Faculty of Health and Social Care
Your Inside Guide to the University of Chester
GET WHAT COUNTS
Congratulations on receiving your offer of a place at the University of Chester.
We’d love to welcome you into our student community, where you will be given opportunity after opportunity to get the most from your degree and your time as a student. You probably still have lots of decisions to make about which university is the best fit for you. This guide will give you a flavour of what you can expect from the University of Chester, as well as the next steps in your application. Take a look at our student stories, see what Chester has to offer and be inspired by what could be in store for you.
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Contents 4-7 GET WHAT COUNTS 6-7 What matters to you?
8-17 GET CONNECTED 10-12 13 14-15 16-17
It’s all about your future Be a student with a difference Practice placements Think global
18-35 GET FUTURE-FOCUSED 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-33 34-35
Teaching sites Wheeler University Centre Warrington University Centre Birkenhead University Centre Shrewsbury Make a difference Here for you Learn from someone who’s been there
36-51 GET INVOLVED 38-39 40-41 42-43 44-46 47 48-49 50-51
Student quality ambassadors Get active Team Chester Join the club Languages for All Lend a hand Green Chester
52-59 GET READY 54-55 56-57 58 59
Visit us / Choose Chester Apply for student funding Apply for accommodation Stay in the loop
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GET WHAT COUNTS At the University of Chester, we want you to get what counts for you. We’ll get you connected to people who will help your career, get you skilled up to face the future with confidence, and offer you opportunity after opportunity to develop as a person and make memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll look back, amazed at how far you’ve come.
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What matters to you? We want our graduates to feel like they can make a real difference in the world. Whichever area of health and social care you are studying, our quality courses focus on global and practical issues that really matter, giving you the skills to navigate constant change in an environment that develops self-worth and resilience. What’s more, our aim is to make your whole university experience as fulfilling and valuable as possible – and this guide will show you how we do that. Through the opportunities, support structures and experiences we offer throughout your degree, you can be sure to leave us ready to take your place in the world, having had the best possible time along the way. Our teaching and learning philosophy
A blended learning experience
All our teaching is guided by research - our staff are experts in their field and ensure that courses, modules and learning activities are all informed by relevant research and practice. But we also focus on teaching excellence and a social learning experience. For example, through working on applied or collaborative projects with fellow students, you will feel part of a real community from day one. Even before you arrive, you’ll be supported by your very own Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), and taught by staff who’ll inspire you, and who will go the extra mile to support your ambitions.
We understand the value of learning in person and being part of a community, so our approach supports and promotes social learning. This ensures we put as much emphasis on in-person teaching as we do on digital learning, allowing students to get the best of both worlds.
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Graduate: Rebecca Clarke BN (Hons) Adult Nursing “I made the decision to move from Northern Ireland to study at the University of Chester after visiting and being impressed by both the city and nursing department. I have been tested again and again which has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. For my final placement, I opted in to work during the coronavirus pandemic. My prior experience, and the support I received throughout practice and my studies, has given me the confidence and desire to make a difference.”
To find out more about university life, chat to our students by visiting chester.ac.uk/ask or by downloading the Unibuddy app.
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GET CONNECTED At Chester, we’ll help you to make career connections throughout your degree. You will be taught by academics who are registered nurses, midwives and social workers who will help you to build your contacts and support you through your practice placements. We also offer opportunities to travel abroad, giving you the chance to explore a new country and culture, all whilst extending your network overseas. You’ll also be encouraged to create an e-portfolio that evidences all the experience and skills you’ve gained, so that you leave us a step ahead, connected to a global network of people who are eager to help you on your way.
