University of Chester

About University of Chester

The University of Chester is one of the UK’s oldest higher education providers, established in 1839 as a teacher training college. Originally based on a single campus in Chester, today, the university offers more than 200 single and combined honour’s programmes across several specialist sites.

Over the years, the University of Chester has built a vibrant, diverse, and supportive student community, with around 14,000 students from 125 countries worldwide.

In both the 2024 and 2025 WhatUni Student Choice Awards, the University of Chester ranked first in the UK for international study and for postgraduate study. These awards are based solely on student feedback. Additionally, in December 2024, the university celebrated winning Business School of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards.

The University of Chester places an emphasis on hands-on, practical learning across all its programmes, building and fostering valuable transferable skills in learners, and enhancing students’ career prospects through industry placements and study abroad opportunities.

Through courses and extra-curricular programmes, learners are provided with a range of opportunities and connections to ensure they gain the experience, skills and knowledge needed to succeed during their time at university and after graduation. Financial support is also available at all levels of study, including a generous programme of international and merit-based scholarships.

The city of Chester blends modern standards of living with a vibrant cultural history. One of eight world-famous British Heritage cities, Chester welcomes over eight million tourists each year. Boasting the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, the most complete city walls, and a 1,000-year-old cathedral, it is packed full of ‘must-see' beauty and heritage attractions.

Chester is well connected to the rest of the UK, with Liverpool and Manchester less than an hour away, and London only two hours by train.

Graduate outcomes

All the University of Chester’s courses focus on practical learning, boosting employability through industry placements and overseas opportunities lasting from five weeks to one year.

Undergraduate

Most undergraduate degrees include a five-week work placement in the second year, in the UK or abroad, while many business students can opt for a four-year programme with a 12-month placement.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate students can choose opt to study on a two-year master’s degree programme with a professional placement or project, offering valuable experience, industry connections, and career-ready skills.

Careers service

The University of Chester offers its students extensive support through its careers and employability service. Graduates can access most of these services for up to two years after graduation. Students benefit from a full range of services, including:

• One-to-one career planning sessions
• Help with CV writing
• Assistance with job applications
• Interview practice
• Careers workshops
• Employer masterclasses, delivered by employers
• Access to CareersHub, a platform designed to assist students in their search for employment and find competitive roles in their chosen field

The university’s Chester Difference Award (CDA) provides students who have chosen to participate in extra-curricular activities alongside their studies with additional employability prospects. 

What's new

WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025

In 2025, the University of Chester was ranked first in the UK for both international and postgraduate students at the WhatUni Student Choice Awards. Building on its success from the previous year, these latest accolades mark two consecutive years of top rankings, reinforcing the university’s reputation for delivering an exceptional student experience.

International Student Barometer Survey 2025

The International Student Barometer (ISB) is the world’s largest survey of international students, conducted annually by Etio. In 2025, the University of Chester achieved an overall satisfaction rate of 93% (ISB Wave 2, 2025). This score reflects student feedback across key areas of the student journey, including arrival, learning, living, and support. Other key highlights include:

• 98% feel safe and secure on campus  
• 97% are satisfied with learning spaces  
• 96% are satisfied with lecturers’ subject expertise  
• 95% are satisfied with their arrival experience  
• 94% are satisfied with their living experience  
• 94% are satisfied with support services  

Most Welcoming City 2025

In 2025, the beautiful and historic city of Chester was also named the UK’s ‘most welcoming city’ in the Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, and placed 10th worldwide.  A spokesperson at Booking.com said: “In the northwest of England, lies the historic gem of Chester which offers a captivating blend of Roman, medieval, and Tudor architecture. Known for its friendly locals and vibrant community spirit, Chester exudes a warm, inviting charm that leaves visitors feeling truly at home."