The Complete Guide To the University of Chester

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The Church of England gave birth to the UK’s first purpose-built teacher-training college in 1839. Back then, the University of Chester was called the Chester Diocesan Training College. Then, it began working with the University of Liverpool in 1910 to provide higher education.

Fast forward to 2005, the institution earned university status. Today, it extends its teachings to 5 campuses and 4 centres. Its Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework marks its growth throughout the years.

So, are you ready to find your place, people and future at the University of Chester?

Total Student Population	14,000 students
% of international students	Around 19%
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	Approximately 1:8

1.2 University of Chester Rankings 2025

The University of Chester does not rank within the Top #1000 globally ranked universities currently. However, it is ranked in the #56 position under the Complete University Guide League Table 2025 which benchmarks all 123 universities in UK.

2. Student Life & Living Cost

2.1 University of Chester Campuses

There are many untold stories at the University of Chester. Look around and you will find iconic landmarks on and near its campuses. For example, the Queen’s Park campus has secret wartime bunkers from WW2. Meanwhile, the Exton Park campus is within 2km of the Chester Roman Amphitheatre and the Chester Cathedral.

In short, many adventures await at this UK university so keep scrolling to explore more.

Exton Park

Key Highlights

• Opened in 1839, it is the founding campus and at the heart of the university.
• Many academic departments and courses are based on this campus.
• Victorian buildings and lush green open areas decorate its grounds. There are also outdoor playing spaces for some fun in the sun.
• Bonus: You can shop for groceries and get meal deals at the University Shop, an off-licence mini supermarket.

How To Get Around?
🗺️A 15-minute walk and around 2 km From Chester

• Travel by public transport, car or bike.
• Buses stop at Moss Bank and Chester University. Both stops are about a 5-minute walk from campus.
• Both Chester Railway and Bache train stations sit 2km or a 20-minute walk away.
• Cyclists can enjoy the Millenium Greenway cycle path throughout the city.

Creative Campus, Kingsway

Key Highlights

• The University’s creative site where the CASC gallery space also sits.
• This exciting campus has a bright intricate look and various performance spaces, including an outdoor amphitheatre.
• You can find many student works on its walls.
• Key Subject areas: Art, Design, Media, Performance & Production

How To Get Around?
🗺️3km or an 11-minute cycle from Chester

• Travel by public transport, car or bike.
• The closest stations to Victoria Mill are the Burnley Manchester Road Railway Station and the Gill and Hob Club stop. Both are within a 5-10 minute walking distance.
• The closest stations to Princess Way are the Burnley Central Station and Burney College (for buses). Both are within around a 5-minute walking distance.

Queen’s Park, Chester

Key Highlights

• During WW2, the Queen’s Park campus was once the Western Command’s headquarters for the Army.
• This historic site is now the home of Chester Business School.
• Nestling in the River Dee paints stunning views and you can enjoy it at the top-floor brasserie.
• Key subject areas: Business & Management studies.

How To Get Around?
🗺️ A 15-minute bus ride from the city centre

• Travel by public transport, car or bike.
• The Science Park bus stop is about 1 km or a 10-minute walk from campus.
• The nearest train station is Whitehaven Railway Station, a 10-minute drive away.

Wheeler, Chester

Key Highlights

• The Wheeler campus houses the Health & Social Care and the Education & Children’s Services faculties.
• Being in Chesters ‘legal quarters, it is close to legal firms and barrister’s chambers. Among them are Cullimore Dutton Solicitors and Oliver & Co Solicitors.
• Moreover, it nestles on the River Dee, adding a relaxing view into the historic atmosphere.
• Key subject areas: Health & Medicine, Law & Policing

How To Get Around?
🗺️ A 15-minute walk and 2km from Chester.

• Travel by public transport, car or bike.
• The closest bus stop is Grosvenor Street, a 6-minute walk from campus.
• The Chester Railway Station is a 25-minute walk away.

Gateway House, Chester

Key Highlights

• A specialised campus right in the heart of Chester.
• It lives in Chester’s ‘cultural quarter’ and right next to iconic landmarks. The Storyhouse Theatre and Chester Picturehouse are just some of them.
• Key subject areas: Creative Writing, Journalism

How To Get Around?
🗺️ A 2-minute walk from Chester.

• Travel by public transport, car or bike.
• There are 3 bus stops within a 5-minute walking distance of this campus: Canal Street, Delamere Street and Bull & Stirrup.
• The closest train station is the Chester Railway Station, about a 20-minute walk away.

2.2 Learning Facilities

Unable to visit? Worry not. These videos will bring the University of Chester to you.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by University of Chester (@uochester)

2.3 Recreational Facilities

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UoC Sport and Active Lifestyle (@uocsportactivelifestyle)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UoC Sport and Active Lifestyle (@uocsportactivelifestyle)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UoC Sport and Active Lifestyle (@uocsportactivelifestyle)

2.4 Student Activities

Leisure time comes in various shapes and sizes at the University of Chester, such as

• 150+ Clubs and Societies (C&S)
• Sports
• Exercise Classes
• Socials and Events
• Volunteering
• Student jobs

Aside from sports teams, the University hosts daily Active Campus Activities to keep you active. These free sessions are open to all students and staff. If you become an Active Campus Ambassador, you will receive training to hone your skills and CV!

