Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
Once a teacher training college founded in 1839, the University of Chester has evolved into a modern, forward-thinking university offering a broad range of degree subjects.
The university has a culture of opportunity and self-development, providing an inclusive teaching and learning offer for students of all ages and backgrounds. Its quality courses are taught by academics who go the extra mile, while its specialist sites are home to a range of subject-specific facilities.
The university has five learning sites in Chester, as well as University Centres in Warrington and Birkenhead, and is proud of its vibrant and diverse community with so many options for students to grow socially and personally. Societies, sports or volunteering – students will never be short on opportunities during their time at Chester.
Students are given the opportunity to build contacts, gain real experience and earn their first work reference with courses that are closely linked with the real world, with built-in work placements and links to industry experts. There are opportunities to network with employers, learn another language, improve digital skills, and access lifelong careers support.
The university also has study abroad connections with over 300 institutions across the globe, giving students the chance to build a multi-national network.
University of Chester on Whatuni say:
''I really enjoy uni. I feel that it is a small campus that feels very homely. I have lots of support from my lecturers with my studies.''
''This university is truly exceptional. The support provided to students is outstanding, with lecturers deeply invested in our academic growth and well-being. The campus staff are incredibly helpful and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The resources available to students are extensive, ensuring we have everything we need to succeed. I have experienced significant personal and academic growth here, proving that we indeed thrive in the right environment''
''The historic city of Chester is amazing for anyone who wants to soak in history and beauty. The university has a great location near the city centre. It is also not far from other cities such as Liverpool or Manchester; just take a train. Friendly staff and a nice campus. Great Student Union.''
Students will have access to the university's modern IT and library services, which are available across its learning sites. They can expect additional features such as bookable study spaces and learning pods, laptop loans, late opening times and 24-hour access computer labs at the larger libraries. The university has a range of subject-specific learning facilities at its sites.
Exton Park in Chester is home to a range of fitness and sport facilities, including a multi-function sports hall, floodlit AstroTurf and 3G MUGA (multi-use games area) pitches, grass pitches, sprint track, squash courts, 25-metre swimming pool, gym, dance studio, spin studio and a golf simulator.
University of Chester on Whatuni say:
''The best part of uni is the list of societies and the facilities! Especially the library being 24/7.''
''The library is full of material needed for research and information.''
''Great facilities and a feeling of support and focus from staff from a small intake. I personally study at the business school, so having that dedicated workspace allows for greater support.''
Hailed as the Most Welcoming UK City and Top 10 Worldwide (Traveller Review Awards by Booking.com, 2025), Chester is a bustling 21st-century city ranked best for independent retail and top three for best high street in Britain (American Express with retail experts Global Data, 2024). It also has a wide range of and restaurants and a thriving independent scene.
The University of Chester offers so many extracurricular activities, so there are lots of opportunities for students to get involved. Chester Students' Union has over 50 student-led societies across all kinds of interests, from K-pop to archaeology, gaming to drama. Sport Chester offers over 50 sports clubs, both competitive and social, covering all kinds of activities from American football, martial arts and rowing, to cheerleading and archery.
Chester Students' Union (CSU) is run by students, for students. It's the home of societies, the CSU advice service, student representation, campaigns and events. CSU is there to support and connect with students from the moment they arrive and throughout their time at university.
For free, confidential and impartial help, there's a team of professional and experienced advisers. Whether a student's query is course related or not, they're here to help.
University of Chester on Whatuni say:
''The best thing about my uni experience is the location of the campus as it is close to where I stay and also a 15 minute walk from the town centre.''
''Easy to make friends as there is lots of clubs and social events. Support is easily accessible.''
''Really enjoy sports and societies. Enjoy the course. Lectures are very supportive and good facilities.''
The University of Chester's dedicated careers and employability team offer a range of opportunities for students to network, make industry connections and prepare for the working world. Its placement opportunities and links with industry and employers help students graduate a step ahead.
The team advertise and support students applying for paid work and work experience opportunities, and hold careers workshops to guide students through CV writing, interviews and assessment centres.
The team encourages students thinking of starting a business, entering self-employment or building a freelance career to join The Venture Programme.
Its UniJob service means students can apply for part-time jobs at the university, giving them the opportunity to earn while they learn. This not only helps students to increase and improve their skill set but also helps them financially as they learn to budget while studying.
The team also advertises local and national graduate job vacancies and when students are ready, they are there to guide them through every stage of the selection process. This support doesn't end when students complete their degree, but is lifelong for University of Chester graduates.