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It’s all about your future Our Careers team will be on hand to help you from the moment you start with us and will support you long after you graduate. They provide an inclusive and impartial service tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, with a variety of employability-enhancing experiences through the curriculum, employer contacts and advice and guidance. We are really proud of all the students we have helped so far - with over 96% of our student nurses and 94% of our midwifery students gaining full-time employment or further education once qualified*. *Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018 -19
Our Careers team can help you with: • Paid workplace experiences • Unijob; our recruitment service for paid on-campus jobs • The Chester Difference Award; the University’s employability award • Careers guidance • Support for selection processes • Exploring careers and developing skills through our Careers Workshops and resources including webinars and videos
• Job opportunity searches using our in-house vacancy system • Networking opportunities, employer links, guest speakers and
bespoke advice for your course or sector
• The Venture Programme; supporting students who are looking to start up their own business or pursue a freelancing career
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Our Careers team also provide personalised support for Nursing and Midwifery students which includes: • Access to a range of online resources and videos tailored specifically for nurses and midwives • Support with preparing a professional portfolio • Advice on finding nursing and midwifery jobs • Individual and group support with navigating the recruitment process applications, interviews and assessment centres • Individual support to help guide your career planning, through 1-1 online or face-to-face guidance appointments
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• The Careers In Health, Wellbeing and Social Care event, part of a programme of sector-specific, employer, and Careers Fest activities for all students from any programme • Access to the full range of services and initiatives provided by Careers and Employability for students and graduates, including the Chester Difference Award (the University’s employability award), extra-curricular Career Workshops, the Venture Programme (supporting self-employment, freelancing or setting up a business), UniJob, and Workplace Experiences.
Be a student with a difference Become a student with a difference and gain recognition for a variety of extra-curricular activities you complete during your time at Chester. The Chester Difference Award (CDA) is an employability award which provides the opportunity for you to gain recognition for a range of extra-curricular activities that you may undertake. You will develop techniques that showcase your skills and experiences to future employers. • • • • •
Progress your career thinking Articulate your skills Understand the recruitment process Develop your enterprising skills Build your network
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Practice placements Placements form a crucial part of your degree, and we want to make sure that you get the most out of them. So, to help with this, you will be supported and mentored by practice-based staff, and your PEF (Practice Education Facilitator) who will oversee your placement. You can be placed in the independent, private and voluntary sectors as well as the NHS and local authorities.
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Gabrielle Hine BN (Hons) Children’s Nursing Placement at Macclesfield Hospital “In my first year as a Paediatric Student Nurse, I studied in Macclesfield on the children’s ward. I couldn’t have wished for a better experience. It’s very nerve-racking when you first enter a ward as a first-year student, but the staff at Macclesfield made me feel so welcome. It’s the staff that make it such a special place to train. I have had fantastic mentors on my placements which has made a real difference. Spending time with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, community nurses and surgeons, has also widened my experiences. I never thought I would experience such variety in a placement! Every day is completely different to the last.”
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Think global Broaden your horizons, experience another country and extend your network overseas with our Negotiated Practice module.* *Subject to any travel restrictions that may be in place.
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Aimee Wardle BN (Hons) Adult Nursing
“We had three fantastic weeks out in Thailand. We volunteered in a hospital which served the ten surrounding villages. We were involved in numerous clinics such as hypertension clinic, cervical screening, new born baby checks and dental check-ups for children in primary school. We looked forward to getting out into the villages as it was so interesting to see how the local Thai people lived. It was amazing to see how different healthcare is over there - it made me really appreciate the NHS and the services that it provides. If I had the chance to do NPE again, I would absolutely do it. I have gained memories that will last a lifetime and skills and knowledge that I don’t think I would have gained here in the UK.”
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GET FUTUREFOCUSED Enjoy a student experience at a university that supports your ambitions. Skill up, become a resilient graduate and face the future with confidence.
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Teaching sites Something that makes Chester unique is our specialist learning sites. At the University of Chester, we use simulation as a key teaching approach to allow us to place you into a ‘real life’ experience which provides you with the opportunity to practice your skills and develop your nursing competence in a safe and supportive way. We do this by providing a number of simulated environments from Ward Nursing, Critical Care, Assessment Areas, Community Home / Residential and Nursing settings, and also specialist areas such as Midwifery and Children’s Nursing. Within these settings, you will undertake activities which range from learning a skill to delivering care in an interprofessional team setting, and care for a cohort of patients. We have a range of locations to choose from, with sites in Chester, Warrington, Birkenhead and Shrewsbury. These high-quality teaching sites offer professional environments to match your needs. You will also have access to dedicated facilities which include lecture theatres, teaching rooms, virtual reality equipment and specialist library resources.
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Wheeler Wheeler is situated in the heart of Chester city centre, overlooking the River Dee. Whether you’re treating computerised mannequins in the hospital ward, or gaining practical experience in our brand-new simulation suite, our dedicated facilities provide a safe and professional environment in which you can develop your skill set before you start work.
