University of Chester: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions

The University of Chester has a diverse student body of 14,000, with 24% of students coming from over 100 countries. These students are spread across seven campuses, including Exton Park, Queen's Park, and Gateway. Each campus has its own distinctive focus: Exton Park is the primary academic hub, while Queen’s Park is known for its specialized business and management courses. 

Here are the key features of University of Chester campuses.

• Exton Park (Parkgate Road): The research made by the medical school is assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent, with 51% of research rated highly in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
• Queen’s Park: The Business School was named joint Business School of the Year at the Educate North Awards in 2018 and was shortlisted for Business School of the Year at the 2018 Times Higher Education Awards.
• Kingsway (Creative Campus): The Creative Hub has links to brands like IKEA and organizations ranging from the BBC to Chester’s award-winning theatre, Storyhouse.
• Wheeler (Riverside): The campus hosts initiatives like the Chester Legal Advice Centre, where law students provide pro bono legal advice to the local community.
• Gateway House: Gateway House hosts the Cheshire Prize for Literature, an annual competition celebrating literary talents in poetry, short stories, and flash fiction.
• Bache House: The laboratories at this campus provide facilities for research involving tissue culture, cell imaging, protein analysis, molecular biology, and histology.
• The Hammond: It is one of only eight Centres of Excellence under the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) for talented pupils in the performing arts.

After exploring the features of the campus, let’s take a look at its performance through rankings.

The University of Chester holds a middle to lower position in both global and national rankings. While it does not feature in QS ranking or US News ranking, it is placed in the 1501+ category in the THE Rankings 2025. On the national front, The Complete University Guide ranks it at #74, while The Guardian places it at #46, highlighting its middle-tier standing within the UK.

Here’s how the University of Chester performs in rankings.

Ranking Body	Rank
THE ranking 2025	1501+
The Complete University Guide 2026	74
The Guardian University Guide 2025	46

Subject-wise rankings indicate how well a university performs in your chosen field of study. Let’s explore this in detail.

University of Chester: Top Course-wise Ranking 2024-25

The University of Chester has limited exposure in certain fields, with its engineering and business courses not featured in major rankings. 

However, in the THE Ranking 2025, Medicine and Social Sciences are both placed in the 801-1000 range. Additionally, the Law program is ranked #71 nationally in The Complete University Guide 2026.

Here’s how different programs perform at the University of Chester.

Program	Ranking Body	Ranking 2025
Medical and Health Science	Times Higher Education	801 - 1000
Social Sciences	Times Higher Education	801 - 1000
Law	The Complete University Guide	71

After a brief overview of University of Chester rankings, let’s explore its admission requirements.

The University of Chester has an acceptance rate of 20-30%, indicating a competitive admission process. In such a case, submitting important documents like your GPA score or statement of purpose on time can help reduce the chances of rejection.

Here’s a breakdown of the admission requirements and deadlines.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements typically include a minimum qualification, such as a high school degree for undergraduates, and submission of documents like academic transcripts. For undergraduate courses, standardized tests like the SAT or ACT may be needed. 

International students must also demonstrate English language proficiency levels through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Once admission is accepted, students will need to apply for a UK student visa to begin their studies.

Here are the admission requirements.

Academic Qualification

Academic qualifications typically include a minimum requirement of British A-levels or their equivalent. You will also need to submit a statement of purpose and a portfolio, depending on your chosen program.

Here are the academic qualifications required.

Criteria	Details
Academic Requirement	UG: British A-level/International Baccalaureate or equivalent. PG: Bachelors degree with 55% - 65%.
Transcripts	Final School Report and transcript Secondary and midyear school reports
Personal Statements	Mention your unique strengths, experiences, and motivations for the program.
Miscellaneous	Applicants under 18 years need consent from parents or guardians.
Portfolio	For programs like architecture.

Now, let’s understand the English language requirements for international students.