2.5 Student Services

Need help? The University offers support in

• Academic Skills 
• Careers and Employment 
• Wellbeing and Mental Health 
• Disability and Inclusive 

It also has a dedicated team of

• Academic Skills (ASk) Advisers
• Mental Health Advisers
• Student Wellbeing Advisers
• Student Peer Support Network
• Counsellors

You can contact a Wellbeing and Mental Health adviser for a same-day appointment for more urgent matters.

2.6 University of Chester Accommodation and Cost

Exton Park Accommodations

On-campus

• Grosvenor House (GBP 167/week)
• Hollybank Court (GBP 129.50/week)
• Church College House (GBP 110.50/week)
• Astbury House (GBP 194.50/week)
• Fisher House (GBP 194.50/week)
• Gladstone House (GBP 194.50/week)

Off-campus

Nearby towns/ villages/ suburbs:

• Creative Campus, Kingsway: Chester Newton, Hoole Village, Great Boughton
• Queen’s Park: Chester, Great Boughton, Christleton, Curzon Park, Huntington
• Wheeler, Chester: Chester, Great Boughton, Saltney, Curzon Park, Westminster Park
• Gateway House: Chester

Cost of Living in North West England

Living expenses in the North West region can start from about GBP 953 monthly. The costs involve rental, food, transportation and utilities. (Sources: WhatUni and NimbleFins)

First-time students must present financial evidence to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) with 9 months of course fees and living expenses. And, it needs to be in your bank account for 28 days before your application.

*Note: Your lifestyle will change your weekly expenses. So, plan your budget accordingly.

3. Courses, Fees & Scholarships

3.1 Courses You Can Study At The University of Chester

Fields Of Study	Courses
Art & Design	Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Fashion Communication Marketing
Biological Sciences	Bioveterinary Science, Forensic Biology, Biology, Marine Biology
Business & Management	Accounting & Finance, Digital Marketing, Business Management, Marketing, International Business Management
Computing Science	Computer Science, Games Development, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering
Engineering	Chemical Engineering
Events Management	Events Management
Health & Social Care	Adult Nursing, Children’s Nursing, Midwifery, Learning Disability Nursing, Social Work
Law	Law LLB, Law & Business, Law & Criminology
Media	Media & TV Production, Sports Journalism, Film & Media Studies, Music Journalism
Medical & Life Sciences	Biomedical Science, Medical Science, Biochemistry, Pharmacology
Nutrition & Dietetics	Human Nutrition, Nutrition & Dietetics
Psychology	Psychology, Forensic Psychology
Sport and  Exercise Sciences	Sport & Exercise Science, PE & Sports Coaching

3.2 Course Fees At The University of Chester

We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of the university’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!

Coming Soon!

3.3 University of Chester Scholarships

These are some of the scholarships offered by the University of Chester to international students. Check out the full list here.

Coming Soon!

3.4 Popular Courses at the University of Chester

Business Courses

What exactly are employers looking for?

Dan Brodnitz of LinkedIn Learning found that analytics, management, and adaptability are 2024’s in-demand skills. So, how does a university help its students gain said skills?

The University of Chester ensures its courses are employer-relevant to meet those demands. For instance, the Business Finance degree teaches students to use technology to make decisions. In Year 1, it introduces vital foundations, such as

• HR
• Marketing
• Business Economics
• Quantitative Methods
• Personal and Business Finance

Then, it begins incorporating modern-day gadgets like Programming Languages into the lessons. Senior Lecturer Professor Langton Mburayi added that students use these tools to complete tasks like interpreting data with Excel. These initiatives boost your data analysis, visualisation, and reporting. Plus, you will be better prepared to meet and adapt to market demands.

Moreover, the University’s placements and activities give valuable learning opportunities. Here are several examples

• Y1 Event Management students worked with the Chester Council on the Christmas light on parade. They saw how the practitioners led and managed the event.

• Business Management and Event Management student, Alexandra worked with the NHS Cheshire CCG on the NHS Covid Response.

• The Business department hosts annual conferences to connect employers with students. There, you can ask questions and hear from the experts.

Thanks to its hard work, the University earned recognitions and awards, including

• the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation
• the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) accreditation
• the Institute of Financial Accountants accreditation
• Business School of The Year – Educate North 2024 Awards
• #1 in the North West for Academic Support – 2024 National Student Survey

As such, your future bosses can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you are future and world-ready.

