The University of Gloucestershire is a public university based in Gloucestershire, England. It is located over three campuses, two in Cheltenham and one in Gloucester, namely Francis Close Hall, Park and Oxstalls. The university traces its history back to the Mechanics' Institute of 1834 and the Cheltenham Training College, established in 1874 by the Reverend Francis Close. In October 2001, Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education was awarded University status. The university offers over 120 undergraduate courses and around 70 taught post-graduate courses within three faculties; Media, Arts and Technology, Business Education and Professional Studies, and Applied Sciences. A 10-year Memorandum of Understanding exists between the university, Gloucestershire College and South Gloucestershire and Stroud College to support access to higher education.