Our Graduation Gallery from the March 2026 ceremonies is now live! 

Take a moment to relive the achievements and special moments from our latest cohort of graduates. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for all the latest Alumni updates and events taking place across the University (Instagram: @chesteralumni & Facebook: University of Chester Alumni Network) 

Happy photo hunting! 

Click here to explore the gallery 

We’re delighted to share that the University has been shortlisted in six categories at the prestigious Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) 2026, the only UK higher education awards entirely voted for and judged by students. 

The University of Chester has been recognised across the following categories:  

• University of the Year    
• Lecturers and Teaching Quality    
• International   
• Postgraduate   
• Student Support   
• Halls and Student Accommodation  

The winners of each category will be announced at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards ceremony on 21st May 2026.

Earlier this year, we began highlighting the various 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: the Chester Exchange Project! 

The Chester Exchange Project is a newly launched career mentoring programme designed to connect current students and recent graduates (within the last 15 months) with industry professionals through a one‑to‑one mentoring relationship. 

The programme aims to support students and recent graduates in building confidence, exploring career options and developing meaningful professional connections within the region. 

What is involved?  

Successful applicants will take part in three mentoring conversations over a three‑month period. This includes an in‑person networking lunch and mentoring event hosted at Chester Town Hall on Thursday 11th June 2026, from 1pm–3.30pm. 

Successful participants must be available to attend the Chester Town Hall event on 11th June, take part in an online induction session and arrange mentoring meetings with their assigned mentor. 

Who can apply?  

Applications are now open to recent graduates who completed their studies within the last 15 months. 

To apply to be matched with a professional mentor, please complete The Chester Exchange Project 2026 - Mentoring Programme Application Form 

Please note: Places are limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee participation. 

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact the Mentoring Team at careermentoring@chester.ac.uk 

The Graduate Outcomes Survey is a national survey for recent graduates to share where your course has taken you; whether you’re working, studying further, or something else entirely!  

Your feedback helps current and future students make informed decisions about their future and shapes the way courses at the University are developed. 

🎓 Did you complete your course between November 2024 and January 2025?  

If so, you will have been sent the survey link by email, so please check your inbox. 

Can’t find it? Email us at graduateoutcomes@chester.ac.uk, and we’ll be happy to resend it to you. 

If we’re unable to contact you by email, you may receive a phone call. The caller will introduce themselves as calling from IFF Research on behalf of the University of Chester. However, completing the survey online is the quickest and easiest option.

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

We recently spoke with several University of Chester Alumni to explore how studying their degree at Chester had a lasting impact on their career aspirations and helped shape the people they are today. 

To read their stories, along with other Chester Made features, you can read more here. 

If you have a story about how the University supported you on your journey and would like to share it, please share your story. We’d love to hear from you.

Interested in learning a new language this year? 

Bookings for our five-week Modern Languages Taster Courses (beginning in May) are now open!    

All courses run once a week from 6.30pm–8.30pm at Exton Park, starting on 18th May and running until the week commencing 15th June. 

Courses usually cost £99, but a £24 discount is available exclusively to our Alumni community, reducing the price to £75. 

To receive your discount code, please complete this Alumni form. A code will be sent to you on either a Tuesday or a Thursday. Please note that requests for codes via email will not be accepted. 

For more information on the languages available, timetables, locations and enrolment, please visit our courses pages. 

Some courses are extremely popular, so please book early to avoid disappointment!  

Once you have received your discount code, you can book your place here! 

Theology and Religious Studies Postgraduate 'Find Out More' Event 

• Wednesday 6th May 2026 
• 2pm – 4:30pm 
• Hollybank, Parkgate Road, Chester & Online  

These sessions offer the opportunity to meet some of our academic staff, learn more about Theology and Religious Studies at Chester, explore the course content and flexible study options, and ask any questions you may have. We’d love to see you there. 

For more information please email trs@chester.ac.uk or book your place here. 

PGCE Open Evening 

• Thursday 7th May 2026  
• 5.30pm – 7pm 
• Exton Park, Chester 

The University of Chester’s Primary and Secondary PGCE courses are designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in teaching following your undergraduate degree. Our one‑year, Level 7 courses combine practical classroom experience with evidence‑based teaching approaches, helping you to develop the skills and confidence needed to inspire and educate young learners. 

Join us at our upcoming open evening to find out more about our PGCE programmes and how they can help you make a difference. 

Book your place here. 

Postgraduate Open Evening 

• Wednesday 10th June 2026 
• 5.30pm – 7pm 
• Exton Park, Chester 

Thinking about further study or your next career move? Join us at our Postgraduate Open Evening this June to meet our academic teams, explore our postgraduate courses and discover how studying at Chester can support your professional ambitions. 

As alumni of the University of Chester or one of its Associate Colleges, you may be eligible for our Graduate Loyalty Discount on tuition fees. 

Book Your Place 

The Research and Innovation Office would like to warmly invite all Alumni to attend the Postgraduate Academic Research Conference (PARC) 2026. 

• Monday 22nd June – Wednesday 24th June  
• 9am – 4pm  
• Binks Building (Room 107), Exton Park, Chester 

The packed three-day event features student presentations, student posters, staff research posters, workshops, plenary talks, and numerous opportunities to network with like‑minded researchers. 

There will be lots of exciting postgraduate research presentations and workshops, as well as opportunities to network with students and staff. It is a fantastic opportunity for those aspiring to start their postgraduate journey to come along and listen to the wide range of research being presented. 

Registration to attend closes in the first week of June, and we’d recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. 

To register for the event, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact pgrevents@chester.ac.uk. 

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: 

• University of Chester international students report outstanding experience in global survey 
• University of Chester students celebrate £5,000 Santander Scholarships 
• University professor makes history with higher doctorate honour 

…and plenty more stories from across our university community. 

May is the time to start planting warm-season crops. 

Earth up potatoes and start planting more vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and beans to have healthy food on demand at home in the summer (they’ll go perfectly with the incoming BBQs!).  

May can be a busy time, with life picking up the pace and diaries filling quickly. Taking short moments to pause can help prevent stress from building up and support balanced energy levels 

This month, try checking in with your routines. Are you taking regular breaks, drinking enough water and properly switching off at the end of the day? Even a few minutes away from your screen, a gentle stretch, or stepping outside for some fresh air can make a real difference.