University of Chichester
Chichester, United Kingdom
University of Chichester
Chichester, United Kingdom
Founded
1839
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
~5,500
TEF Rating
Gold (2023)
Discover the University of Chichester: History & Overview
Discover the University of Chichester: History & Overview
The University of Chichester is a public university located on England's sunny south coast, with origins dating back to 1839 when Bishop William Otter established a training college for schoolmasters. Over nearly two centuries, the institution evolved through several name changes before receiving full university status from the Privy Council in October 2005.
Today, the university operates across two campuses — the Bishop Otter Campus in the historic city of Chichester and the Bognor Regis Campus near the coast — offering over 120 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across more than 20 subject areas. It has earned a Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and is ranked 28th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2026.
Known for its close-knit, supportive community and small class sizes, the University of Chichester is particularly strong in performing arts, education, sport, music, and creative writing. In the 2025 National Student Survey, the university was ranked 6th in England for teaching quality, reflecting its commitment to personalised, student-centred learning.
Key Milestones
- 1839: Bishop Otter College founded by William Otter, Bishop of Chichester, as a training college for schoolmasters.
- 1977: Bishop Otter College and Bognor Regis College of Education merged to form the West Sussex Institute of Higher Education.
- 2005: Privy Council approved the title University of Chichester, granting full university status.
- 2018: The GBP 35 million Tech Park opened by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, housing Creative Industries and STEM departments.
Academic Structure & Departments
Academic Structure & Departments
The University of Chichester is organised into 14 academic departments spanning the arts, humanities, sciences, sport, and professional disciplines. Programmes are delivered across both the Chichester and Bognor Regis campuses, with many courses incorporating real-world placements and industry collaborations.
Institute of Education
One of the university's founding strengths, the Institute of Education offers Ofsted-rated outstanding teacher training programmes alongside childhood and youth studies.
- BA (Hons) Primary Teaching
- PGCE Secondary Education
- MA Education
Institute of Sport
The Institute of Sport provides cutting-edge programmes in sport science, coaching, and physical education, supported by specialist sports facilities including a sports dome.
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
- BSc (Hons) Sports Coaching
- MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology
Department of Music & Performing Arts
Renowned for musical theatre and performing arts, this department offers one of the largest and most diverse music programmes in the country, with performance opportunities at venues like Chichester Festival Theatre.
- BA (Hons) Musical Theatre
- BMus (Hons) Music Performance
- BA (Hons) Dance
Business & Law
The Business and Law department equips students with industry-relevant skills in management, entrepreneurship, marketing, and legal studies, preparing graduates for the global marketplace.
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- LLB (Hons) Law
- MBA Master of Business Administration
Engineering, Computing & Mathematics
Based in the state-of-the-art Tech Park at the Bognor Regis campus, this department delivers IET-accredited engineering programmes and innovative computing courses.
- BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science
- BSc (Hons) Mathematics
Nursing & Allied Health
Opened in a purpose-built teaching facility in 2021, this department provides nursing and health-related programmes designed to address regional healthcare needs.
- BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Application RouteApply through UCAS (institution code C58)
- Academic QualificationsA-Levels, IB (26-28 points), or international equivalent
- IELTS RequirementMinimum overall score of 6.0
- TOEFL RequirementMinimum score of 79
- Additional DocumentsPersonal statement, academic references, transcripts
Postgraduate Admission
- Application RouteApply directly through the university website
- Academic QualificationsBachelor's degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- IELTS RequirementMinimum overall score of 6.0-6.5 (varies by programme)
- TOEFL RequirementMinimum score of 87-89 (varies by programme)
- Additional DocumentsStatement of purpose, two academic references, CV/resume, transcripts
Standard deadline for most undergraduate programmes via UCAS for September entry.
Extended deadline for international undergraduate applicants for September intake.
Postgraduate applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but early application is strongly recommended.
Applications for the January intake typically close in September of the preceding year.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees at the University of Chichester vary depending on your programme and residency status. Below are approximate annual fees for the current academic year. Contact the university for the most up-to-date fee information.
| Fee Category | UK Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | GBP 9,250/year | GBP 13,000 - 16,000/year |
| Postgraduate Taught | GBP 7,500 - 9,250/year | GBP 14,000 - 16,500/year |
| Accommodation (approx.) | GBP 4,800 - 7,500/year | GBP 4,800 - 7,500/year |
| Living Expenses (approx.) | GBP 9,600 - 10,350/year | GBP 9,600 - 10,350/year |
| Total | GBP 22,000 - 34,000 approx. | GBP 32,000 - 50,000 approx. |
International Students Scholarship
A partial scholarship awarded to international students based on academic merit, designed to help reduce tuition fee costs for both undergraduate and postgraduate study.
