Your Offer Holder's Guide 2026_Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work

Your Offer Holder’s Guide Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work

Congratulations on receiving your offer of a place at the University of Chester!

This guide offers an insider’s perspective into the vibrant student experience available at Chester, giving you a flavour of how you can thrive and belong in our community. It’s your opportunity to explore what the University has to offer you, ensuring you have the right information to make your decision.

Scan here to discover Chester: chester.ac.uk

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Contents 4 Award-winning University 6 Get World Ready 8 It’s More Than a Degree 10 A Premium Teaching and Learning Experience 12 Social Work Practice Placements 14 Nursing and Midwifery Practice Placements 16 Languages for All 17 Study Abroad 18 Earn While You Learn 19 Careers and Employability 20 Join Our Community 22 Chester Students’ Union 24 Sport and Active Lifestyle 26 Student Support 28 Peer Mentoring 29 Faith and Belief 30 Sustainability at Chester 31 Volunteering 32 Our Sites 34 Chester 36 Birkenhead 38 Warrington 40 Get Ahead 42 What Happens Next?

45 NHS Learning Support Fund 46 Stay in the Loop

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Award-winning University First up, some quick facts on how we are shaping the region as a leading university in the North West.

Top 5 for Graduate Success

1st in the North West for Lecturers and Teaching Quality

Chester ranks among the best in the North West for highly-skilled graduate employment, exceeding the sector average for the number of graduates in both employment/ further study and high-skilled graduate employment.

Our approach to teaching is all about getting students a step ahead.

Our expert staff are passionate about students’ development, and the practical learning embedded into our teaching results in our courses being closely linked to the real world.

(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025) See page 8 for details

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(WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025) See page 10 for details

Find out more by visiting: chester.ac.uk/awards

1st in the North West for Student Support

1st in North West England for Facilities

Our staff go the extra mile to ensure students succeed, offering a range of support services for all students.

We take pride in providing students with the information, advice and guidance needed to support them in both their studies and personal lives. We offer a wide range of services covering wellbeing and mental health, disability and inclusion, study skills and more.

Our learning locations are packed full of health and social carespecific facilities, as well as their own libraries, computer suites and study areas, along with plenty of spaces to get something to eat, have a drink or simply take a break and catch up with friends in between teaching sessions.

(WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025)

(WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025) See page 32 for details

See page 26 for details

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Get World Ready 7

It’s More Than a Degree By choosing to study at the University of Chester, you’ll be joining a university with a real focus on making you not just ‘work ready’, but ‘World Ready’.

Our approach to teaching is all about getting you a step ahead. Our expert staff are passionate about your development and will help you gain the skills, knowledge and experience you need to succeed. Alongside this are a wealth of opportunities to boost your CV, from free language courses to enhancing your digital skills, as well as placements in the UK and overseas, helping you to build connections throughout your degree.

You’ll leave us a step ahead, connected to a global network of people who are eager to support you on your way.

No matter what your ambitions are, we’ll help you get there.

Learn more here: chester.ac.uk/modern-learning

“The support from the University has truly enriched my journey.

The career services and various university activities kept me engaged and prepared me to be World Ready.”

Adrija International Business 8

Chester Credentials Enhance your digital skills and boost your employability with Chester Credentials, our series of free, online short courses available to all students. With topics including Digital Literacy, SEO Fundamentals and Career Preparation, each ‘nano-credential’ is designed to be a flexible and bite-sized way to get skilled up and will complement your degree studies.

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A Premium Teaching and Learning Experience Our ‘Chester Future Skills Curriculum’ has been developed to maximise your student learning experience, and focuses on: • Courses informed by employers • Collaborative and social, immersive learning • Authentic assessment and real-world applications • Opportunities to build your professional network • Flexible and accessible This means we’ll always be helping you to develop the right skills and expertise needed for that graduate career you aspire to.

For more information, visit: chester.ac.uk/chester-future-skills

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Social Work Practice Placements As part of your degree, you will spend 170 days out on placement where you will apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-life scenarios in the workplace, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future career.

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Your initial 70-day placement is likely to be in the private, independent, or voluntary sector, where you will learn how to support and advocate for people who are, for example: homeless, seeking asylum, requiring assistance with their children’s education and health care needs, among other situations. Your final 100-day placement equips you with the opportunity to undertake statutory social work tasks under the direction of an experienced and qualified practice educator. These statutory placements may be based in Child Protection or Child in Need Teams, Vulnerable Adults Teams, Transition Teams, and hospital discharge services. You will also benefit from 30 skills days over the course of your degree, including a range of simulation learning activities, for example: using our purposebuilt flat and the University’s VR cave.