The university's accommodation in Chester is conveniently located either on site or very close-by. It is safe, secure and just a short walk from the city centre, putting students right at the heart of everything. As well as offering university accommodation, it has close links with several private sector residences in Chester, putting students right at the heart of everything.
If students are seeking accommodation to support their studies at University Centre Warrington or Birkenhead, they should contact the accommodation team who will outline some of the options available to them.
University of Chester on Whatuni say:
''The accommodation is very maintained when I moved in and it's extremely convenient locations for study purposes.''
''I like the location of my uni accommodation the most as it is directly across from the campus used for my course.''
''I like the room, it's warm and spacious.''
Entry requirements at the University of Chester can vary slightly from year to year. Each course has its own entry requirements, which can be found on the relevant section of the course pages.
The University of Chester recognises:
Students holding qualifications completed from several years ago, or who are unsure about meeting eligibility requirements for particular subject choices, are encouraged to contact the undergraduate admissions team. The university's friendly team is available all year round to discuss options with prospective students.
The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. Students can find the full details, terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships on the University of Chester's website.
The university works hard to ensure that tuition remains accessible to students from all backgrounds. Although fees do vary on a course-by-course basis, the guideline fees for the 2025/26 academic year are set as:
Home Students: £9,535 per year of full-time undergraduate study.
EU/International Students: £14,450 per year of full-time undergraduate study.
The figures are intended as a guideline; more detailed information about tuition fees can be found on the University of Chester's website.
Repayments of tuition fees and maintenance loans will start in the April after students have graduated or left higher education, provided students meet the minimum salary thresholds. For full details, students can visit the university's finance pages.
The University of Chester offers many undergraduate degree options across a wide spectrum of subject areas, as well as a range of postgraduate courses and foundation year options to suit all prospective students.
All the university's courses are designed around in-person study based at its sites (unless a course is designed for fully online delivery and study). This includes lectures, seminars and practical classes where students will develop their knowledge and skills with peers.
It also uses digital technologies to enhance student learning, such as virtual reality and simulation suites – this will vary from course to course and is tailored to each subject area. Most of its courses also include online learning activities, which are essential and can be completed when and where suits students' needs.
Undergraduate courses are designed with a work-based learning component, allowing students to develop hands-on skills alongside their theoretical education. Most courses offer a placement opportunity, or a year working or studying abroad. All students also benefit from having a personal academic tutor (PAT) to provide support and mentorship throughout their studies.
University of Chester on Whatuni say:
''All the staff here seem so very passionate and engaging over what topics they teach. The standout part of my university experience has to be my PAT (Personal Academic Tutor).''
''The course has been both fascinating and engaging, continuously evolving to stay in line with current changes. The lecturers have been fantastic throughout, right from year one.''
''Every professor is really nice, patient and give students a lot of guidance''
From a teaching college in 1839 to being awarded university status in 2005, Chester has had over 180 years to adapt, evolve and offer students outstanding academic opportunities and future possibilities.
All courses are informed by employers in the relevant sector, so students are taught the theoretical insights and practical applications needed for a successful career in your chosen field. Rather than traditional exams, assessments are embedded and continuous. They are integrated into the learning process and reflect real-world work. More details on the university's approach to teaching and learning can be found on the website.
The university has gained professional accreditation for specific courses, providing students with enhanced professional progression upon graduation.
The School of Education has maintained its reputation for delivering excellent teaching services and superb learning outcomes, and is housed in a newly refurbished building at Exton Park. It offers dedicated education spaces including laboratories, an art and design room, and a host of teaching spaces.
Chester has a large nursing provision within the North West, with a range of health and social care courses available at many of the university's learning sites.
The university has dedicated teams to offer guidance and support for all sorts of things, ranging from wellbeing and mental health (including access to counselling) to budgeting advice, disability and inclusion support, peer mentoring and volunteering.
When it comes to courses and assignments every student is assigned a personal academic tutor, who is there to offer advice and guidance. For those living in university accommodation, on-call residential advisers live alongside students on site, and students can rest easily knowing that there are first-aid trained university security working 24/7 all year round.
The chaplaincy team offers personal and spiritual support, regardless of faith, background or outlook, and the open-access faith spaces, quiet rooms across the university and quiet garden at Exton Park are there whenever students need them. The active wellbeing programme also offers free access to sport facilities and classes for 12 weeks to students referred by the wellbeing and mental health team.
University of Chester on Whatuni say:
''The community feel of the university is something I've absolutely loved. And the amount of support.''
''The campus has many places to study, everyone around is friendly and helpful.''
''The university make a point of looking after the students by being available anytime to support us.''