Language Proficiency

International students from non-English speaking countries need to demonstrate the required English language proficiency for academic coursework. The university accepts tests like IELTS and PTE, with varying score requirements for undergraduate and graduate admissions.

Below are the English language scores needed for admission.

ELP Test	Average Score (UG)	Average Score (PG)
IELTS	6.0	6.5
PTE	61	65
TOEFL iBT	79	91
LanguageCERT	B2 Grade	B2 Grade
Trinity College London ISE	Merit in all four components	Distinction in all four components

Next, let’s discuss the competitive exams accepted for admission to the University of Chester.

Competitive Exams

Undergraduate applicants from the US need to submit scores like the SAT or ACT for entry. However, for postgraduate courses, the GRE or GMAT is optional, as the university has made these tests non-mandatory.

Here are the competitive scores for admission.

Competitive Exam	Average Score
ACT (US applicants)	22
SAT (US applicants)	1500
GRE	N/A
GMAT	N/A

Finally, let’s take a quick look at the visa requirements for international students.

Visa Requirements 

International applicants need a student visa to study. You need to submit documents such as a passport copy and a letter of acceptance. Once your student visa is accepted, you can make travel arrangements.

Here are the visa requirements.

Document	Details
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the UK
Letter of Acceptance	Official admission letter issued by the University.
Proof of Funds	Bank account statements, affidavits, or scholarship letters showing financial support for at least one academic year.
Tuberculosis Test Results	Students from India may be required to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test result as part of the visa application process.
Passport-size Photograph	A recent passport-sized photograph as per UK visa photo requirements
Visa Application Fee	£524 (INR 61K) for a student visa

Now that you know the requirements for University of Chester Admission, let’s find out the deadlines for different intakes.

Admission Dates and Deadlines

International students can enter through three intakes: Fall (September), Winter (January), and Spring (May). There is no summer intake. For the upcoming September intake, the application deadline for most UG and PG courses is 14th July 2025.

Here are the admission deadlines for international students.

Level of Study	Course	Application Deadline
Undergraduate	Nursing	4 July 2025
	Social Work
	Graduate Entry Medicine
		14 July 2025
	Education
	Other Courses
Postgraduate	PGCE	27 May 2025 (Closed)
	Other PG Taught programs	14 July 2025

Being aware of these deadlines will help you plan and submit your application effectively. Next, let's explore the diverse programs offered at University of Chester.

The University of Chester offers over 200 courses at the graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels in well-known fields like business and engineering. The university also provides programs in emerging subjects such as data science and environmental sustainability.

Here are some popular programs offered at the University of Chester.

• MSc in Data Science: Focus on data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling to prepare for roles in data-driven industries.
• MSc in Medical Genetics: Study the molecular basis of genetic disorders, gene therapy, and clinical applications in genetics.
• MSc in Cybersecurity: Learn about network security, risk management, and digital forensics to tackle modern cybersecurity challenges.
• MSc in Food Science and Innovation: Explore food technology, sustainability, and innovations in food production and safety.
• BSc in Computer Science: Study software development, algorithms, data structures, and artificial intelligence to build a strong foundation in computing.
• BA in International Relations: Focus on global politics, diplomacy, and international law, preparing students for careers in global governance and diplomacy.

Next, let’s check out the program fees for different courses at the University of Chester.

Program Fees at the University of Chester

In the UK, the average tuition fees range between £9,000 and £38,000 (INR 10.4L - INR 44.3L), depending on whether it's a master's course or a bachelor's course. A BEng at the University of Chester costs £14,450 (INR 16.9L), whereas an MBA program costs £15,200 (INR 17.7L).

Below are the costs for different programs at the University of Chester.

Base Course	Annual Tuition Fee (GBP)	Annual Tuition Fees (INR)
MSc	£15,000	INR 17.5L
MBA	£15,200	INR 17.7L
BA	£14,450	INR 16.9L
BTech (BEng)	£14,450	INR 16.9L

• Fees may vary depending on the specialization. Please refer to the official University website for the latest information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

With programs and courses in mind, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. Let’s take a look at the cost of studying. 

