University of Chester

From a teaching college established in 1839, to becoming the University of Chester in 2005, over 180 years of academic growth has allowed the University to offer an extensive selection of postgraduate courses and research options across a number of specialist sites. This includes five sites in and around Chester, a campus in Warrington, a University Centre in Shrewsbury, and a new health and nursing education facility, Marriss House, in Birkenhead.

Through the work of academic staff, students and collaborators, the University has been identified as having world-leading research in 14 areas of the University’s research activity (Research Excellence Framework, 2014), and was voted in the top 10 nationally for Postgraduate Research (Postgraduate Research Experience 2018).

The University is proud to welcome communities from all over the world, and also provides postgraduate provision to selected partners around the world.

The University’s Careers and Employability service are 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 have established links with local and national employers, as well as professional bodies, and help to organise fairs, workshops, talks and events, including Enhance Your Employability (E.Y.E.) Training and 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 interview practice.

For students that 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 whilst at the University, such as voluntary work and fundraising.

Postgraduate study may be something you are considering alongside 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 have 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.

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 you feel supported.

As a WhatUni Top 10 ranked Students' Union (2019 WhatUni Student Choice Awards), the CSU provides a range of services and activities that allows you to shape your University experience in a way that works for you.

The CSU is also where you can join in with over 130 different Sports and Societies being run at the University; whether that’s to enhance your existing skills or learn something new, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

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, providing a register of private sector flats, houses and registered lodgings.

Students are encouraged to either contact the Residential Living Office in Chester or Warrington to discuss University-owned accommodation availability.

The University of Chester has an extensive selection of academic and social facilities across its multiple learning sites, designed to support your 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.

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

When it comes to nights out, there’s something for everyone in Chester! From nightclubs, cocktail bars, live music and art venues, to cosy pubs, and in 2018, Chester was awarded the coveted ‘Purple Flag’ status in recognition 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 new festivals such as Neighbourhood Weekender. Warrington is also home to the Rugby League team Warrington Wolves R.L.F.C. – whose training base is at the University’s Warrington Campus!

The beautiful medieval town of Shrewsbury is alive with a thriving independent scene. Students can enjoy an engaging arts scene, festivals, or exploring one of the many eateries and bars dotted around Shrewsbury.

If you’re hoping to meet new people, improve your skills or pursue your passions outside the classroom, there are over 130 Sports and Societies for you to join in with at the University of Chester.

Passionate about sport? All of the first teams compete in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues. Our Societies provide you with a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, and if you don’t feel there is an existing sport or society to match your hobby, you can set one up!

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

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

The University’s dedicated Student Futures Support and Development team are on hand to offer information, advice and guidance to all students on every aspect of their life whilst at 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 Futures Support and Development team, the University also provides careers and employability advice, academic support, out-of-hours support, as well as support from the University’s Chaplaincy and the Chester Students’ Union.

In 2019, the University of Chester was 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 campuses.

As the fees per year, for both Home/EU students and international students, vary depending on your programme of study and duration, it is advised to visit the University’s website for the most up-to-date fees information.

If you are a graduate of the University of Chester, you may be eligible for a discount in tuition fees as a returning student through the University’s Graduate Loyalty Discount. Terms and conditions apply.

Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction in tuition fees – and prospective students are automatically considered for these when submitting an application. Any awards will be given on your offer letter.

If you are concerned about payment of fees and living costs, the Financial Assistance Fund may be able to help you with a grant, such as Turn 2 Us. Postgraduate loans may be available to fund your course, and if you are a graduate of the University of Chester, you 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 you may have because of your disability. The allowance provided does not have to be repaid.

If you have children or adult dependants, you may be eligible to apply for a Childcare Grant or an Adult Dependant Grant.

Whether you’re looking to further your interests or further your career, the University of Chester offers a range of postgraduate courses to meet your professional and academic needs. Whether you 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 for you to choose from.

The University has been identified as having world-leading research in 14 areas of the University’s research activity (Research Excellence Framework, 2014), and the University is in the top 10 nationally for Postgraduate Research (Postgraduate Research Experience 2018).

Entry requirements vary depending on what course you study – and you can find out more about an individual programme on the University of Chester’s website – but usually, prospective postgraduates will need an undergraduate degree of second-class honours or above.

For applicants that do not meet this requirement, they could still be admitted 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.

The University of Chester fosters a rich environment for research and innovation, which brings local, regional and international recognition for staff and students and has a positive impact on society.

Through the work of academic staff, students and collaborators, the University has been identified as having world-leading research in 14 areas of the University’s research activity (Research Excellence Framework, 2014), and was voted in the top 10 nationally for Postgraduate Research (Postgraduate Research Experience 2018).

The University has twenty Research Areas that current postgraduate students are based in (but not restricted to), four Research Centres, and four Specialist Groups and Units.

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.

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: a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), or Master’s (MA, MSc). The University also provides some department specific Master’s degrees, such as Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (MEd), Master of Law (LLM) and Master of Public Health (MPH).

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

The University’s Centre for Work Related Studies (CWRS) enables professionals to study part-time fusing high-relevance professional development with a rigorous and distinctive university qualification to 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 you.

The University of Chester’s unique and flexible system for devising bespoke qualifications for diverse work environments was listed in 2018, as one of the UK’s 100 best breakthroughs for its significant impact on people’s everyday lives.

Postgraduate study can bring a number of benefits. Whether you are looking to specialise in a subject, advance your career or pursue a lifelong interest, the University of Chester seeks to help you achieve your 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 your options
• Speak to Your Employer - they may be able to offer financial support or allocated time for your studies
• Attend an Open Day
• Find out what support is available for students