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“The lecturers are really approachable, even when we’re on placement we can get in touch with them, and they aim to visit us while on placement. I also have my own mentor whilst out on placement which is amazing. I like the location of Wheeler - being able to walk along the river or straight into the city centre is great. It’s been nice to get to know other students from other fields of nursing – I’ve made lots of friends since studying here.” Jackie McDonald BN (Hons) Children’s Nursing
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University Centre Warrington Our Warrington site offers a friendly and close-knit community and, from 2022, we’ll be based at our new town centre location offering brand new facilities. Our highly experienced, research-active staff are on hand to help you and make sure you’re feeling confident before you head out on placement.
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Graduate: James Locke BN (Hons) Mental Health Nursing “The best thing about the course is the intimate and personal nature of it; the lecturers know you personally and genuinely want you to succeed. They are always available to support you when you need it and, with their guidance, I was able to achieve a First Class degree and a position as a Mental Health Nurse at St Mary’s Hospital, Warrington.”
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University Centre Birkenhead The University has recently invested in a brandnew teaching site on the Wirral. It contains all the latest tech including a fully-equipped skills laboratory, resembling a hi-tech hospital ward with virtual reality equipment. This offers the space and technology for you to practice clinical skills ahead of a range of hospital-and community-based simulated experiences.
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Student: Melissa Young BN (Hons) Adult Nursing “I chose the University of Chester, at first, as it was right on my doorstep. But, after attending a coffee morning at Marriss House and getting to meet the staff and current students, I was blown away. I was worried at first, as I’m a mature student with a young daughter. However, the University of Chester has Peer Mentors, Student Experience Reps, Personal Academic Tutors and so many services for support and guidance. Everyone has been so welcoming and understanding - the whole team listens and supports us wonderfully.”
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University Centre Shrewsbury At Shrewsbury, our supportive community of passionate, inspiring and friendly academics and support staff are committed to helping students realise their potential to become compassionate, competent and autonomous Adult Nurses. The course is delivered by experienced registered nurses who have expertise in both teaching and research. Our brand-new simulation suite provides both hospital and community style environments including human patient simulators, programmed to exhibit a range of symptoms to replicate real-life scenarios. The suite enables our students to observe, rehearse and practice realistic health-related scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.
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Make a difference We want our graduates to feel like they can make a real difference in the world, and we’ll give you the tools and support you need to achieve your full potential. Personal Academic Tutor Each first-year student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), meaning you’ll have your very own mentor to support you throughout your degree. Your PAT will guide and inspire you, shaping you into a confident graduate ready for whatever the future holds. Academic Skills Support Studying at university may seem a little different than what you’re used to, but the Academic Skills team have got all the tools to prepare and support you along the way. Our advisers can help you with: • Time management • Reading and note-making • Academic writing • Academic integrity and referencing • Revision and exams • Posters and presentations • Critical thinking • Reflective learning • Numeracy • Statistics • Quantitative analysis • Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software 30
One-to-ones, events and activities The team run regular group activities and have lots of pre-recorded sessions. If you want to develop a specific skill, or plan for the future, book a one-to-one with an adviser. ‘Feedback’ or ‘Feedforward’? Feedforward is the email advice you can receive before you hand in your assignments. The Skills Pod Want to know more before you enrol? Listen to The Skills Pod on Spotify to brush up on your skills. Online resources Since you’re a student you can access the Academic Skills and Maths and Statistics Moodle spaces for a wealth of online resources.
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Here for you Whether you have a specific need, or would just like some guidance, we have a whole package of professional student support in place for you, whenever you need it. • Tailored support and events for mature and commuting students • Disability and inclusion support • Specific team for international students • Financial support team • Wellbeing sessions and an active wellbeing programme
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• Counselling service • University childcare • Specific learning difference support • Study skills support • Induction and transition to university support
Tailored support The University has dedicated support packages for Young Adult Carers, Care-Experienced and Estranged Students. These support packages include a cash bursary and pastoral support. For more information, see page 61. The University’s Student Services Team also run welcome events prior to induction for mature students and commuting students. The events aim to help you feel more informed and relaxed as you start your studies.