For queries about practice placements, contact: hmsstudentrecruitment@chester.ac.uk

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Nursing and Midwifery 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, ensuring that you’ll gain experience in a range of practice learning environments, and clinical and healthcare settings. We also work in partnership with a wide range of Trusts which enables us to provide placements covering a large geographical area that includes Wirral, Warrington, Cheshire, Crewe and Shropshire.

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Languages for All If you’re looking to learn a new skill, why not join one of our parttime language courses, taught at Exton Park, Chester. 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, but not limited to: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.* For further information, you can email: lfa@chester.ac.uk

*All courses will run subject to demand and will be offered virtually if necessary.

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Study Abroad Broaden your horizons and experience another country, extending your network overseas, with the expertise of our Study Abroad team.

There’s a huge variety of places to choose from, with opportunities in over 300 institutions worldwide, and you’ll be supported by our Study Abroad team all the way.

To find out more, visit: chester.ac.uk/study-abroad

“I studied abroad with Chester and achieved my long-term goal of studying at elite universities in Seoul and Sydney. Studying abroad is incredible as it enables you to enhance your academic abilities, pushes you out of your comfort zone, develops your intercultural competence, and ultimately allows you to become the person you are truly meant to be.”

Luisa International Tourism Management 17

Earn While You Learn Whether you are looking to earn some extra money while you’re studying or you’re looking for experience to aid your future career goals, our Careers and Employability team can help.

We can support you by: • Providing work opportunities on campus through UniJob • Helping you find local part-time roles • Hosting Careers Fairs, enabling you to meet employers face-to-face For more information, visit: chester.ac.uk/EWYL

“Being a student ambassador has been a great way to earn extra money whilst studying, and developing my communication and interpersonal skills, which will be vital for my future career.”

Holly Nutrition and Dietetics 18

Careers and Employability The Careers and Employability team provide a service tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, with a variety of employability-enhancing experiences available to you, setting you apart in the job market.

Build Connections with Employers Enhance your professional network and open doors to future career prospects with supported Chester internships, placements, part-time work and graduate level role opportunities.

Lifelong Commitment to Your Success Our commitment to your success does not end at graduation; with our ‘Careers for Life’ promise, you can continue to access valuable careers information and advice long after you have left Chester.

Our alumni network is a testament to the strong bonds formed at Chester.

Discover more at: chester.ac.uk/careers-and-employability 19

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Join Our Community 21

Chester Students’ Union Hello and welcome to Chester Students’ Union (CSU)! We are the elected officers for 2025/26: President Lily, VP Education Luis, and VP Student Life Will.

We are a separate organisation to the University, and we exist for the sole purpose of helping students have the best experience at the University of Chester.

We do this by ensuring the student voice is at the heart of all decision making and is fairly represented at all University of Chester sites. We also offer advice to students, run societies for students to get involved in, and hold fun events throughout the academic year at Chester, Warrington, and Birkenhead.

To find out exactly what we get up to and how you can get involved, head to our website at chestersu.com and follow us on social media!

@chesterstudentsunion @chesterstudentsunion 22

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Sport and Active Lifestyle We have a range of sports facilities located on our Exton Park campus in Chester. No matter where you are based, make some time for yourself to keep fit and feel good.

Available on our Exton Park campus in Chester, students have access to our on-site gym, spin studio, swimming pool and free use of facilities such as tennis courts, squash courts, sports hall, and football and hockey pitches.

Join our activeCHESTER sessions – free, fun, social sessions to meet new people!

Our sessions are set for you to enjoy them at your own pace, with no pressure and no commitment to attend regularly. You just turn up and play!

We also have volunteer opportunities within activeCHESTER. To find out more, email: sal@chester.ac.uk If you are feeling stressed, anxious, lonely or low in confidence – we have a free six-week Active Wellbeing Programme to support your wellbeing though physical activity, in a way that works for you.

To find out more, email: activewellbeing@chester.ac.uk

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Under sportCHESTER you can join one of our 30+ clubs, many of which train to represent the University of Chester in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues.

Not every club is about competition – some are all about having fun, staying active, being part of a club and making lasting friendships.

Not interested in playing? We have plenty of volunteering opportunities to work alongside our sports clubs, including coaching and pitch-side first aid.

