About the university

The University of Chester is a Church of England institution, originally founded in 1839 when new Government grants enabled the creation of ‘model schools’ for the training of teachers. Its original buildings were the first in the country to be built for the purpose following this national initiative to support public education. In the early years it also ran a practical training school for a range of skilled trades. There are many parallels with current times as debates about vocational, academic and ‘modern’ subjects, religious equality and the rights of under-represented groups featured large in the 19th Century’s educational landscape.

In 2022 the University of Chester is a thriving institution, which, over the past two decades, has seen one of the most prolific and progressive periods in its 180- year history, in terms of its popularity, curriculum development, flourishing national and international academic reputation, facilities and public profile. Rooted in its communities, the University has a proud history of preparing students for careers in health, social work and policing in addition to teaching, and its graduates make an important contribution to these professions well beyond the north-west of England. Equally, it successfully promotes courses for those seeking employment in business, industry and the sciences, and there are exciting plans to increase the profile and impact of these disciplines. There is strong provision for creative and humanities students and an ambition to showcase them more effectively. Since gaining University status in 2005, the institution has seen significant investment and expansion, with provision of a diverse and innovative curriculum to more than 16,000 students, across nine distinctive sites.

Recognised for excellence in learning and teaching, the University also has a demonstrable commitment to widening participation, development of applied research, and strong international, private and public sector collaborations.