Wellbeing and mental health The University has a Wellbeing and Mental Health Team comprising Disability and inclusion of Student Wellbeing Advisers, The Disability and Inclusion team Mental Health Advisers and Student support any student who has Counsellors who support students disclosed a disability during their throughout their time at university. academic studies at the University The team offers students practical of Chester. You may not think of information, support and advice yourself as disabled, but it’s worth about any issues that may be considering whether you may affecting their university experience. be entitled to support. The team They also deliver a programme support students who have a physical of virtual events on topics such impairment, mental health condition, as relaxation, sleeping better and specific learning difference, social/ managing low mood. communication impairment, longterm health condition or any other Members of staff from the University condition which meets the definition of Chester and University Centre of a disability under the Equality Act Shrewsbury have also been recording 2010. podcasts on different topics relating to student experience. Head to For more information, email studentsupport.buzzsprout.com to disability@chester.ac.uk listen now. 33
Learn from someone who’s been there All new students have the opportunity to have a Peer Mentor - a current student who can give you advice and recommendations on all things student life. Whether you want to know more about clubs and societies, student loans or the best place to eat in town - they can help! You can chat online or even meet for a coffee. However you choose, it’s a great way to find out more about student life at Chester. Once you’ve finished your first year, you’ll also have the option to become a Peer Mentor for new students joining us. This is a great opportunity to pass on your own advice and guidance and it will look great on your CV! For more information about Peer Mentoring, please email: peermentoring@chester.ac.uk.
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Getting to Know... What is the best way to budget and manage your finances in your first year? Student: Katie Halliday Peer Mentor BA (Hons) French and German – 4th Year
Do you have any tips for students living away from home? Stick it out if you find it hard at first! Some people may struggle to adapt to university life, but very often this changes. You just need to remember that everyone is in the same boat!
What do you recommend to help students ‘settle in’? Say ‘yes’ to every opportunity that is thrown your way because it will help you make friends and you may find something you didn’t think you’d enjoy.
Can you tell us what it’s like studying at degree level? It isn’t as difficult as you may be expecting. Your tutors will help you along the way and it is a very smooth transition.
Budgeting works differently for everyone. Some people choose to use apps and others choose to make notes of how much they’re spending. The best thing is to try a couple of different ways in your first few months to see what works best.
What do you wish you had known before starting university? I wish that I’d known how much support there is at the University, from technical support to wellbeing support. There is so much support in place to help you with any problems that you may have.
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor? The Peer Mentors at Chester have helped me in so many different ways, so I knew that when it came to my second year, I would want to help others in the same way. Being able to speak to other students and support them is really rewarding.
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GET INVOLVED You will create your own unique student experience based around your campus community and the opportunities you choose to take. Whether it’s learning a new skill, joining a sports team or setting up your own society, there are countless opportunities for you to make the most of.
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Student quality ambassadors As a Student Quality Ambassador you can help to promote good practice and challenge standards of care within the workplace. We’re proud to have been shortlisted for the Student Quality Ambassador (SQA) Project in the categories of the Best Student Experience and Partnership of the Year in the Student Nursing Times Awards 2021. It’s a great way to develop yourself and your career by: Improving your skills and confidence in leadership, motivation and organisation l
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Enhancing your CV
Networking with healthcare students across the North West l
Getting involved and making a difference in your chosen sector l
Meeting new people and having fun l
Giving you the opportunity to develop your own ideas from what inspires you. l
For further information about the scheme, contact sqa.admin@chester.ac.uk 38
“I wanted to be part of the Student Quality Ambassador programme to help improve maternity services. I hope in the future that I continue to inspire people and carry on working for the community and make a difference to the people I care for.” Azija Khanam BSc (Hons) Midwifery graduate
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Get active
Take a break from your studies and some time to yourself to get fit and feel good.
Sporting Facilities Sporting facilities in Chester include AstroTurf and grass pitches, a sports hall (which also provides courts for badminton, volleyball, and basketball), an athletics track, tennis courts, squash courts, floodlit 3-Pitch Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), and a 25m swimming pool. We also have a fitness centre with fitness classes and personal training sessions. At our other sites, students can make use of nearby sporting facilities and links with local sports clubs and organisations.
Active Campus A range of FREE activities aimed at getting more students active in a fun and friendly environment.
Active Wellbeing Programme A student support scheme that uses exercise and physical activity to help students make friends and foster a sense of belonging to the University.
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“There are a huge variety of sports at the University of Chester, that are supportive and inclusive. Joining a club is a fantastic way to make new friends and is a great way to become more involved in university life. It provides an extra sense of belonging as a student, as team mates and coaches cheer you on throughout the season. It is arguably my favourite aspect of university life!” Christa, 3rd Year Business Management student
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Team Chester As part of Team Chester, you could be coaching, mentoring or volunteering in a number of sporting areas, while gaining nationally recognised coaching qualifications in a variety of different sports. And, thanks to our links with local sports clubs and National Governing Bodies (NGBs), you could be training and competing in local and national leagues, as well as in the British Universities and Colleges (BUCS) leagues.
