University of Chester

The University of Chester is a 21^st century university which traces its roots back to 1839, placing it among the oldest higher education institutions in England. With a modern outlook, a strong research pedigree and guiding principles of supportiveness and inclusiveness, it’s an academic community that has stood the test of time. Today, it attracts thousands of students from around the world and is known for its commitment to helping students achieve their full potential.

The University has four sites in Chester, as well as University Centres in Shrewsbury, Warrington and Birkenhead.

Through the work of its academic staff and collaborators, the University has been assessed as having more than half of its submitted research as world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), and was voted in the top ten nationally for postgraduate study (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022).

The University is proud to welcome communities from all over the world, providing postgraduate provision to selected partners around the globe.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate study can bring a number of benefits. Whether students are looking to specialise in a subject, advance their career or pursue a lifelong interest, the University of Chester seeks to help students achieve their personal and professional goals.

The University’s flexible and professional courses are tailored towards the needs of students. When it comes to preparing for postgraduate study, there are a couple of things the University of Chester advises prospective students to do:

• Research relevant options
• Speak to employers – they may be able to offer financial support or allocated time for students’ studies
• Attend an Open Day
• Find out what support is available for students

Postgraduate study may be something students are considering alongside their work, family or other commitments, which is why the University of Chester provides flexible and professional courses tailored towards students’ needs. In addition to flexible study options for taught postgraduate and research degrees, the University also has Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS), Continuing Professional Development (CPD), Accreditation for Prior Learning (APCL/APEL) and single module study options.

Lecturers are committed to providing students with a stimulating and well-supported, academically inspiring learning community. Research-led teaching and in-depth subject expertise within faculties encourages students to develop their knowledge base within a specialist area through lectures, seminars, projects and group work.

Students will need to meet the entry requirements of their chosen course before they can receive an offer of study. These admissions criteria vary depending on what course is being studied. Students can find details of individual course requirements on the University’s website.

Typically, postgraduate applicants will need to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant area, at second-class honours level or above.

For applicants that do not meet this requirement, admission is still possible if they can demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge in their subject. To find out more, please contact the relevant Course Leader or the Admissions Team.

Whether students are looking to further their interests or develop their career, the University of Chester offers a range of postgraduate courses to meet a diverse range of professional and academic needs. Whether students are interested in a master’s degree, Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Master’s by Research, Research Degree or a Professional Doctorate – there is an extensive selection of qualifications to choose from.

The University has been assessed as having more than half of its submitted research as world leading or internationally excellent in nineteen subject areas spread across the University (Research Excellence Framework, 2021). The University was also voted in the top 10 nationally for postgraduate study (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022).

The University’s Careers and Employability service is committed to providing opportunities for personal development and support, with the aim to help graduates with their personal goals and aspirations.

Chester’s Careers and Employability team has established links with local and national employers as well as professional bodies, and help to organise fairs, workshops, talks and events, including its unique Venture Programmes. Paid work may also be available on campus with UniJob, the University’s friendly recruitment service.

Alongside advice and guidance services, students can benefit from meeting with career consultants, accessing careers skills training and career planning, CV assessments, employability training sessions and mock interviews.

For students who want to go the extra mile, The Chester Difference Award (CDA) is a great way to stand out from the crowd and is awarded for extracurricular activities undertaken while at the University, such as voluntary work and fundraising.

Student union

The Chester Students’ Union (CSU) represents the student body at the University of Chester, working hard to ensure the student voice is heard and that all learners feel equally supported.

The CSU provides a range of services and activities that allows students to shape their university experience in a way that works for them.

The CSU is also where students can join in with a wide range of societies being run at the University; whether it’s to enhance existing skills or learn something new, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Clubs and societies

If students are hoping to meet new people, improve their skills or pursue their passions outside the classroom, there is plenty of choice when it comes to societies and sports teams they can join at the University of Chester.

If students want to get involved in playing sport, the University’s Athletics’ Union offers a wide range of opportunities with everything from football and badminton to snow sports and ultimate frisbee. Chester’s societies provide students with a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, and if a student feels there isn’t an existing sport or society to match their hobby, they can set one up!

From team sports and the arts to LGBTQ+ and politics, there’s a sport or society to suit everyone’s interests.

City life

Steeped in history, the vibrant city of Chester is a beautiful and welcoming city that offers everything students would expect from a modern-day city, balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene. Students can enjoy visiting the award-winning Chester Zoo, as well as picturesque walks along the River Dee and the striking Chester Cathedral – where the University holds its graduation ceremonies.