On average, tuition fees constitute 30% - 70% of your total cost of studying at University of Chester. By understanding tuition fees and associated costs, you can plan your higher education journey more effectively.

The following table contains the tuition fees that make up the cost of studying in the UK for international students.

Course	Annual Tuition Fees (GBP)	Annual Tuition Fees (INR)
Business	UG: £14,450	INR 16.9L
	PG: £15,200	INR 17.7L
Nursing	UG: £14,450	INR 16.9L
	PG: £15,000	INR 17.5L
Law	UG: £14,450	INR 16.9L
	PG: £15,000	INR 17.5L
Arts and Humanities	UG: £14,450	INR 16.9L
	PG: £15,000	INR 17.5L
Engineering	UG: £14,450	INR 16.9L
	PG: £15,000	INR 17.5L

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Apart from tuition fees, you need to consider other costs such as accommodation, living expenses, and course materials.

Cost of Living

In addition to tuition fees, international students should account for the cost of living in the UK, which includes accommodation, meals, and other personal expenses. This comes to around £900 - £1,300 (INR 1L - 1.5L) at the University of Chester.

The following provides an estimate of the annual living expenses for students.

Expense	Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP)	Estimated Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation	£554	INR 64.7K
Food and Groceries	£116	INR 13.5K
Transportation	£55	INR 6.4K
Utilities (electricity, water, internet)	£155	INR 18.1K
Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal items)	£80	INR 9.3K

Note:

• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.
• These are approximate figures and can vary based on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Now, let’s discuss how to reduce the cost of study through financial aid, such as scholarships.

The UK government spends £35 million annually on scholarships to help talented students study at top universities in the UK, such as the University of Cambridge. Apart from government support, the University of Chester has its own scholarships for its students.

Below are some scholarship options for students.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships for students are funded through university resources or grants from donors. Students can apply for the Snowdon master’s Scholarship, which provides up to £15,000 (INR 17.4L) as financial aid for disabled students.

Here are the internal scholarships.

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
Estranged Student Bursary	Need-based	Eligibility: Fee-paying UK UG student estranged from family. Benefits: Financial grant of £1,500 (INR 1.7L)
Carer Support Package	Need-based	Eligibility: Fee-paying UK UG student caring for the sick or elderly. Benefits: Financial grant of £1,500 (INR 1.7L)
Snowdon Master’s Scholarship	Need-based	Eligibility: Talented disabled students studying for a master’s degree. Benefits: Up to £15,000 (INR 17.4L)  per year for a one or two-year course.

Now, let’s discuss some external top UK scholarships for Indian students to reduce study costs.

External Scholarships

Students at the University of Chester can also apply for external scholarships, which are available to all students regardless of university status. One such scholarship is the Chevening Scholarship, which offers international students the opportunity to pursue free postgraduate studies in the UK.

Here are some external scholarships.

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
GREAT Scholarships	Merit-based	Eligibility: Students from countries like India, planning for PG courses in the UK. Benefits: Financial grant of £10,000 (INR 11.6L) towards tuition fees.
Commonwealth Scholarship	Merit-based	Eligibility: Students planning PG studies in the UK from countries like India. Benefits: Tuition fees, cost of living, and airfare to and from the UK.
Chevening Scholarship	Merit-based	Eligibility: International students planning to study 1-year PG courses in the UK. Benefits: Covers tuition fees, cost of living, and all other expenses.

Now that you've covered financial aid in the form of scholarships, let’s take a look at the placement achievements of the University of Chester.

The University of Chester offers work placements, contributing to an impressive 91.5% placement rate for students after graduation. These placements help students develop essential skills, such as leadership and interpersonal communication, which are crucial for securing roles in the industry.

Here’s how work placements can benefit students.

