University of Chester

The University of Chester is a well-recognized public university in Chester, England. Established in the year 1839, it originated as a teacher training college in the U.K. which became the University of Chester later. It was founded by pioneers like the 19th-century prime ministers William Gladstone and the Earl of Derby, and a former Archbishop of Canterbury. In the 20th century, the institution expanded its student numbers along with the variety and nature of its courses ranging from animation to zoo management. The university serves as a member of the Cathedrals Group, the North West Universities Association, the Association of Commonwealth Universities and Universities UK. The 2010 audit of Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) appreciated the institution for its good practice in ensuring standards as well as enhancing the quality of learning opportunities and supportive relationships.

The University of Chester maintains six campuses along with a University Centre in Shrewsbury. Parkgate Road Campus in Chester is spread across an area of 32 acres. It has a unique mixture of Victorian buildings (like Old College) and modern buildings (like the Students' Union). Apart from offering a range of facilities considered conducive for learning, it features a swimming pool, sports hall, fitness centre, bookshop, science and language laboratories and a bank. Other campuses of the institution are also well-equipped with an environment that is considered ideal for learning.

Of-late, the university has 1,880 staff members and some 19,850 students who are drawn from different boundaries across the world. It provides a range of foundation, bachelors and master’s courses, as well as academic research programmes. MPhil and PhD programmes constitute an established and growing area of activity with the institution gaining authority to award its research degrees in 2007. Further, the university offers courses in humanities, health and social care, business and management, social sciences, arts and media, medicine, science and engineering, dentistry and clinical sciences and education and children's services.

Additionally, the University of Chester is recognized well for its notable alumni network constituted by distinguished personalities in a variety of fields. Some of these include International rugby union player John Carleton, International footballer Jo Fletcher, children's author Roderick Hunt MBE, screenwriter Alan Bleasdale and politician Helen Jones.