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, with employability in mind.

Within Chester, the university has five different learning sites, along with university centres in Warrington and Birkenhead, and is proud to welcome communities from all over the world, providing postgraduate provision to selected partners around the globe.

The university’s postgraduate students are part of a stimulating research culture, where they can interact with internationally recognised research.

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 the university has been voted number one nationally for postgraduate study (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024).

University of Chester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Chester University has a great learning environment and natural scenery. The teachers are very friendly and patient. I am very happy to study here.”

“Very nice location with good transport links to Manchester and Liverpool. Very friendly and helpful staff”

“It seems to be a lot more diverse with a lot of cultures being integrated and the fees seems to be much more affordable”

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 few things that the university 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.

This does still include a range of full-time courses for those students who are in the position to fully focus on their studies, and who wish to complete their qualification in the quickest possible time.

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. Students are advised to explore all of the options available to them, to find the one that best fits their lifestyle requirements.

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.

University of Chester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Staff and students alike are approachable, creating a welcoming environment for learning and personal growth.”

“The content is amazing and relatable and up to date with the regulations”

“One of the best questions in my head before coming here was the quality of the education I was going to get but university of Chester proved themselves to be highly professional in what they do. The construction of the modules, lectures’ approach, facilities are all designed so that students can enjoy their experience.”

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, and students can find details of the individual course requirements for their chosen programme 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. This can vary, but students should check the guidance on the course page to understand what is likely required and what qualifies as a relevant area for undergraduate study.

For applicants that do not meet this requirement, admission is still possible if they can demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge in their subject, particularly for students who are returning to education following relevant experience working in their chosen field. To find out more, students can contact the relevant course leader or the admissions team.

Regardless of whether students are looking to further their interests in their chosen field or develop their career options, 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’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. Paid work designed to fit around the schedules of students 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. This support doesn’t end when students complete their degree, but is lifelong for University of Chester graduates.

Students can also get help with setting up their own businesses or seek general advice on freelance work and self-employment via the university’s unique Venture Programme options.

Student union

The Chester Students’ Union (CSU) represents the student body at the University of Chester.

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

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.

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

City life

Steeped in history, the vibrant city of Chester is a beautiful and welcoming location that offers everything students would expect from a modern-day city.

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, it’s home to a range of live music festivals and events.

Birkenhead, situated on the Wirral Peninsula, boasts over 150 high street shops in the centrally located Pyramid Shopping Centre, as well as your choice of cafes, bars and restaurants, plus Birkenhead Market.

University of Chester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“love the city and safety of it.”

“I love the location. Faculty is amazing and helpful. Great place to study”

“Great sense of community, everyone is very friendly.”

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.

Students are encouraged to contact the accommodation team to discuss university-owned and partnership 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, an all-weather sprint track, grass pitches, and more.

University of Chester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“They make studying easy. We’ve got a well-equipped library and approachable teachers who are always ready to help”

“Best university for sports medicine good facilities and experienced staff make my course more comfortable”

“Great overall”

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.

University of Chester students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Stunning uni and supportive staff!!”

“The best experiences is the cordial relationship of students to teachers. Everyone is willing to help you with any challenge you might be facing. Delivering great value!”

“Amazing welcoming to the uni by the staff and the international students team”

Postgraduate students can access a 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.

For students who are concerned about paying their tuition fees and covering living costs, grants may be available through the university’s financial assistance fund.

Postgraduate loans may be available to fund students’ courses, and discounts on tuition fees are available to  University of Chester alumni.

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 full time or part time, after which students can be awarded qualifications including master’s (MA, MSc), postgraduate certificate (PGCert), postgraduate diploma (PGDip), or PGCE. The university also provides some department specific master’s degrees, such as Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Public Health (MPH).

Research

The University of Chester fosters a rich environment for research and innovation which aims to have a positive impact on society, involving local, regional and international partners along with staff and students. Postgraduate students will be able to access the university’s multi-disciplinary research and knowledge exchange institutes in culture and society, health and wellbeing, and sustainability and 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).

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.

Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS) is a highly flexible distance learning option for students to receive academic recognition for the skills and knowledge developed through real workplace learning.