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Join the club
Chester Students’ Union (CSU) provides countless opportunities for you to get involved, make friends and have fun during your time at university.
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Getting to Know... How are the SU supporting students this year? We are back to business as usual. We have a free independent advice service which can offer support and advice to students on a huge range of issues. We will also be running campaigns, events and activities throughout the year which students can get involved in. So check out our social media pages for the latest up to date information. Jack Rankin Student’s Union President
What plans do you have for the SU for the next year?
I am really enjoying the role. It’s different from my role last year as VP [Vice President] and that comes with new challenges. I am able to influence change at a really pivotal time for the University which is super rewarding. It’s really nice to have students engaged and back on site again!
I am currently carrying out a democracy review to make sure our democratic structures, including officer positions, are the best they can be to represent all Chester students. I will also be working closely with both academic and professional services departments to ensure the student voice is embedded where it can be to benefit the student experience. The whole team at CSU have so many plans to make this year great!
How can students get involved with the SU?
Choose a film title for your Chester story so far.
How are you finding your time as SU President?
Get involved with societies - they are an amazing way to meet friends and like-minded people, they made my time at university. Secondly, get involved in campaigns, activism and make your student experience the best it can be.
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The Hobbit - it’s been a journey!
Languages for All If you’re looking to learn a new skill, there’s the opportunity to join one of our part-time language courses. All of our courses have a reduced rate of £100 and, better still, this fee is reimbursed once you’ve completed 80% of the course – so it’ll be completely free. You can choose from a range of languages including Arabic, French, German... Russian and Welsh.* For further information, you can email lsp@chester.ac.uk. *All courses will run subject to demand and will be offered virtually if necessary. 47
Lend a hand Volunteering at university is a great way to meet new people, build your transferrable skills and give back to your local community. The Volunteering and Mentoring team have a website dedicated to student volunteering, including a page where you can browse and apply to volunteering opportunities offered to students in the local area. As well as these opportunities, the team run a series of bespoke student-led volunteering opportunities that any student can get involved with! What experience do I need? No experience is necessary - just enthusiasm for the project and a willingness to learn. You will receive full training at the start of your project and will receive guidance and support from the Volunteering and Mentoring Team throughout your time as a Project Leader.
What will I gain? You will develop lots of key employability skills such as: • Communication • Teamwork • Planning • Confidence • Organisation • Project management You’ll also get to meet like-minded students and have the opportunity to make a real difference in the community.
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What are student-led projects?
Welly Wednesday
Student-led projects are volunteering projects led by students, for students! Project Leaders are recruited, trained and supported by the University’s Volunteering and Mentoring team to recruit student volunteers and deliver their project. Being involved in a student-led project, whether as a volunteer or as a Project Leader, is a great opportunity to give back to the local community whilst developing key employability skills.
Welly Wednesday is a project which encourages students to get involved in organised conservation activities in and around Chester. They run a number of conservation events throughout the year that students can sign up to as and when they are available. Events have previously included building hedgehog houses, helping maintain local parks and making bird houses!
What projects can I get involved with? Chester Student Dog Walkers:
On this project, volunteers combine their love of food with a desire to give back and help members of their community – they film cooking tutorials to share tips on healthy eating on a budget. These videos are then shared with charity partners, such as Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATCH), who then share the videos with their service users. Whether you would like to design the recipes, cook the dishes or film the process – there is something for everyone!
This highly successful project sees pairs of volunteers walking dogs for people in the local community who can no longer walk them themselves on a regular basis due to illness or injury. The project aims to ensure that dogs remain active with regular walks and is the ideal project for anyone who loves animals!
Letters Against Loneliness:
Chester Healthy Eating Workshops (CHEW)
This student-led project was set up to help combat loneliness and social isolation in members of the local community, by matching them with a student pen pal volunteer. Volunteers communicate regularly by letter, finding out about their pen pal’s hobbies and interests and providing much needed social interaction and connection.
Bonding Through Books Created by two English Literature students, this project was set up in response to the pandemic and the impact this had on young people’s education. The project follows the basic premise of a reading club, enabling children in the local area to be as expressive and creative as possible.