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students with strong academic records
- Award Type: Tuition fee reduction
- How to Apply: Contact the university's international office for details
Chichester Global Scholarship
Awarded to international undergraduate and postgraduate students to reduce tuition fees, supporting talented students from around the world in accessing a Chichester education.
- Eligibility: International undergraduate and postgraduate applicants
- Award Type: Partial tuition fee discount
- Additional Benefits: Alumni discount available for continuing postgraduate study
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
The University of Chichester operates across two distinctive campuses, each offering a blend of historic architecture and modern facilities. Since 2016, the university has invested over GBP 42 million in estates, facilities, and equipment across both sites.
Located in the heart of Chichester, this campus features historic buildings, a modern academic block, sports dome, and a three-floor library and learning resources centre.
Set in a leafy environment just five minutes from the sea, this campus includes three Georgian mansion houses and the GBP 35 million Tech Park for STEM and creative industries.
Opened in 2018, the state-of-the-art Tech Park houses the Creative Industries and Engineering, Computing and Mathematics departments with cutting-edge facilities.
Housing & Dining
Accommodation Options
The university offers on-campus halls of residence at both the Bishop Otter and Bognor Regis campuses, with en-suite and standard room options available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- En-suite and standard rooms with shared facilities
- Self-catered and catered options available
- Support for finding private rental accommodation nearby
Campus Amenities
Both campuses provide comprehensive facilities including cafes, gyms, health clinics, and student support services to ensure a comfortable and productive student experience.
- Libraries with extensive digital and print resources
- Sports halls, gym, and multi-purpose sports dome
- Free inter-campus bus service (route 707)
Student Life at the University of Chichester
Student Life at the University of Chichester
Life at the University of Chichester extends well beyond the classroom. With a vibrant Students' Union, a wide range of clubs and societies, and a strong sense of community, students enjoy a rich and fulfilling campus experience on the south coast of England.
Chichester: A Historic City by the Sea
Chichester: A Historic City by the Sea
Living in Chichester
Chichester is a flourishing cathedral city in West Sussex, just over an hour from London by train. Named the Best Place to Live in the South East by the Sunday Times, it offers a perfect blend of history, culture, independent shops, and proximity to award-winning beaches and the South Downs National Park.
Coastal Living
The award-winning West Wittering beach is nearby, and the Bognor Regis campus is just metres from the seafront, offering a unique coastal student lifestyle.
South Downs National Park
The rolling hills of the South Downs surround the city, providing stunning walking, cycling, and outdoor recreation opportunities on your doorstep.
Arts & Culture
Chichester is home to the renowned Chichester Festival Theatre, Pallant House Gallery, and The Novium Museum, offering a rich cultural scene for students.
Transport Links
Regular train services connect Chichester to London Victoria and London Bridge in around 90 minutes, with easy access to Gatwick Airport and the wider south coast.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Where Chichester Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The university provides guidance on Student Route visa applications, including issuing CAS letters. International applicants should pay a 50% tuition deposit to receive their CAS for visa processing.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for your course, British Council-accredited pre-sessional programmes are available to help you reach the required level before your studies begin.
A dedicated Welcome Week includes orientation sessions, campus tours, social events, and practical information on healthcare, banking, and settling into life in the UK.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Chichester: Rankings & Recognition
University of Chichester: Rankings & Recognition
The University of Chichester has earned strong recognition in UK league tables for teaching quality and student satisfaction. It received a Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework and has been named University of the Year for Teaching Excellence by the Daily Mail.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing | Guardian University Guide | #2 in the UK |
| Media & Film Studies | Guardian University Guide | #4 in the UK |
| Performing Arts | National Student Survey | #2 in the UK |
| Adult Nursing (Teaching) | National Student Survey | #1 in the UK |
Features
The University is known for its outstanding student experience and was rated the 21st-best university in the UK by the Guardian University Guide. Its students are among the happiest in the UK, according to the National Student Survey, which placed it among the UK’s top 25 for high student satisfaction. Employability is high on its agenda, with nearly 93 per cent of its students finding employment or undertaking further education just six months after graduating. REF 2021 classified 86 per cent of the University of Chichester's outputs as internationally renowned and a further 12 per cent as world-leading.\n
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 - January
Location
University of Chichester, College Ln, Chichester PO19 6PE, United Kingdom
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