• Access to Real-World Experience: Work placements allow you to apply your academic knowledge in a professional setting, giving you the chance to gain hands-on experience.
• Developing Specific Skills: During your placement, you can focus on developing skills that are in high demand in your chosen industry. This includes critical thinking skills.
• Innovation and Creativity: By contributing fresh ideas to a workplace, you can help drive innovation. Placements allow you to bring new approaches and solutions to the table.
• Building Professional Relationships: A work placement gives you the opportunity to network with professionals in your field, providing a lead to job offers.
• Improving Employability: Completing a work placement significantly enhances your employability. It helps you stand out to future employers who value practical experience.
• Access to Mentorship and Feedback: Through mentoring, you gain insight from industry professionals, allowing you to gain guidance that prepares you for future roles.
• Contributing to Projects: By working on real projects, you contribute to tasks and initiatives that have a tangible impact on the company.

Work placements ensure you are well-positioned to be hired by top companies. Let’s explore the top companies hiring graduates from the University of Chester.

Top Recruiters

The University of Chester offers practical learning options for students through programs like work placements and career development skills. These experiences make you suitable for roles such as business analysts, project managers, and more. 

Below are the top companies hiring graduates from the University of Chester:

• NHS: Hired for roles like Business Analyst, Healthcare Manager, and Clinical Data Analyst.
• Siemens: Hired for roles like Project Manager, Electrical Engineer, and Operations Manager.
• Jaguar Land Rover: Hired for roles like Mechanical Engineer, Production Planner, and Design Engineer.
• Deloitte: Hired for roles like Management Consultant, Financial Analyst, and Risk Analyst.
• Barclays: Hired for roles like Data Analyst, Risk Manager, and Financial Advisor.

Next, let’s discuss internship and co-op opportunities for students at the University.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

Internship opportunities at the University of Chester come in various forms, such as sandwich placements and Chester graduate internships. These opportunities not only allow you to gain valuable workplace experience but also help develop critical problem-solving skills.

Here are some internship opportunities for students.

• Year in Industry (Sandwich) Placements: This program allows students to gain work experience by undertaking a paid professional placement year as part of their degree.
• Chester Graduate Internships: These internships offer tailored support, providing graduates with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of study.
• Santander Scholarship Placements: Part-time, flexible internships hosted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aimed at current undergraduate students.
• Internship Programs for Employers: The University of Chester partners with employers to offer paid internships for both students and graduates. 
• Support for Graduates: The Careers and Employability team at the university provides dedicated career counseling for graduates seeking internships. Services include access to CareerHub, where students can find job postings.

After checking out the internship opportunities offered at the university, let's explore student life on campus.

Student life in the UK at the Chester campus is truly unique, with a diverse community of students from over 100 countries across its various campuses. 

Whether it’s sports like rugby or social activities in nearby areas, students can create life-defining memories while gaining both academic and personal growth. Additionally, you can get personalized support to improve your career skills.

Here are the opportunities for students at the University of Chester:

• Sports: Students can engage in a variety of sports, including football, rugby, swimming, and hockey.
• Student Support: The university provides a range of support services, including mental health support, financial advice, and mentorship from teachers.
• Library: With access to over 200,000 books, journals, and reference materials, the library is a comprehensive resource for all academic needs.
• Social Life: You can enjoy vibrant social experiences, from the Chester Market and Fiesta Havana to nightlife at Telford’s Warehouse.

Next, let’s look at some popular alumni from the University of Chester.

The University of Chester has over 100,000 alumni from more than 100 countries, including India. From singers like Duffy to politicians like Helen Jones, alumni of the University of Chester have made significant contributions to society in their own unique ways.

Here are some well-known alumni.

Name	Field	Notable Achievements
Helen Jones	Politician	Served as a Member of Parliament for Warrington North from 1997 to 2019.
Duffy	Singer	Known for her hit albums Rockferry and Endlessly, which earned her multiple Grammy Awards.
Dave Brailsford	Sports	Renowned for his role as the performance director of British Cycling.
Jim Bowen	Arts	Famous television presenter best known for hosting the game show Bullseye.
Walter Winterbottom	Sports	First manager of the England football team, overseeing multiple international tournaments.
Nicola Wilson	Sports	A top British eventing rider, known for her success in World Championships and Olympic Games.

