Fine Art - BA (Hons)

University of Chester

If you're looking for a smaller city and don't think big city Uni life is for you, then Chester is a great option. Small city centre, not overwhelming, manageable, with beautiful architecture, and still everything you could need, with great train links to places like London etc, the location is great for this aspect. As a Fine Art student, the Arts Campus (Creative Campus Kingsway) is so vibrant and arty, as it houses Art, Music and Drama students. This makes for such a creative, inspiring space to have lectures and practical sessions in. The lecturers are so knowledgeable about their crafts, and the support is there for you at any given time. Because of the smaller class sizes, in comparison to big city universities, you get that personal one-on-one time with the lecturers, and they know you personally within the first few weeks. This makes for great feedback on projects, as they know you, and know what you can achieve. The facilities are great and include a huge range. You are encouraged from day one to make the most of them, in and outside of scheduled lesson time. The Creative campus is a little out of the way from the city and the main campus, which can be a hassle to get to for 9am sessions.

If you're looking for a smaller city to study in then Chester is a really great choice. I found city Universities and their spread-out campuses overwhelming when I went on Open Days, but the small size of Chester and how everything from shops to campuses are all within walking distance were great for me. As an art student the history and Tudor architecture and the Roman Walls are also a massive bonus! In terms of travel, it is right near the border to Wales, a 50 minute train ride away from Liverpool, and an hour+ train from Manchester. It's also right near Crewe, which has direct trains to places like London. It feels like a very friendly city, and and that goes for the University as well. The staff are all very accommodating and ready to help. The main campus, Exton Park is also only a 15 minute walk to the city centre, which is handy. I know there's only so much you can do at university and so much information to take in at once in the first year, but I would have liked to have been told more about the buildings where other courses are held, as there are still parts of the main campus I don't know about. Also the sports facilities feel a bit distant if you aren't a sports student. They do a have a good range of activities and sports sessions you can go to though. The library facilities are great = 24/7 access, vast amounts of journals, books and newspaper archives for you to research both online and physically. The shelves and sections are bit confusing to navigate, but there's usually someone at Reception you can ask for help, and scheduled sessions throughout the year to teach you how it all works. The same goes for the Library's online access. In regards to Creative courses, the great thing I'd say is that your tutors know you personally within the first week. Unlike other institutions, you aren't just a number, and your groups are often small enough that your tutors have time to help you. I would recommend Chester to anyone who is looking for a small, friendly University experience and who lives better in a less crowded environment.

I appreciate the support that this institution has given me and that they saw so much potential in me. It gave me confidence to work harder and keep pushing myself every time towards new accomplishments.

Wouldn’t choose another uni, Chester is perfect for my personal needs. Great lecturers and campuses. Great range of courses to choose from. Made some life long friends along the way

Amazing university! Wouldn’t want to study anywhere else! Amazing lecturers and facilities. Chester is a great city to study, live and socialise in. Very happy with my university experience