When it comes to nights out, there’s something for everyone in Chester, from nightclubs, cocktail bars and live music to art venues and cosy pubs. Plus, Chester has been awarded the coveted ‘Purple Flag’ status in recognition of the safety and inclusiveness of its night time economy.

Warrington is a vibrant town, home to arts, culture, shopping and sport. Throughout the year, Warrington is home to a range of live music festivals and events, such as the award-winning dance event Creamfields Festival as well as the Neighbourhood Weekender festival. It’s also the perfect location for sports fans as the home to Warrington Wolves, one of the best teams in Rugby League.

The beautiful medieval town of Shrewsbury is alive with a mix of known favourites and independent local businesses. Students can enjoy an engaging arts scene, festivals, or exploring one of the many unique cafes, restaurants or bars dotted around the town.

Accommodation

The University of Chester currently has limited accommodation availability for postgraduate or PGCE students, but has an excellent relationship with private sector and partnership accommodation in and around the city of Chester. As a result, students can access a register of private sector flats, houses and registered lodgings.

At Shrewsbury the University has limited accommodation available within the town centre, just a short five minute walk from the University Centre.

Students are encouraged to contact the accommodation team to discuss University-owned accommodation availability.

Facilities

The University of Chester has an extensive selection of academic and social facilities across its multiple learning sites, designed to support students’ learning and extracurricular activities. These may be course specific facilities, social spaces, catering outlets or even sports and leisure facilities.

Modern IT and library services are available across learning sites, with additional features such as bookable study spaces and learning pods, laptop loans, late opening times and 24-hour access computer labs available at some of the University’s larger libraries.

The University’s extensive range of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities are available for both competitive and recreational sports, and include a fitness suite, gymnasium, sports hall, 25m swimming pool, 3G Pitch for multiuse, hockey-specific AstroTurf pitch, squash courts, outdoor tennis courts, an all-weather sprint track, and grass pitches.

More information about each learning site, as well as information on specific facilities, can be found on the University’s website.

Each student is a valued member of the University, so every effort is made to offer the right support depending on their needs.

The University’s dedicated Student Support and Wellbeing Team are on hand to offer information, advice and guidance to all students on every aspect of their life whilst at the University. Whether this is for personal matters such as wellbeing and mental health, student support, counselling, or disability/mature student support, Chester’s dedicated staff are happy to help.

In addition to the Student Support and Wellbeing Team, the University also provides careers and employability advice, academic support and out-of-hours support, as well as support from the University’s Chaplaincy and the Chester Students’ Union.

The University of Chester has been awarded the Navajo Merseyside and Cheshire LGBTIQA Charter Mark - one of only two higher education institutions in the North West to have been awarded a charter mark to recognise its dedication to supporting LGBT+ colleagues and students across all sites.

Postgraduate students can access a generous range of merit-based and needs-based scholarships and bursaries, providing significant reductions to tuitions fees or funding for living costs to a range of students. Students will be automatically considered for many of these funding opportunities when they apply, and funding is awarded in parallel with offer letters.

For students who are concerned about paying their tuition fees and covering living costs, grants may be available through the Financial Assistance Fund.

Postgraduate loans may be available to fund students’ courses, and if they are a graduate of the University of Chester, they could be entitled to a discount in tuition fees as a returning student. Terms and conditions apply.

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) may also be available to help pay any extra costs students may have as a result of their disability. The allowance provided does not have to be repaid.

For students with children or adult dependants, a Childcare Grant or an Adult Dependant Grant may be available.

Taught

At Chester, the majority of taught postgraduate courses can be studied either full time or part time, after which students can be awarded qualifications including Master’s (MA, MSc), Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). The University also provides some department specific master’s degrees, such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Public Health (MPH).

Depending on which course students choose, taught courses may also be accompanied by a written dissertation.

Research

The University of Chester fosters a rich environment for research and innovation, which involves local, regional and international partners with its staff and students to have a positive impact on society. Postgraduate students will be able to access the University’s multi-disciplinary Research & Knowledge Exchange Institutes in Culture & Society, Health & Wellbeing, and Sustainability & Environment.

Through the work of academic staff and collaborators, the University was assessed as having more than half of its submitted research being judged as world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework, 2021). The University has nineteen research areas where current postgraduate students are principally, but not exclusively, based for the majority of their studies.

Through helping to identify, address and improve issues within their specialist fields, staff and students are passionately exploring and researching topics across an extensive selection of industries.

Distance learning

The University’s Centre for Professional and Economic Development (CPED) enables professionals to study part time and deliver high-value workplace or occupational impact.

Highly flexible, Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS) is a distance learning option for students to receive academic recognition for the skills and knowledge developed through real workplace learning, in areas that are important to them.