Our awards and achievements
Discover how our university's commitment to excellence has been recognised with our latest awards. Celebrate our achievements and learn more about the change we're creating through award-winning education, research and social impact.
Employability Prospects Higher Than Sector Average
With 89.8% of University of Chester graduates in employment and/or further study - and 73.1% in high-skilled roles - Chester continues to outperform both the sector average (87.6% and 72.5% respectively) and the post-92 average (87.3% and 68.5%)*. These results reflect the University's commitment to equipping students with the skills, experiences and confidence needed to succeed in a competitive job market. Chester’s approach to employability is embedded throughout its academic offer, guided by the Chester Future Skills Curriculum, a framework designed to ensure courses remain relevant to the real world through career-focused teaching. Many students also have access to the Professional Development Module, which provides opportunities to broaden their skillset through work placements, experiential projects, language learning or study abroad. Further to this, Chester Credentials offer additional flexibility, with free, online short courses designed to enhance employability and practical skills. And with lifelong access to the University’s outstanding careers service, Chester graduates are supported not just for their first job, but for every step of their career journey.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey 22/23
1st in the North West University of the Year
For the third year in a row, the University of Chester has been voted the University of the Year in the North West. At Chester, we’re committed to providing students with the knowledge, experience and opportunities to prepare them for whatever their career aspirations may be. But we don’t want to just get students ‘work ready’ but also ‘World Ready’, ensuring they leave us with the self-worth and resilience needed to contribute to society on a local, national and global level. This approach has led to our students voting us as the first place University of the Year in the North West of England (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026).
Business School of the Year 2024 (THE Awards)
Chester Business School has committed itself to bolstering the North-West by helping to support a high-growth, low-carbon economy and nurturing future talent for the NHS. Throughout the year, CBS delivered funded projects with SMEs worth £34.7 million, supporting 1,632 SMEs, 62 budding entrepreneurs and 131 pre-start-up businesses. This helped create more than 900 projects for students.
2nd in International (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026)
Home to over 14,000 students from 100+ different countries, the University of Chester provides a diverse and supportive community for international students. From our excellent academic standards to our beautiful city - there are many reasons why international students love studying here at Chester.
1st in Postgraduate (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026)
Postgraduate students have access to a wealth of opportunities while being taught in subject-specific facilities by industry experts and research-active staff. Furthermore, more than half of the research our departments produce is world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the Research Excellence Framework (2021), the UK’s national assessment of research quality.
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Shaping the region as a leading University in the North West.
1st in North West England for Lecturers and Teaching Quality
Our approach to teaching is all about getting students a step ahead. Our expert staff are passionate about students’ development and the practical learning embedded into our teaching results in our course being closely linked to the real world.
1st in North West England for Student Support
Our staff go the extra mile to ensure students succeed, offering a range of support services for all students. We take pride in providing students with the information, advice, and guidance needed to support them in both their studies and personal lives. With a wide range of services covering wellbeing and mental health, disability and inclusion, study skills and more.
1st in North West England for Halls and Student Accommodation
Also voted second in the UK, our accommodation offers a wide variety of affordable, convenient, safe and secure options for students to find their new home while they study with us.
WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2026
Second in the North West for Career Prospects – WUSCAs 2025
We provide a range of lifelong career advice and guidance, supporting students while they study with us and beyond. We help students find part-time work, where they not only earn while they learn, but also leave us with a range of valuable skills and experience that employers are looking for.
Second in North West England for in Students’ Union – WUSCAs 2025
Our Students’ Union is here to represent students and make their time at university exciting! As well as representing students at a high level within the University, they also put on fun events throughout the year. These can range from vintage fairs to summer parties, religious celebrations to society events.
Second in North West England for Halls and Student Accommodation – WUSCAs 2025
We offer a safe and secure environment for students to live and study, and our friendly Security team are on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our Residential Life team, made up of current students, is allocated to our University accommodation to provide advice, guidance and support to help students get the best out of their university experience.
Third in North West England for Student Life – WUSCAs 2025
At Chester, we have a diverse and welcoming community, with a range of societies, sports, volunteering and social events. Chester is also the perfect location for students, having been awarded ‘Purple Flag’ status for its safe and thriving nightlife. The city centre is within walking distance from our sites, with plenty of opportunities for part-time work, and a vibrant and varied nightlife.
Breaking Down Barriers - The Purpose Coalition Awards
The University of Chester won two national awards for its commitment to levelling up and breaking down barriers - Breaking Down Barriers in the Closing the Digital Divide Category and joint winner of the University Leader of the Year.
Business School of the Year (Educate North Awards)
Our Business School was given the accolade of Business School of the Year in the Educate North Awards. Chester Business School was recognised for its commitment to making a positive difference to Cheshire’s economic growth and for embarking on a new and purposeful phase of business engagement.
