University Overview
The University of Chester is a public university in northwest England, established in 1839 (as the UK’s first purpose-built teacher-training college) and gaining full university status in 2005. It serves approximately 15,000 students from over 130 countries across six campuses including Chester, Warrington, and Shrewsbury.
It offers over 200 professionally oriented courses, with strong industry links, work-based learning modules, and flexible options like a four-year business degree with 12‑month placement. Recent quality assessments awarded Chester a Silver rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
Services for International Students
- Pre‑arrival & arrival support: including tailored International Welcome Programme, airport pickup option, induction events, guidance on visas, opening UK bank accounts, registering with a GP, and more.
- Student support: Winner of WhatUni Student Choice Award 2024 as No. 1 for Student Support. A dedicated Student Futures team offers counselling, disability inclusion, peer mentoring, and wellbeing services.
- Careers & Employability: Engaged support for internships, placements, employer events, and one-to-one career advice to boost employability prospects.
- Accommodation & safety: University-managed on-campus halls, plus affiliated private options. A Residential Life Team supports students in settling in. Security is provided 24/7 by porters, along with CCTV coverage across campuses.
- Student life: Over 100 student clubs and societies, including international student communities via the Students’ Union.
Awards and Achievements
- WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2024:
- No. 1 in the UK for Student Support
- No. 1 for International Experience
- No. 1 for Postgraduate Study
- No. 2 University of the Year (overall).
- Times Higher Education Awards: Business School of the Year (2024).
- Guardian University Guide 2025 Ranking: No. 46 overall in the UK.
- TEF 2023 Silver rating for teaching excellence.
University of Chester Location
The university’s main campus is located in the city of Chester, Cheshire. Additional campuses include:
- Warrington Campus (North‑West Media Centre, Business School, Health & Social Care)
- University Centre Shrewsbury in Shropshire
Chester itself is a safe, historic city (founded Roman times), with preserved city walls, Tudor architecture, and a central location about 1 hour by train from Manchester and under 2.5 hours to London. Living costs are generally lower than in larger UK cities, offering good value for international students .
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