Next week, between Tuesday 4 November and Friday 7 November, Graduations will be taking place in Chester Cathedral.   

If you are attending your Graduation next week, we want to say a massive congratulations to you and we hope you enjoy your special day! You can find all of the key information you need to know ahead of your day here.   

You can collect your gown and have your photo taken in the Town Hall. Although booking isn't compulsory, we would advise you to consider booking in advance to avoid congestion on the day. You should allow enough time to have your photographs taken and be at the Cathedral at least 30 minutes before your ceremony start time. Photography studios will remain open until 5:30pm so there is also the option to have your photographs taken after the ceremony.

Please visit our website for the timings for photography and gown collection.
 
The Cathedral doors will open approximately 45 minutes before the ceremony is due to start. You and your guests should arrive at the Cathedral, having first collected your gown, no later than 30 minutes before the ceremony start time. Doors will close 10 minutes before the ceremony start time.

Find more information about your graduation ceremonies here: chester.ac.uk/graduation

• Wednesday 3 December 2025
• 6.30pm - 8pm
• School of Education, Exton Park

Tea and coffee will be served from 6pm.

In this lecture, Professor Rob Noonan will challenge the dominant narrative that economic growth is the solution to society’s problems, arguing instead that its relentless pursuit often undermines progress toward health goals. He will challenge conventional thinking that there are no desirable alternatives and will provide a roadmap for how we might build a healthier, fairer future.  

We are on the lookout for more Graduate Profiles to showcase the fabulous professional work our alumni have undertaken since leaving the University of Chester.

If you’ve gone on to do brilliant things in the arts (and we know you have), we’d love to feature your story on our course pages to share your success and inspire future students.

To take part, just share a few reflections by answering these questions:

• Why did you choose Chester?
• What did you enjoy most about your course?
• What advice would you give someone thinking of studying your subject?
• What graduate role have you taken on, and what does it involve day-to-day?
• How did your time at Chester prepare you for your current role?
• Did you take part in any extracurricular activities, societies, or internships while studying?

Please also send a photo (of yourself or your work) that you’re happy for us to feature on the website.

Please send this information to d.robinson@chester.ac.uk and if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in contact.

• Wednesday 26 November
• 6.30pm - 8pm
• School of Education, Exton Park

All Together Fairer is Cheshire and Merseyside’s collaborative approach to improving health equity and the social determinants of health in the subregion.

The Programme brings together public, private and third sector organisations with one shared aim: to build a fairer, healthier Cheshire and Merseyside.  
This year’s Haygarth lecture describes the All Together Fairer Programme and explores what that looks like for us locally in Cheshire West and Chester.  

Haygarth celebrates the legacy of 18th Century physician, Dr John Haygarth, who pioneered disease control measures. Described as 'Clinical Investigator - Apostle of Sanitation', he helped stem a smallpox epidemic threatening the city's population in the late 1700s whilst practising Medicine at Chester Royal Infirmary. 

Tea and coffee will be served beforehand and a complimentary drink will be available afterwards.

Are you a recent UK graduate seeking graduate-level experience for your CV?

As part of our Chester Internships Scheme, our brand-new Graduate Traineeships go live on 3 November. Don’t miss your chance to apply! Mark the date in your diary and head over to CareerHub to explore our exciting opportunities. 

Graduate Traineeships are paid internships which offer graduate-level roles, helping you become more employable. You could be working within an SME, supporting a new start-up business or making a difference within a charity, non-profit organisation or social enterprise, gaining professional experience for your CV. 

We have a range of diverse roles, designed to be flexible. You can propose working part-time, if full-time doesn’t suit you. And, we have remote, hybrid, and on-premises opportunities too. 

Our traineeships are supportive in nature giving you real-world experience with a host employer. You can:

• Earn £2,431.80 for 180 hours while gaining real-world, graduate-level experience
• Work alongside industry experts and develop skills to enhance your CV
• Network with professionals and build connections for your future
• Make a lasting impression - some traineeships may lead to a permanent role. 