To find out more, email: clubsport@chester.ac.uk

Being involved in a sport is an amazing way to get stuck into university life! The women’s basketball team has been so much fun and I’ve made some invaluable friendships over the last three years.

Find out more about Sports and Active Lifestyle: chester.ac.uk/active

Holly Nutrition and Dietetics 25

Student Support Personal Academic Tutor Every student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will support you throughout your degree.

Your PAT will guide and inspire you, shaping you into a confident graduate ready for whatever the future holds.

For more details, see: chester.ac.uk/PAT

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From my transfer application through to my first week of lectures, the University continuously communicated and supported me as a new student.

Luisa International Tourism Management

Our Student Services team is here to help you feel supported and settled at the University of Chester. We work across all our sites to provide expert guidance in areas that could be impacting your life or studies, including: • Academic Skills Advice • Disability and Inclusion • Financial Support • Mature Student Advisor • Residential Life • Student Experience • Student Safety • Wellbeing, Mental Health and Counselling The teams offer practical information and advice to ensure you are supported throughout your studies.

This includes a range of bursaries, financial support and expert advice to help with the cost of living.

Check out our Money Hub for an overview of what’s on offer: chester.ac.uk/money-hub To find out more about Student Services, visit: chester.ac.uk/ student-support or email: studentservices@chester.ac.uk

After meeting with an Academic Skills advisor, I understood what was required to produce a good essay, and became confident and proud of what I wrote.

Caisey For more detail on the services available, watch here:

Children’s Nursing

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Peer Mentoring New Here? So Were We – Get a Peer Mentor!

A Peer Mentor is a current student volunteer who has already completed their first year at the University. They’re here to offer guidance, share insights, and support you as you settle into University life.

Think of them as a friendly guide who can answer your questions and offer tips on how to make the most of your first year!

To find out more, please email: peermentoring@chester.ac.uk

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Faith and Belief Our multi-faith Chaplaincy team is here to support all students and staff whatever your religion or beliefs may be, and chaplains are always ready to help you and offer a listening ear.

The Chaplaincy team is based in the Community Hub, Exton Park, and you can pop in Monday to Thursday to enjoy areas such as our quiet Sanctuary Space, the Creative Art Space, the Games Room, and our awardwinning Wellbeing Garden & Peace Garden with a wildlife pond. Supporting students across all University sites, the team are available in-person or online via Teams. We also have a wider team of volunteer Associate Chaplains from various religious communities.

To find out more about weekly events and activities, follow @uoc_chaplaincy on Instagram.

You can get in touch via chaplaincy@chester.ac.uk 29

Sustainability at Chester We have a dedicated Sustainability Team in place to ensure that the University of Chester leads by example, and we run a number of initiatives to encourage action to be taken.

Here are some of the ways our students can get involved: • Carbon Literacy training • Thematic Sustainability Action Groups • University gardening sessions at the Community Hub and Allotment • On-site clothing Swap Shop • Volunteer opportunities at linked, sustainabilityminded organisations • Annual ‘Spring into Sustainability’ week Follow the team on Instagram: @uoc_sustainability Get in contact: sustainability@chester.ac.uk

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Volunteering Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people, build your transferable skills and give back to your local community, all while having fun with exciting new experiences!

All students have access to our Volunteer Hub, connecting you to opportunities both within the University, and local charities. You could also apply for our Chester Volunteering Awards (UCV) in recognition of your time as a volunteer.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with, from one-offs to longer-term roles. Whether you have a passion for conservation, a love of sport, an interest in history or something else entirely – there’s an opportunity for you!

Check out our ‘give it a go’ programme of events – one-off sessions organised by the University, designed to give you a taste of volunteering.

Volunteering to help walk dogs in the local community has improved my mental health during stressful times.

To get involved and find out more, contact: volunteering@chester.ac.uk

Ashli Creative Writing and English Literature 31

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Our Sites 33

Chester Home to year-round arts and culture festivals, international events and attractions, including the famous Chester Races; Chester Zoo; The Walls; and the medieval Rows, Chester has lots to offer – and all within walking distance of our campuses! Chester is a thriving 21st-century city, with high street and independent restaurants, cafés and boutique shops.

At night, the beautiful cobbled streets, bustling with shoppers and tourists, transform into a lively but safe evening scene, with a large variety of pubs, music venues, bars and clubs to choose from.

