed in healthcare. The experience is flexible and can be completed at your own pace, making it suitable for students balancing school and other commitments. It is intended to help learners build confidence, develop transferable skills and gain a completion certificate that can support future applications and career exploration.