AI hub plans as millions invested in universities

A new hydra suite, which will simulate real world scenarios for students, will open at the University of Gloucestershire

Two universities have received millions of pounds in funding to improve their facilities.

Hartpury University, near Gloucester, has been handed a £28m funding package from HSBC UK to build a student learning hub.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DfE) has allocated the University of Gloucestershire £2.5m to develop its open FutureSim, an AI-powered immersive learning suite.

Hartpury University's new hub will provide space for study and socialising, while the University of Gloucestershire's hydra suite will simulate real-world professional scenarios in policing and health and social care.

The University of Gloucestershire was one of nine education institutions in the south west of England to receive funding from the DfE.

Dr Matthew Andrews, chief operating officer at the university, said real world environments, including clinical, forensic, custodial, and outdoor settings, will be emulated in the FutureSim suite at the Oxstalls Campus in Gloucester.

"Students will benefit from that, they will be able to take that learning to be job-ready when they go into their future careers," Dr Andrews said.

Meanwhile, Hartpury University's 3,151 sq m (33,917 sq ft) learning hub will be open to students 24/7.

On the first floor, there will be a quiet study space with library access, a university spokesperson said.

Hartpury University said the hub will "bring our most important higher education student services together in one place".