University of Chester
Chester, United Kingdom
University of Chester
Chester, United Kingdom
Founded
1839
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
14,000+
International Students
130+ Countries
University of Chester: Overview & History
University of Chester: Overview & History
The University of Chester is one of the oldest higher education institutions in England, predated only by Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, and London. Founded in 1839 as Chester Diocesan Training College by prominent figures including future Prime Ministers William Gladstone and the 14th Earl of Derby, it was the UK's first purpose-built teacher training college.
The university gained full university status in 2005 and was granted the right to award its own research degrees in 2007. Today it offers more than 200 single and combined honours programmes across multiple specialist campus sites in and around Chester, with additional facilities in Warrington and Birkenhead.
The University of Chester holds a Silver Award in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework and is a member of AACSB, the Cathedrals Group, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, and Universities UK. More than half of its submitted research has been assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
Key Milestones
- 1839: Founded as Chester Diocesan Training College, the UK's first purpose-built teacher training college.
- 1921: Became an affiliated college of the University of Liverpool for degree validation.
- 2005: Awarded full university status and renamed the University of Chester.
- 2007: Granted the right to award its own research degrees by HM Privy Council.
Academic Structure & Faculties
Academic Structure & Faculties
The University of Chester is organised into three faculties that foster collaboration and interdisciplinary teaching and research. Each faculty encompasses multiple schools and divisions covering a wide range of academic disciplines, from arts and humanities to health sciences and business.
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
This faculty covers a broad spectrum of creative, cultural, and social disciplines. It includes programmes in English, history, languages, performing arts, media, social sciences, and education.
- BA (Hons) English
- BA (Hons) History
- BA (Hons) Performing Arts
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society
This faculty delivers programmes in nursing, midwifery, public health, social work, psychology, and graduate entry medicine. It is home to one of the UK's newest medical schools offering a GMC-accredited MBChB programme.
- MBChB Graduate Entry Medicine
- BSc (Hons) Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise
This faculty brings together the Chester Business School, science, engineering, computer science, and mathematics departments. It offers programmes with strong industry links and practical learning opportunities.
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science
- MBA Master of Business Administration
- BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
Chester Business School
Named Business School of the Year at the 2024 Times Higher Education Awards, Chester Business School is based at the historic Queen's Park campus. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in accounting, finance, management, and marketing.
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
- MSc International Business
School of Education
Rooted in the university's heritage as the UK's first teacher training college, the School of Education offers initial teacher training, education studies, and early childhood programmes. It continues to be a leading provider of teacher education in the North West.
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
- PGCE Primary Education
School of Law and Social Justice
Based at the Wheeler campus, this school offers programmes in law, criminology, and social justice. Students benefit from practical learning opportunities including mooting, legal clinics, and professional placements.
- LLB (Hons) Law
- BA (Hons) Criminology
- LLM Master of Laws
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- QualificationsA-levels, IB Diploma, BTEC, or equivalent international qualifications
- IELTS (English)Overall 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each sub-skill
- Application MethodApply via UCAS
- Personal StatementRequired as part of UCAS application
- Additional RequirementsSome courses require DBS checks or Occupational Health clearance
Postgraduate Admission
- Degree RequirementA first degree with minimum 2:2 honours or international equivalent
- IELTS (English)Overall 6.5 with minimum 5.5 in each sub-skill
- Application MethodApply directly via the university's online portal
- ReferencesAcademic or professional references typically required
- Work ExperienceRequired for MBA and some professional programmes
Undergraduate applications submitted by this date receive equal consideration from the university.
Final deadline for undergraduate applications through UCAS for most courses.
Recommended deadline for international undergraduate and postgraduate applications for autumn intake.
Postgraduate taught courses accept applications on a rolling basis until places are filled.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
The University of Chester is one of the more affordable options in the UK for international students. Generous international and merit-based scholarships are automatically applied when you submit your application, providing significant reductions to published tuition fees.
| Fee Category | UK/IE Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (per year) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 14,450 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | Contact university | GBP 15,000 |
| MBA | Contact university | GBP 15,200 |
| Graduate Entry Medicine (per year) | Contact university | GBP 44,000 |
| Total | Varies by programme | GBP 14,450 - GBP 44,000 |
International Scholarship Award
All undergraduate and postgraduate taught international students are automatically considered for this scholarship, which provides a significant reduction on published tuition fees applicable to each year of study.
