It’s one of our favourite moments of the year, and one we are sure many of you remember very fondly. Later this month, we will be hosting six graduation ceremonies across two days in the beautiful and historic Chester Cathedral.

A huge congratulations to everyone graduating later this month. We cannot wait to welcome the Class of 2026 into our ever‑growing Alumni Community.

If you take any graduation photos across the two special days, make sure to tag us! (Instagram: @chesteralumni & Facebook: University of Chester Alumni Network)

We can’t wait to see your memories!

We’re currently looking for submissions for our Chester Made campaign!

Chester Made is about celebrating where your degree takes you, from your first steps on campus to the career successes that follow.

If you have a story of how the University helped you on your employment journey that you’d like to share, please submit your story. We’d love to hear it!

Share your story and help show what it truly means to be Chester Made.

Last month, we began highlighting the different ways the Careers and Employability Team continues to support our graduates and alumni beyond their time at the University.

This month, we are focusing on our next key theme: Get a Graduate Job.

Whether you are nearing the end of your degree or have already graduated, you may be thinking about your next career step. Securing a graduate‑level role can feel overwhelming, but the Careers and Employability Team is here to help make the process feel more manageable.

Through the Get a Graduate Job initiative, you can explore a wide range of graduate opportunities across a variety of sectors. You will also have access to personalised application and interview support to help you feel confident and prepared as you take your next steps.

If you would like to see what is currently available, you can explore the latest vacancies here.

Employers continue to post new roles on CareerHub throughout the year, so there is always something new to discover. If you would like these opportunities to arrive directly in your inbox, simply complete this short form to stay up to date with the latest graduate listings.

• Wednesday 11th March 
• 1pm-4.30pm
• Riverside Innovation Centre 

Join the University for an inspiring, enjoyable, and energising afternoon open to people of all genders as we celebrate gender equity and this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain.

This event focuses on the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, which encourages generosity, collaboration, and shared progress.

The afternoon will open with a welcome from Professor Emma Rees, Director of the University’s Institute of Gender Studies and co‑organiser of this fantastic event.

Emma will be followed by an address from our Vice‑Chancellor, Professor Eunice Simmons. Women Vice‑Chancellors make up only a third of UK University leaders, and we are proud that our own VC champions gender equality across the University and within the regional committees and boards she serves on.

We are also delighted to welcome University alumna Pat Ransome, who will be sharing her experiences and reflections as we mark the 65th anniversary of women students being admitted to the University (then Chester College). Pat will also speak about how she has stayed connected and continued to give back to the University since graduating in 1972.

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 Event and explore the variety of postgraduate study options available at the University of Chester, including taught Master’s, postgraduate research, PGCE and conversion courses.

• Wednesday 25th March
• 5:30pm 
• Exton Park, Chester

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.

Find out more about our Postgraduate Open Event

Living with Functional Seizures – The struggle for legitimacy and the medical gaze 

• Wednesday 11th March
• 6pm – 7:30pm
• CSE016 – Cinema Room, School of Education Building, Exton Park

This lecture will be presented by Professor Paul Bissell, Pro Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the University of Chester, and Dr. Marian Peacock, Honorary Lecturer in Public Health, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield.

Book your ticket

Nothing About Us Without Us: Developing a Framework for Inclusive Environmental Justice, lecture by Professor Chantal Davies 

• Thursday 12th March 
• 6pm - 7.15pm
• Senate House Exhibition Space, Exton Park

Chantal is both a solicitor and Professor of Law, Equality and Diversity at the University of Chester. In her research and teaching, Chantal has spent considerable time exploring issues surrounding gender and justice. This has led to groundbreaking work into positive action as a means to address inequalities and to open the way for people from all backgrounds to enter the legal profession.

In recent years, Chantal has also started to explore the crucial subject of environmental justice, which will be the topic of the talk. With the climate crisis accelerating, this is an important moment to consider how deep global inequalities that affect communities in very different ways can be bridged.

Book your ticket

Chester has once again been awarded the Purple Flag accreditation which recognises the city’s safe, vibrant, and well‑managed evening and night‑time scene.  

The city has held this status since 2018 and will also host the Purple Flag Awards on 17th March this year.  

Areas which are awarded the Purple Flag status are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents. 

Each month the University shares a wide range of news updates which you can follow on the website’s ‘News Page’. 

This month’s highlights include:

• Children's author Sue Graves grateful for time studying in Chester as she collects MBE honour
• Chester Business School student raises more than £3,600 for Mind through a Go Karting championship
• Student volunteers join together for community litter pick

…and plenty more stories from across our University community.

Spring’s the time for a good declutter and clean, and what has been pre-loved by you could be loved again by someone else. 

Rather than sending items to landfill, donate, repair or sell your stuff first – you could even have your own clothes swap with friends and family! Not sure how to repair an item yourself? Pop into your local Repair Café.  

Are you struggling to get things done? Remember, our energy levels fluctuate throughout the day so, if you can, try to get the most important or the most challenging ones done when your energy levels are at their highest.

This may take a little planning - try using the Eisenhower Matrix to help you to prioritise.