UNITED KINGDOM · CHESTER
University of Chester
public · Founded 1839 · Languages: en
In short
The University of Chester, founded in 1839, offers over 200 programmes with a vocational emphasis and strong NHS partnerships, located in a historic city with affordable living costs.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1839
- Students
- 15,000
- International students
- 2,500
- Acceptance rate
- 82%
- Tuition (intl)
- €11–17k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Chester, United Kingdom
The University of Chester is a public university founded in 1839, making it one of England's oldest higher education establishments. Offering over 200 programmes across business, health, education, arts, and sciences, Chester provides accessible UK degrees with a strong vocational emphasis. The university's NHS partnerships make it especially strong in nursing, midwifery, and allied health professions.
Why study here
- One of England's oldest universities with a long tradition of academic excellence since 1839.
- Strong NHS partnerships offering excellent healthcare and nursing programme placements.
- Competitive international tuition fees compared to Russell Group institutions.
- Historic city campus with easy access to Liverpool and Manchester.
- Wide range of online and flexible learning options alongside campus study.
Student life
Chester's compact campus makes it easy to connect with fellow students. The Students' Union runs over 100 clubs and societies, and the city's Roman walls, Rows shopping galleries, and riverside walks offer a unique backdrop for university life. Liverpool and Manchester's nightlife and culture are just a train ride away.
Fees
InternationalInternational students pay approximately £11,000–£17,500 per year (EUR 11,000–17,500) depending on programme.
HomeUK domestic students pay £9,535 per year (capped by OFFA). Part-time and postgraduate fees vary by programme.
LivingLiving costs in Chester are approximately £8,000–£12,000 per year, one of the UK's more affordable university cities.
Nursing, health science, and some STEM programmes attract NHS bursaries for domestic students. Postgraduate taught fees are similar to undergraduate international rates.
Admissions
UndergraduateA-levels or equivalent (e.g., IB, Access to HE Diploma). Typical offers: BBC–BCC.
PostgraduateBachelor's degree (2:2 or above) in a related subject area.
IELTS Academic6.0 (with 5.5 in each component)
TOEFL iBT79
Pearson PTE Academic56
Rankings
Complete University Guide 2024Top 80 UK
Guardian University Guide 2024Top 80 UK
University scholarships
International Excellence ScholarshipUp to £3,000 tuition reduction
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship£2,000
Accreditation
Office for Students (OfS) registered; PSRB accreditations for nursing (NMC), social work (SWE), and business (AACSB candidate)
For international students
United KingdomStudent visa & funds
International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.
Working while you study
On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.
After you graduate
Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,400/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Chester · United Kingdom
Adult and Children's Nursing MNurs (Hons)
This integrated Master's degree (MNurs Hons) offers a comprehensive pathway into nursing, combining undergraduate and postgraduate study over four years. You will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality care to adults and children, preparing you for a rewarding career in healthcare. The program is delivered across multiple sites, including Chester, Warrington, and Birkenhead, allowing for flexible study options. Graduates will be eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as a registered nurse.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Chester · United Kingdom
Adult and Mental Health Nursing MNurs (Hons) (Integrated Master's)
This integrated Master's degree in Adult and Mental Health Nursing offers a comprehensive, dual-field qualification, equipping you with skills in both adult and mental health nursing. The program is structured over four years, with the first three years focusing on Adult Nursing (BN Hons), and the final year dedicated to advanced Mental Health Nursing at Level 7. You will develop the ability to assess, plan, and evaluate patient care, promote health and well-being, and communicate effectively with colleagues and service users. The course emphasizes person-centered care and prepares you to become an adaptable, flexible practitioner capable of leading care in a demanding healthcare environment.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Chester · United Kingdom
Adult Nursing (Including a Foundation Year) BN (Hons)
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Chester · United Kingdom
Adult Nursing BN (Hons)
This pre-registration Adult Nursing degree prepares you for a career as a registered adult nurse. You will learn to assess, plan, and evaluate patient care, focusing on complex acute and long-term illnesses. The program emphasizes promoting health and wellbeing, effective communication with colleagues and service users, and developing adaptability to lead care in a dynamic healthcare environment. The course centers on patient and family needs and adult nursing practice, aiming to equip you with the skills to become a compassionate, competent, and autonomous nurse capable of meeting current and future healthcare demands. The university collaborates with a wide range of NHS Trusts and other providers to offer placements across a broad geographical area, including Wirral, Warrington, Cheshire, Crewe, and Shropshire.
Bachelor's
Level
€17k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
University of Chester · United Kingdom
Children's and Mental Health Nursing MNurs (Hons) (Integrated Master's)
This integrated Master's degree offers a unique dual qualification in Children's Nursing and Mental Health Nursing, providing a comprehensive and person-centred approach to care. Over four years, you will develop the skills and knowledge to care for children, young people, and their families, while also gaining in-depth expertise in mental health nursing. The course structure integrates theoretical learning with extensive practical experience in state-of-the-art simulation suites and clinical placements, preparing you for the dynamic healthcare environment.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Chester · United Kingdom
Children's Nursing BN (Hons)
This Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) program focuses on preparing you to become a flexible practitioner who provides care for children, young people, and their families in various healthcare settings. While specializing in children's nursing, you will also gain knowledge and skills in caring for adults, individuals with mental health conditions, and those with learning disabilities, as expected by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for future nurses. The course is designed to be dynamic and interactive, centering on the needs of children and their families, and contemporary children's nursing practice. The program team is dedicated to supporting students in becoming compassionate, competent, and autonomous nurses capable of meeting evolving healthcare demands. Students must be at least 18 years old at the start of the course due to the requirement for clinical placements and safeguarding standards.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United Kingdom
full fundingWellcome Trust
Wellcome Discovery Awards
Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.
full
Funding
€4000k
Max
Nov 25, 2026
Deadline
full fundingThe Alan Turing Institute
Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)
Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.
full
Funding
€98k
Max
17d left
Deadline
full fundingSkoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School
Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA
Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.
full
Funding
€95k
Max
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
full fundingRhodes Trust
Rhodes Scholarship
For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingGates Cambridge Trust
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Dec 3, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAfrica Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford
Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Jan 9, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the estimated cost of tuition and living for international students at the University of Chester?
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International students can expect tuition fees to be around £11,000–£17,500 per year, depending on the specific programme. Annual living costs are estimated between £8,000–£12,000, which is considered affordable for a UK university city.
What are the academic strengths of the University of Chester?
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Founded in 1839, the University of Chester is one of England's oldest higher education institutions. It offers over 200 programmes and is particularly strong in nursing, midwifery, and allied health professions due to its significant NHS partnerships.
How can international students apply to the University of Chester?
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Applications for undergraduate programmes are typically made through UCAS. Postgraduate and international applications are usually submitted directly to the university. International students will need to provide evidence of English proficiency.
What English language proficiency tests does the University of Chester accept and what are the scores required?
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The University of Chester accepts IELTS Academic with a score of 6.0 overall (with 5.5 in each component), TOEFL iBT with a score of 79, and Pearson PTE Academic with a score of 56.
Does the University of Chester offer any scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, the University of Chester offers scholarships such as the International Excellence Scholarship, which provides up to a £3,000 tuition reduction, and the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, offering a £2,000 award.
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