Start your own project Do you have an idea for your own student-led project? Whether you have a full project in mind or just some initial thoughts, it all starts with an idea. The Volunteering and Mentoring team can meet with you to discuss your ideas, as well as provide you with resources, training, support and opportunities to establish, advertise and promote your project.
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Green Chester
We have entered into a pivotal time for climate change, and sustainability is at the forefront of the University’s agenda. Our students work closely as part of the Green Team to help us reach our goals. There are lots of opportunities for students to introduce new initiatives, get really creative and put plans into action. All staff and students are encouraged to collaborate on award-winning sustainability events, like our Fix it Fair to share our repair and re-use expertise, or join in with our latest green initiatives such as Digital Climate Cafés and tree planting. Students can also join the People and Planet Society to make their mark during Go Green Week, or get their hands dirty on the on-campus allotment. We aim to inspire a greener generation and provide students with the sustainability skills employers want. To keep up-to-date with Green Chester and find out more about other initiatives, follow us on Facebook and Twitter or sign up to the Warble via greenchester@chester.ac.uk
Fortnightly Digital Climate Cafés, discussing a range of issues from fast fashion to plant-based diets
Green Chester Initiatives
Worked with departments from across the University to host Go Green Festival
51.635 tons of CO2 saved through students and staff making Do Nation pledges since 2013 50
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11 teams took part in the Climate Action programme in 2020/21
Over 30 water fountains have been installed saving over 500,000 plastic bottles Solar panels on 11 nonresidential buildings
Hedgehog Friendly Campus Bronze award New Sustainability Shop opened in September 2021 at Exton Park 56.55% of waste recycled and working towards a target of 65% of waste recycled by 2025
Car bon Lite rac y Launched Carbon Literacy Training for students and staff
Over 20,000 crisp packets recycled New Living Walls at Exton Park 51
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GET READY If you like the sound of what Chester has to offer, here’s our checklist of what happens next…
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Visit us Choose Chester Apply for student funding Apply for accommodation Stay in the loop
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Visit us Attending one of our events is a great way for you to explore our campus facilities and chat to staff and current students. Here are some dates to be aware of: Experience Days Experience Days are a chance for you to visit your campus and sample the student experience. Attend a subject session, take a tour around the facilities and chat with current students. Wheeler Building, Chester: - Saturday 5th February - Wednesday 16th February - Saturday 19th March - Saturday 23rd April - Saturday 21st May University Centre Warrington: - Saturday 12th February - Saturday 12th March - Saturday 2nd April - 16th – 27th May (Campus Tours)
University Centre Birkenhead: - Saturday 12th March - Thursday 7th April University Centre Shrewsbury: - Saturday 12th February - Saturday 12th March - Saturday 2nd April - 16th – 27th May (Campus Tours)
Meet Your Department - Live Online Events Taking place between 9th - 13th May, these live online sessions are your exclusive opportunity to attend taster lectures with fellow offer holders from your course and chat with staff and current students.
Choose Chester
It is super easy to accept your offer of a place at Chester. Simply login to UCAS Track and select Chester as your Firm (F) choice. You’ll also find the deadline for applying and replying to your offers on UCAS Track. Do not forget to also reply to each of your other offers. track.ucas.com If you have any queries about the application process, please contact our Admissions team. Tel: 01244 511000 Email: admissions@chester.ac.uk 55
Apply for student funding There are lots of financial support packages available to help you along on your university journey. It is best to apply as soon as possible to ensure that everything is in place for the start of term. For full details of tuition fees and maintenance loans, see our website: chester.ac.uk/finance Bursaries Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for one or more of the following University of Chester bursaries: • Chester Bursary Available to new Level 4 full-time undergraduate Home students (paying a tuition fee of over £6,000), and to continuing home students at Level 4 whose programme has included a Foundation Year (at Level 3), who have a means tested household income of £25,000 or less. Students studying on a course that attracts an NHS Bursary are not eligible for this bursary. Bursary: £1,500 Cash payments of £500 per level of study. • Chester Bursary for part-time students Available to new part-time undergraduate home students (paying a tuition fee of at least £7,000 full time equivalent), enrolled for a minimum of 40 credits at the start of Level 4, and with a means-tested household income of £25,000 or less. Bursary: up to £1,500 Cash payments made on a pro-rata basis depending on the number of credits studied each academic year.