- Eligibility: All self-funded international UG and PGT students
- Value: Up to GBP 5,000 reduction per year
- Application: Automatic consideration upon application submission
International Merit Alumni Scholarship
Current international undergraduate students at Chester who progress to a postgraduate programme at the university are eligible for this additional scholarship, rewarding academic achievement and loyalty.
- Eligibility: Chester international UG graduates progressing to PG study
- Value: Additional tuition fee discount
- Application: Automatic upon progression to postgraduate study
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
The University of Chester operates across five specialist campus sites in Chester, plus additional centres in Warrington and Birkenhead. Each site offers purpose-built facilities tailored to specific academic disciplines, all within walking distance of Chester's historic city centre.
The historic 32-acre main campus on Parkgate Road featuring a blend of Victorian and modern architecture, the Seaborne Library, Students' Union, and extensive sports facilities.
Home to the award-winning Chester Business School, housed in beautifully refurbished historic buildings that once served as the headquarters of Western Command during World War II.
The dedicated arts and media campus housing exceptional facilities for art, design, music, and performance-based programmes including studios and exhibition spaces.
Housing & Dining
Accommodation
The university offers a range of on-campus and nearby accommodation options including en-suite halls and shared houses. First-year and international students are given priority for university-managed housing.
- En-suite halls of residence on campus
- Catered and self-catering options available
- Residential Life Team support for all residents
Dining & Recreation
Multiple catering outlets are available across campus sites offering a variety of meal options. The Exton Park campus features extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities for student use.
- Swimming pool, gym, and fitness centre
- 3G pitch, hockey astro-turf, and tennis courts
- Multiple cafes, restaurants, and student bars
Student Life at Chester
Student Life at Chester
Student life at the University of Chester is vibrant and inclusive, supported by the Chester Students' Union (CSU) which represents the student body and organises a wide range of activities. The university was ranked 1st for Student Support in the 2024 WhatUni Student Choice Awards.
Chester: A Historic City with Modern Living
Chester: A Historic City with Modern Living
Life in Chester
Chester is one of eight world-famous British Heritage cities, combining 2,000 years of history with modern standards of living. The city is home to the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain, the most complete city walls in England, and a stunning medieval cathedral. With Liverpool and Manchester less than an hour away and London just two hours by train, Chester offers excellent connectivity alongside a safe, welcoming, and affordable student environment.
Rich Roman Heritage
Founded as a Roman fort in 79 AD, Chester features ancient walls, a Roman amphitheatre, and Roman Gardens that showcase its remarkable 2,000-year history.
Affordable Cost of Living
Chester offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to London and other major UK cities, making it an attractive choice for international students on a budget.
Excellent Transport Links
Liverpool and Manchester are under an hour away, London is two hours by train, and Chester is close to the Welsh border offering access to stunning natural scenery.
Vibrant City Culture
Chester boasts a thriving night-time economy with Purple Flag status, independent boutiques, the world-famous Chester Zoo, and Cheshire Oaks, the UK's largest retail outlet.
Career Outcomes & Alumni
Career Outcomes & Alumni
Employment Partners & Notable Employers
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
All international students receive a tailored welcome programme including guidance on UK bank accounts, GP registration, visa requirements, and settling into life in Chester.
Dedicated international student advisors assist with Student Visa applications, CAS letters, and compliance. Students must demonstrate funds covering first-year tuition plus GBP 10,224 for living costs.
A specialist team provides career consultations, CV assessments, mock interviews, employer engagement events, and the Professional Development Module offering four-week industry placements.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Chester: Rankings
University of Chester: Rankings
The University of Chester has demonstrated consistent improvement in UK league tables and holds recognition in several international ranking systems. It has earned particular acclaim for student satisfaction, international student experience, and postgraduate provision.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition and Food Science | CUG / Guardian | #4 in UK |
| Accounting and Finance | The Guardian | Top 10 in UK |
| Tourism and Hospitality | ARWU | #201-300 World |
| Business and Management | THE Awards 2024 | Business School of the Year |
Features
The role of the Sustainability team is to ensure that sustainability is at the heart of decision-making and service delivery at the University of Chester. The University of Chester is committed to taking meaningful action against climate change. This includes incorporating sustainability into its policies, curriculum and campus operations. It means putting sustainability into the heart of decision-making and service delivery at the University of Chester. Working closely with several partners – including our students – Chester strives to make a positive difference on a local and national scale.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - July
Location
Parkgate Rd, Chester CH1 4BJ, United Kingdom
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