Location
Where you’ll be based is a key consideration when thinking about postgraduate study. At the University of Chester, we deliver a large proportion of our courses at our sites in Chester, and with great transport links, commuting to Chester for your studies is easy. Chester is quick and convenient to reach by car and public transport from areas such as Manchester, Liverpool and North Wales. Depending on what you’re interested in studying, we also offer courses at our University Centres in Warrington, Shrewsbury and Birkenhead.
Living Costs
We know the cost of living increase means finances are tight for a lot of people right now, but financial support is available if you’re looking to pursue a postgraduate degree. You can apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,836 for courses starting after August 2022. Currently, you only start making repayments once your income is over the current threshold of £403 a week, £1,750 a month or £21,000 per year. Also, the University of Chester offers postgraduate bursaries and scholarships you may be eligible for.
Furthermore, graduates of the University of Chester may be eligible for a 25% discount against qualifying full-priced postgraduate taught Master’s courses through our Graduate Loyalty Discount. Also, our Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS) course allows you to receive academic recognition for the skills and knowledge developed through real workplace learning, allowing you to ‘earn while you learn’. Alongside this, the University of Chester offers a range of incentives to help students financially, such as financial advice and guidance from the Your Money team, free loan equipment and discounted and free food and drink.
Career Prospects
Postgraduate study can be a massive benefit to your career prospects; the government’s Graduate labour market statistics 2021 showed postgraduates have higher rates of employment than graduates and non-graduates, are more likely to be in high-skilled employment and that on average full-time employed, working-age postgraduates earn on average £6,000 more per year than graduates, with average salaries of £42,000 compared to£36,000.
At Chester, we have a range of Careers and Employability services and support options available to help you advance in your chosen career. Our friendly and knowledgeable Career Consultants can provide you with impartial support, information, advice and guidance. You can also get involved in our Career Workshops to gain and develop the skills, knowledge and attributes to help you succeed, and attend ‘Employer in the Foyer’ events to find out about available vacancies and employment opportunities. You can also boost your CV with volunteering opportunities, take part in our employability award, the Chester Difference Award, or develop self-employment skills, knowledge, confidence and connections through the Venture Programme.
University Reputation
Our postgraduate offering at the University of Chester really speaks for itself. Through the work of our academic staff and collaborators, the University has been assessed as having more than half of our submitted research as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework, 2021). We were also voted in the top ten nationally for Postgraduate Study (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2022).
We’re proud to offer excellent student support, a commitment to equality and diversity and to welcome all students and help you succeed regardless of what stage of life you’re at. We work hard to ensure our postgraduate students gain the skills needed to navigate their future with confidence.
Find out more about studying a postgraduate degree at the University of Chester.
