Scientists at Oxford University hope to learn more about the universe, following a £338,000 gift from a former student.

Adrian Beecroft, a former physics student at Oxford, gave money to set up a centre to research the universe.

The Beecroft Institute of Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, will provide space for 14 post-doctoral students and other researchers within the Denys Wilkinson Building, which is part of the physics departmental library, in Banbury Road.

The institute, under the directorship of Professor Joseph Silk, is due to open next October.

Research at the institute will add to international understanding of the formation of large-scale structures in the universe, including galaxies, galaxy evolution, the Milky Way and black holes.

Mr Beecroft, a venture capitalist who lives in London, is a director of the Apax Partners equity investment firm.

He said: "I owe a great debt to Oxford, not just because of my time there, but also because many of the successful start-up businesses that Apax has funded have involved scientists trained at Oxford.

Professor Silk said: "This gift will provide an opportunity for Oxford to host the new generation of researchers who are exploring the frontiers of the universe."

"These are exciting times and we are now especially well-placed to have a major impact on cosmology."

"When I started talking to the physics department, I was delighted there was a project in the area of physics that most interests me and that would be unlikely to attract investment from business.

"I have great faith that under Prof Silk the institute will make a real contribution to our understanding of the universe and am proud to be associated with it."