There’s something for everyone, giving you the opportunity to develop skills for your future career. We’re recruiting for Graphic Designers, Events Management Interns, Marketing and Social Media Interns, a Community Artist, Writer and more!

If you want to find out more, check your eligibility to apply or have questions, head over to CareerHub and take a look at our Info Page. Alternatively, email the team at internships@chester.ac.uk.

The Getting Hired Toolkit is a new flexible, on-demand and bite-size set of topics with engaging activities designed to help build your self-confidence, explore your next steps and understand key stages of the application process. Enhance your CV and cover letter, practice interview questions and develop an action plan - all on demand for up to two years after Graduation.

Want to be Recruitment Ready? Complete the 4 Core + 1 Optional + an Action Plan topics and celebrate your progress with the Recruitment Ready badge.

Start today by opening the Getting Hired Toolkit and completing your first topic today.

As a recent graduate, you might be thinking about your next career step or searching for your first graduate-level role. Securing a job after University can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help!

Our 'Get a Graduate Job' initiative connects you with graduate roles from various sectors, offered by employers that we partner with. You’ll also get application and interview support from the Careers and Employability Team. What’s not to love? Check out the latest vacancies here. Click here for support with logging in as a graduate.

Employers will be regularly posting their opportunities on CareerHub all-year round. If you want to receive these directly in your inbox, simply fill out this short form and we’ll do the rest!

Wondering what comes next after graduation? We’ve got you covered.
Join us for the “You’ve Graduated, What Next?” webinar - a free, practical session packed with career tips, insights, and inspiration to help you take your next steps with confidence.

• Tuesday 4 November
• 10am - 1pm
• Online
• Free

Hosted by Barrie Grey, President of AGCAS, the webinar features expert speakers including:

• Martin Edmondson, CEO of AGCAS
• Angela Standish, Head of Careers, University of Chester
• Laurie Stewart, Mindless Academy
• Dr Claire Tyler, Institute of Student Employers
• Representatives from top employers like Enterprise, RSA Group, PwC, and Teach First

Whether you're job hunting, considering further study, or just exploring your options, this session will give you valuable insights and practical advice.

Find out more and book your place now

If you completed your course between May and July 2024, the Graduate Outcomes survey is now open, and we want to hear from YOU! Whether you’re working, studying, or exploring new opportunities, this is your chance to share what you’ve been up to since leaving the University of Chester.

The survey takes just a few minutes, and your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of higher education and supporting current and future students.

You should have already received an email with a link to complete the survey. If you haven’t, please get in touch at graduateoutcomes@chester.ac.uk so we can resend the link.

For further information, visit www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk.

Thanks for being part of our alumni community – your story matters! 

If you’re considering your next academic or professional step, join us at our Postgraduate Open Evening to discover your options.

We're hosting our next event in November, where you'll have the chance to explore your potential study areas and ask any questions that you may have about postgraduate study at Chester:

• Wednesday 26 November
• 5.30pm - 7pm
• Exton Park, Chester

You'll get the chance to chat with academic staff and learn about postgraduate finance and accommodation. Plus, you may be eligible for our Graduate Loyalty Discount scheme, which offers a 20% discount on tuition fees for certain postgraduate Master’s courses. So why wait? 

Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, change direction or enhance your career prospects, postgraduate study could be your next step.
Book your Postgraduate Event online today and visit us on campus to find out more.

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

This month includes University of Chester graduate Victor Aston who has been announced as the 253rd Certified Global Tech Hero, in The Connected Awards.

Our news also includes the University being awarded a gold level certification for its sustainability activities, a Psychology student being shortlisted for the inaugural UK Council for International Student Affairs’ (UKCISA) WeAreInternational Awards and much more!      

With a rise in energy prices, creative ways to stay cosy during the colder months is more important than ever. We all know to embrace layers, fill up that hot water bottle and use draft stoppers and thermal curtains, but have you considered turning an old fleece into mittens?

If sewing’s not your thing, then something as simple as using a travel mug at home can keep your hot drinks warmer for longer – meaning less trips to your kettle or microwave!