Faculty of Education and Children's Services

The University of Chester traces its roots back to one of the earliest training colleges in the country, beginning the training of teachers in 1839. While it is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the UK, it is also a modern, innovative institution and has a well-deserved reputation for the quality of its education. The Faculty was recently awarded 'Outstanding' status by Ofsted, credited with delivering "high levels of academic and pastoral care" - Ofsted Report 2010.

Within the University context the Faculty of Education and Children's Services is both forward-looking, preparing trainee teachers and the wider children's workforce for the 21st century, and yet equally proud of its history and tradition.

The Faculty is committed to:

Ensuring all who teach, develop and support children and young people can play a major role in raising standards and improving their life chances.
The active promotion of equality of opportunity and to widening access and participation. Applications are particularly welcome from minority ethnic groups and others who are currently under-represented in higher education, from mature students, and from students who possess non-standard entry qualifications.
Promoting strong international links in teaching and research with faculties of education, colleges, schools and children's centres in countries including: Belgium, China, Finland, Italy, Japan, Melanesia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Palestine, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, USA.
Enabling students and staff, through work with international partners at home and overseas, to become inter-culturally aware of, sensitive to and knowledgeable about other countries and cultures.
Equipping students with the skills needed to operate as autonomous, creative, critical teachers with a clear sense of their own professional identity and role in an increasingly globalized world.
Developing strong links with schools, colleges and Local Authorities across the region.
The development and delivery of high quality programmes for the wider children's workforce.

Academic Programme

The Faculty offers:

An extensive programme of education and training for prospective and experienced teachers.
Innovative, inter-professional programmes to support professionals who work with children, young people and families.

The Faculty also provides:

High quality training from staff who are enthusiastic, highly qualified, engaged in a range of research activities and experts in their field.
A supportive and friendly learning environment with a wide range of support systems, including welfare, finance and study skills.
An environment in which students and staff can engage on a range of levels with international peers both on campus and overseas.
Opportunities for international experiences which experience suggests will stay with them throughout their careers, inform their professional practice and make a difference to the many hundreds of students across the world they will teach and influence throughout their careers.
An excellent range of social, cultural and sporting facilities.