Chester Festival of Ideas is returning (Thursday July 3 to Sunday July 6) after its inaugural success in 2024 with guests for this year including Hannah Cockroft OBE, a seven-time Paralympian champion, and Kate Adie CBE, former chief news correspondent for the BBC! We look forward to thee four days of inspiration, learning and celebration, this July.

Responding to great feedback from last year’s Festival of Ideas, it will again feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and immersive events.

How can you get involved? 
You can: 

• Submit an event idea - Submissions close on Monday, March 31.
• Volunteer at the Festival – email ideasfestival@chester.ac.uk to find out more about how you can volunteer for one or more days of the festival. We are looking for volunteers to help welcome attendees to the Festival, signpost them to events and help us to showcase our University.
• Attend -  A full programme for the Festival and ticket booking for events will open in early May 2025.

For further information on the Festival, please visit: https://festivalofideas.chester.ac.uk/

The University of Chester is truly built on the foundations of charity. We want to give every student at Chester, the opportunity to flourish and navigate their futures successfully - you can help to achieve this. By making a one-off or regular donation, you can help a current student build on their social capital – to create meaningful connections during their time at university, and enhance their academic, personal and career growth. 

Our university is so lucky to have such an engaged Alumni community. You are part of our past, present, and future, and we look forward to continuing our story with you.

Find out more about supporting the University at chester.ac.uk/giving

Are you looking to enhance your skills, increase your earning potential, or advance your career by returning to education?

Join us at our Postgraduate Open Evening and explore the variety of postgraduate study options available at the University of Chester, including postgraduate research, PGCE and conversion courses.

We’re hosting an Open Evening in Chester, giving you the chance to learn more about your chosen field of study:

• Exton Park, Chester – Wednesday 26th March at 5.30pm

At this event, you'll have the opportunity to meet with academic staff and speak to experts from support areas, such as postgraduate finance and admissions.

Additionally, you may be eligible for our Graduate Loyalty Discount, offering 20% off qualifying postgraduate taught Master’s courses.

Book now to secure your place for our Postgrad Open Evening and visit us on campus to learn more!

We have lots of great events coming up in February including the latest from the Chester Ideas event series. 

On Wednesday February 12th join us for a talk from Professor Paul Worsfold (University of Chester / UK Sports Institute) – “How do you optimise performance of Team GB athletes at the Olympics?”

In preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Team GB developed and launched a state-of-the-art high-performance facility in the heart of Rio, designed specifically to enhance the performance and medal potential of British athletes. This facility, known as the ‘Performance Lodge,’ was an essential component of Team GB’s operational setup during the Games. In this presentation, Professor Paul Worsfold, a member of the ‘Performance Lodge’ team since 2016, will delve into the meticulous planning and specialised services that go into creating a high-performance environment. He will discuss how such a facility not only boosts athletes’ chances of winning medals but also supports their overall well-being during the Olympic Games.

Book a place here. 

On Thursday February 13th join us for a talk from Dr Sohail Mushtaq – “Vitamin D – it’s not just for bones!”

Vitamin D is essential not only for bone health and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis, but also plays a significant role in regulating the immune system, helping to fend off infections and reduce inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency may also potentially impact chronic disease outcomes. Dr Sohail Mushtaq will delve into the importance of the ‘sunshine vitamin’ and share the findings of research into vitamin D and health, conducted at the University of Chester.

Book a place here. 

View more events here. 

On our BACP-accredited Master's in Clinical Counselling course, you will train to be a professional, person-centred counsellor. This online information session has been designed to highlight how our MA can help you achieve this rewarding career path, and succeed in this professional field.

You’ll gain insight into our comprehensive course structure, which combines evidence-based theory with advanced practical skills and is fully focused on a person-centred approach. Our learning programme ensures you’re equipped to provide high-quality, ethical counselling to individuals in need.

Join us for an online session on Thursday 30th January at 6.30pm, where you’ll learn about the benefits of studying with an experienced, supportive faculty, and see how our course can guide you towards becoming a fully qualified, compassionate professional. This is your opportunity to take the first step toward a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference in people's lives.

Book your place here. 

Did you find love at the University of Chester?  

It's almost that time of year again and we want to hear your love stories!! Whether you met your partner or found an everlasting friendship - we want to hear your story of finding love at Chester.  

To get involved, please email your love story, please include names and years studied with us, to alumni@chester.ac.uk and we will share these on Valentine's Day.

Each month the University shares a wide range of news updates which you can follow on the website’s ‘News Page’.  
       
Highlights this month include a charity single by University of Chester staff, students and recent graduates made a record-breaking climb to join Calvin Harris, Rihanna, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Diplo and more in the top five of a major UK club chart.
  
Our news also includes publishing success in culture and society at the University of Chester, psychologists discuss human behaviour in The Traitors, Chester Festival of Ideas returns with well-known names and call-out to the community and much more!    
     
Head over to the website now to read more.

We are always looking for Graduate stories to share on our alumni blog. It’s packed full of Chester Alumni experiences throughout the years, and we would love to add yours! Whether it’s about your current situation or your time at the University of Chester, get in touch with us at alumni@chester.ac.uk to add your story!  
   
 And if you’re looking for ideas and inspiration from your fellow alumni, why not have a read now?! 

Get yourself a sustainable cuppa

No matter the time of the year, a kettle is guaranteed to be boiling in the UK! We would never want to stop enjoying a nice morning coffee or afternoon brew, so how can we be sustainable with our hot drinks? Luckily tea is a relatively eco-friendly drink, with lots of brands offering plastic-free teabags. Lots of shops also give you a reward for using a reusable cup – whether it be more points on your loyalty card, or even money off your drink, making a habit of bringing your reusable cup can help save you some money!  

Development and Alumni Relations Office (DARO)

T: +44 (0)1244 511171
E: alumni@chester.ac.uk
W: www.chester.ac.uk/alumni

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