Finally, let’s see how the University of Chester compares to other similar universities.

Comparison between universities helps you make informed decisions by evaluating tuition fees, top courses, and potential career outcomes. 

For instance, the University of Chester has an acceptance rate between 20% - 30%, which is lower than that of the Manchester Metropolitan University, with 80%.

Below is a comparison between the University of Chester with institutions like Teesside University and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Parameters	University of Chester	Teesside University	Manchester Metropolitan University
THE Rankings 2025	1501+	801 - 1000	601 - 800
Tuition Fees	UG: £14,450 (INR 16.9L)	UG: £17,000 (INR 19.9L)	UG: £20,000 to £21,500 (INR 23.4L - INR 25.2L)
	PG: £15,000 (INR 17.5L)	PG: £20,000 (INR 23.4L)	PG: £20,000 to £22,500 (INR 23.4L - INR 26.4L)
Number of Courses	200+	594	418
Acceptance Rate	20% - 30%	31%	80%
Popular Courses	UG:  BSc in Computer Science BA in Political Science	UG:  BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering BSc (Hons) Forensic Science	UG:  BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering BA (Hons) Graphic Design
	PG:  MSc in Mathematics MSc in Biomedical Science	PG:  MSc Cyber Security MA in Journalism	PG:  MSc International Management MSc Marketing
Placement (Average)	N/A	£21,000 (INR 24.6L)	£23,000 (INR 27L)
Post-study Work Visa	Provides a 2-year Post-study Work Visa for international graduates.	Offers a 2-year Post-study Work Visa for international graduates.	Supports a 2-year Post-study Work Visa for international students.
Scholarships	Carer Support Package	Global Excellence Scholarship	Vice-Chancellor’s International Regional Scholarships

The University of Chester stands out for its strong academic programs and focus on real-world experience. With industry connections and a supportive environment, it offers excellent opportunities for career growth.

The University of Chester's campus is a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque city, it boasts a range of state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture halls, cutting-edge laboratories, and well-equipped libraries. The campus is designed to foster a vibrant academic community, with green spaces, social hubs, and dedicated study areas.

Accommodation at the University of Chester is diverse and caters to various preferences. Students can choose from traditional halls of residence, shared apartments, or private housing options. The university ensures a safe and inclusive living environment with on-site support services. Below is the accommodation types and cost information:

Accommodation Type	Cost (Approx. per academic year)
Halls of Residence	£4,000 - £7,000
Shared Apartments	£4,500 - £6,000
Private Housing	£3,500 - £5,500

Undergraduate Programs:

Course	Duration	UK/EU Fees (per year)	International Fees (per year)
Business Management	3 years	£9,250 - £9,500	£11,750 - £12,000
Psychology	3 years	£9,250 - £9,500	£11,750 - £12,000
Computer Science	3 years	£9,250 - £9,500	£11,750 - £12,000
Nursing	3 years	£9,250 - £9,500	£11,750 - £12,000
History	3 years	£9,250 - £9,500	£11,750 - £12,000

Postgraduate Programs:

Course	Duration	UK/EU Fees (total)	International Fees (total)
MBA	1 year	£11,500 - £12,000	£13,750 - £14,500
Public Health	1 year	£11,500	£13,750
Creative Writing	1 year	£11,500	£13,750
Education Leadership	1 year	£11,500	£13,750
Environmental Science	1 year	£11,500	£13,750

Cost of Living (Approximate):

Component	Annual Cost (GBP)
Accommodation	£4,000 - £7,000
Food/Groceries	£2,000 - £3,000
Travel	£500 - £1,000
Books/Supplies	£500 - £800
Personal Expenses	£1,000 - £1,500
Total	£8,000 - £13,300