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• Foundation Year Bursary Available to new Home students (whose programme includes a Foundation Year (at Level 3), who have a means tested household income of £25,000 or less. Students will receive a £500 cash award in the first, Foundation Year of study. When Foundation Year students progress to Level 4, those from low income households may become eligible for the Chester Bursary (see above). • Care Leavers Bursary Available to new full-time undergraduate students under the age of 25, paying a tuition fee of over £6,000, who have evidence of their care leaver status. Bursary: up to £6,000 (up to £8,000 for those starting at Level 3). Mixture of cash benefits and fee waiver, plus access to discounted University accommodation.
• Young Adult Carers Bursary Working in partnership with registered carer organisations, this bursary is available for any eligible young carers who are new fulltime undergraduate Home students under the age of 25. A young adult carer is someone aged 18 to 25 who regularly looks after and has responsibility for a sick, elderly, or disabled family member. Bursary: up to £4,500 (up to £6,000 for those on Foundation Years starting at Level 3). It is available in addition to some other University bursaries. Limited numbers available. • Estranged Student Bursary Available to new undergraduate Home students under the age of 25 identified and verified by the Student Loans Company as ‘Estranged’. Bursary: up to £3000 (up to £4,000 for those starting at Level 3), plus access to discounted University accommodation. These bursaries are subject to Office for Students (OfS) approval and are correct at the time of publication. Up-to-date details on the availability of these bursaries, as well as full eligibility criteria, is available at: www.chester.ac.uk/bursaries
Money advice and support Our Student Services Support Team are on hand to offer our students tips on managing money, plus practical advice on what support is available and how to get it. We also have a Financial Assistance Fund to support students in financial hardship.
NHS Learning Support Fund This financial support is an extension of the existing NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) which offers eligible students additional support while studying for their degree. The new package includes: • Training grant of £5,000 per year (for new and continuing students) • Parental support payment of £2,000 per student per year to help with childcare costs • Specialist subject payment of £1,000 per year for students on degrees that struggle to recruit, including mental health and learning disability nursing (for new students only) • Help towards additional travel and accommodation costs to clinical placements over your normal daily travel costs • An exceptional hardship fund of up to £3,000 per student per academic year.
Scholarships For information about the limited number of specific scholarships available to students, and to find out further information about student finance and our financial awards, see: chester.ac.uk/finance 57
Apply for accommodation If you’re thinking of joining us and need to move away from home, it’s time to start thinking about accommodation. We offer a range of accommodation types, all conveniently located close to our Chester campuses. We can also guarantee university or partnership accommodation to all Firm choice applicants who apply by the advised deadline in the spring. More information on your options and how to apply for university accommodation will be sent to you ahead of applications opening. chester.ac.uk/accommodation/prospective-students
“I lived in the University-owned Grosvenor House in my first year, and absolutely loved it. It’s great if you want to socialise with people, but also enjoy your own company! It’s so nice to have all of your facilities in one place, and definitely pushes you to be more independent. Most of my friends now are people I met at Grosvenor.” Jazmine, 2nd Year English Literature and Psychology student
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Stay in the loop If you choose Chester as your Firm or Insurance choice, we will be in regular contact with all the advice and guidance you need, as well as important deadlines and things to look forward to. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch if you’re unsure about anything. Tel: 01244 51100 / Email: enquiries@chester.ac.uk Connect with current students Don’t forget to ask our students about anything that comes to mind via the Unibuddy app or by visiting chester.ac.uk/ask. We’ll also be posting student and staff blogs throughout the year at chester.ac.uk/blog.
Following #MyChesterStory is a great way to find out what it’s really like to live and study at the University of Chester through the eyes of our students. Why not share your own story as you prepare for university life?
uochester @uochester uochester @uochester
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Experience Days Delve deeper into your subject area.
chester.ac.uk/visitus Don’t forget to check out our range of other events taking place throughout the year, all designed to help you get to know us better. We look forward to seeing you! Tel: 01244 511000 Email: enquiries@chester.ac.uk Web: www.chester.ac.uk uochester
@uochester
uochester
@uochester
The information provided in this guide is provided for your information and convenience only. Any reference made to any person, organisation, activities, products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement, or recommendation by the University of Chester. All prices, details and availability have been included in good faith and are believed to be correct at the time of publishing. This guide references how the University responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and gives some examples of alternative arrangements that are being put in place at the time of publishing. The opportunities and services detailed in this guide are all subject to change as may be made necessary by government guidelines and restrictions. Please refer to our website for the most up-to-date information.