University of Chester

Overview

The University of Chester is one of the oldest higher education providers in the UK, having recently celebrated its 182nd year of teaching. With 15,000 students from 130 countries worldwide, Chester provides a vibrant, diverse and safe home for those travelling from overseas to study.

Students can choose from more than 200 quality courses with all programmes having an emphasis on practical learning to enhance employment prospects. Lectures are taught at specialist sites in Chester, and nearby Shrewsbury and Warrington, which all boast state-of-the-art facilities. The University of Chester offers international and merit-based scholarships at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Students are automatically considered for these scholarships during the submission of their application.

Courses at the University of Chester have an emphasis on practical learning to enhance prospects via industry placements or overseas opportunities, ranging from five weeks to one year. Most undergraduate degrees include a work-based learning module in the second year. This module offers students the opportunity to complete a five-week work placement at a professional organisation in the UK or overseas. Students in selected business programmes will also have the opportunity to register for a four-year course, which includes a 12-month professional work placement.

Graduate Entry Medicine at Chester

International students who wish to start their careers as outstanding doctors can apply for the University of Chester’s Graduate Entry Medicine programme, and can do so with any Bachelor’s degree. The 4-year programme leads to the award of an MBChB degree, allowing students to register with the GMC and work in the UK and overseas. 

This GMC-accredited programme is the quickest way of obtaining a primary medical qualification in the United Kingdom. As one of the newest medical schools in the United Kingdom, Chester can offer the highest level of student experience. Modest year sizes mean that you will be taught in small groups and benefit from interacting with an enthusiastic and dedicated faculty.

Services for International Students

Students at the University of Chester have access to outstanding student support services. The International Arrivals team provide support right from the moment a student arrives in the UK by offering an airport pickup service. They also arrange specific International Welcome Programmes to help students get settled in the UK. This includes information on setting up a UK bank account, registering with a doctor, student visas and much more. Students at the University of Chester also have access to careers and employability services to help them get a job after graduating.

The University of Chester has a strong commitment to ensuring that students feel safe while studying at the university. The university has numerous services, procedures and interventions in place in order to ensure the safety of the university community. A dedicated team of porters provide 24-hour security service every day of the year along with CCTV on all campuses. 

The university’s Student Futures Support and Development team is an award-winning provider of student support. Services include counselling, disability support and peer mentoring. Chester is also home to more than 100 sports teams and societies meaning students can connect with like-minded people with ease.

Ranking

• 89th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 46th in the Guardian University Guide 2025

The results of REF 2021 for the University of Chester show that 51% of research has been assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent, compared to 31% in the first REF in 2014.

Accommodation

Accommodation in University of Chester halls is guaranteed to international students providing the accommodation deadline has been met. Students will have the choice of converted Victorian houses to modern purpose-built, offered on a full-board, semi-catered or self-catered basis. Accommodation starts from £85 per week (single room, all utilities, Wi-Fi).

Location

Chester has a fantastic reputation for being a welcoming, vibrant and diverse location. It’s regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK, and in 2019, was voted the second most student-friendly city in the UK.

Chester is perfectly located in the North West of England, bordered by North Wales, which is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the UK. Major cities such as Liverpool and Manchester can be reached in less than an hour, with London just two hours away by train.