Psychology Studies

When anxiety strikes, the University of Chester does not dismiss them as “It’s all in your head” or “You’re just overthinking”. It tackles what rattles the human mind through its Psychology courses, such as

• Psychology and Sports and Exercise Sciences
• Childhood Studies with Applied Psychology
• Sociology and Psychology

Furthermore, you can gain greater insights with the University’s learning resources, including

• the Performance Analysis lab
• the Muscle Function lab
• a Dynavision machine to test hand-eye coordination
• Fixed and Portable Eye-trackers
• a Cold Presser machine to test how people can withstand pain stimuli

Let Dr Kevin Hochard, a senior lecturer of the department, show you around.

“Will studying here help my future?” you asked. Absolutely. This is because your course will give you a glimpse into your chosen field and a lot of practice. Say that you choose Childhood Studies with Applied Psychology. You can hear guest speakers share their day-to-day activities and join yearly placements. 

“Having placement opportunities each year, I feel, has given me the chance to see whether I would take that as a career or not. And having guest speakers come in and talk about their professional roles, gives us an idea of what their job entails.” Katie, Childhood Studies and Applied Psychology student.

The institution is also accredited by the British Psychology Society (BPS)!

Computer Science

Welcome future computing experts, this is the University of Chester’s Computer Science. It has courses across various specialisations, including

• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Game Design
• Game Development
• Data Science

The curriculum nurtures vital knowledge with high-tech facilities. You will spend time in a computer suite and/or gaming lab at the Exton Park campus.

Moreover, the Computer Science community is close-knit and knowledgeable. Take the game design degree as an example. Students work together to clear one collaborative project yearly. They learn from experienced teachers like Ralph Ferneyhough, who spent over 20 years in the industry and published over 30 games.

Outside of lessons, there are also extracurricular activities to look forward to. You can upgrade your skills and understanding by joining a society. Or, challenge yourself with the annual hackathon and game jam.

Most importantly, the University of Chester has accreditations from the British Computer Society (BCS). This means that your degree has the potential to boost your employability.

Law Studies

Have you ever wondered why we argue? To prove that we are right or to convey a point? 

The University of Chester law community “argues” or Moot to present credible points and examine how the law applies to the scenario. It is a vital skill you will build while learning about

• Public Law
• Contact Law
• Property Law
• Criminal Law

“Mooting develops the key legal skill of research, the idea of creating credible and plausible arguments. But more importantly, for me, is the art of advocacy.” – Gary Robinson, Senior Lecturer in Law.

A tip from your peer is to participate in extracurricular activities. They are golden opportunities to practise and improve your foundation. You can be part of

• the Law Society
• Mooting and Advocacy Training
• the Legal Advice Clinic
• the Chester Community Law Project (CCLP)

Speaking of the Legal Advice Clinic and CCLP, these platforms offer guidance to real clients. You get to interview clients, research and provide legal advice. The CCLP team has student volunteers and experienced solicitors working on current projects. 

If you are thinking of diving deeper, the Law LLB degree allows you to study

• Family and Child Law
• Human Rights and Social Justice
• International Commerce and Trade
• Advanced Criminal and Evidence

Above all, the institution sits at the centre of Chester’s ‘legal quarter’. It is within a 5 to 20-minute walk from many law firms, chambers, and courts. Among them are

• Chester Crown Court
• Chester Magistrate Court
• PDA Laws
• HM3 Legal

Alright. Case Closed for this section. NEXT!

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1  University of Chester Entry Requirements 2025

Minimum entry requirements for Undergraduate Degree (Y1):

• UEC: 5Bs
• STPM: CPA 2.5 in 3 of 5 subjects
• A-Level: BCC Grades
• IB: 26 points
• SAM: ATAR 72.5
• Diploma: Successful completion.
• CPU: Score at least 65% in 6 advanced-level Grade 12 U or U/M subjects 
• International Foundation: Successful completion

Minimum entry requirements for Postgraduate Degree:

• Undergraduate: GPA 2.0 or a 50% average

Minimum language proficiency requirements (IELTS):

• Undergraduate: 6.0 Overall
• Postgraduate:  6.5 Overall

Some courses may require you to earn higher entry requirements and additional qualifications.

4.2 University of Chester Intake Periods for 2025

The intake periods for 2025 are as follows:

• Degree : October
• Postgraduate: January/ February, May, October

Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, click here (Coming Soon!).

4.3 Admission Process To Study In The UK

Need more information about how to study in the UK? Here are some articles that will be able to help you!

• The Ultimate Study In UK Guide For Malaysian Students
• Top 10 Benefits Of Engaging A Higher Education Consultant 
• Education Consultant: A Free Study Abroad Guide

5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

6. Conclusion

The University of Chester makes every experience a learning moment. It fuels curiosity with placements, yearly challenges and extracurricular activities. As such, many students could dip their toes into more insights and unknown areas.

Got a question? Ask away! The institution teaches in small groups for more personalised guidance. And, we at Uni Enrol will also guide you to make studying at Chester happen.

SEE OTHER UNI GUIDES

We took the liberty to compile all our University Guides and Course Fees Guides so you don’t have to go anywhere else!

And if you’re still not sure what to study, we have many Course Guide articles that will shed more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!

Popular Courses To Study In Malaysia