Storyhouse One of the UK’s most successful cultural buildings, Storyhouse is a library, theatre and cinema all in one! With over 2,000 activities every year to get involved with, regular student deals including free tea and coffee, and great areas for studying off campus, there’s something for everyone.

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Chester Pride Every August, Chester Pride organises a fun-filled parade and day of events that celebrates diversity and the LGBTQ+ community in Chester and Cheshire.

Chester Zoo Our highly acclaimed zoo has been named best in the UK by TripAdvisor, with over 11,000 ‘Excellent’ ratings! The zoo is home to over 37,000 animals, within over 128 acres of beautiful zoological gardens, so that they can survive and thrive.

The Rows There’s plenty of shopping for you to do on Chester’s high streets; unique to Chester are the historic Rows which offer a second layer of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants – all under cover.

Chester Market The modern-traditional market is a welcoming space with a fantastic selection of authentic global eateries all under one roof. A quick walk from Exton Park, it’s a great place to catch up with friends and grab a bite to eat – no matter what you’re in the mood for.

Palm Chester’s very own Pink Palace! The perfect place for a fun night, with 50% discount on cocktails for students.

Watergates Bar An atmospheric, crypt-like spot with exposed-brick vaults and fairy lights – try some of the famous side plates to go with your pick of the array of drinks available.

Telford’s Warehouse On the water and off the wall...

Great music, fabulous menu, sumptuous sunsets and the best stocked bar in town!

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Birkenhead Birkenhead is situated on the Wirral peninsula, with its excellent transport links – only 40 minutes on the train to Chester, seven minutes to central Liverpool and close to the motorway network it’s a stone’s throw away from our University Centre. Birkenhead itself offers over 150 high street shops in the centrally located Pyramid Shopping Centre, as well as many cafes, bars and restaurants, plus Birkenhead Market.

Liberty Bell Coffee

The Bakehouse Wirral

An all-in-one independent coffee shop and licensed bistro. Serving the best breakfasts and coffee, plus bottomless brunches with live music! Conveniently sited opposite Hamilton Square train station.

Located just off Hamilton Square this micro bakery has everything from sweet and savoury bakes, to loaded sandwiches and delicious homemade soups all available to takeaway!

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Birkenhead Park Offers a relaxing place to unwind between classes and is said to have influenced the design of New York’s Central Park. The Visitors Centre is home to a café serving up a range of drinks, meals, snacks and ice cream throughout the day.

Hamilton Square A short walk from University Centre Birkenhead is Hamilton Square, an area of renowned heritage with the most Grade 1 listed buildings outside of London.

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Warrington Warrington has plenty to offer day and night, with a rich arts and cultural scene, along with plenty of opportunities to shop and eat out.

Our learning sites are located in the heart of the town centre, meaning you are just a stone’s throw away from all this and more.

Cultural Quarter Which is opposite Warrington’s iconic Town Hall building is centred on the Palmyra Square conservation area. It incorporates the Museum, Parr Hall and Pyramid Arts Centre as well as some of Warrington’s best preserved 19th century buildings.

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Warrington Wolves The Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington is home to the Warrington Wolves Rugby League Club and has hosted major rugby league games including the European Nations Final. A perfect day out if you love to scrum or just want to support the local team.

Time Square Dine out with friends, make a date with yourself or a significant other at Cineworld and invite family to stay for a celebratory meal at Botanist. Whatever your occasion, Time Square is the perfect destination for winding down and enjoying the finer things in life!

Stockton Heath Stockton Heath is home to a number of modern bars and restaurants, as well as more traditional pubs. Just a sevenminute drive away, Stockton Heath makes for a great night out if you fancy a break from the town centre. Popular bars include Slug and Lettuce and expédition.

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Get Ahead 41

What Happens Next?

You’ve made the first step – you’ve applied for the University of Chester. If you like what we have to offer, then here’s what you need to do next.

Choose Chester It’s really easy to accept your offer of a place at Chester. Simply log into UCAS Hub and select Chester as your Firm (F) choice.

You’ll also find the deadline for applying and replying to your offers on UCAS Hub. Don’t forget to also reply to each of your other offers. accounts.ucas.com/account/login

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If you have any queries about the application process, please contact our Admissions team.

If you already hold qualifications that are relevant to your offer, or as part of your offer we have requested that you send proof of your qualifications, please ensure you send a scan or clear photograph of your original certificates/results to hscadmissions@chester.ac.uk as soon as possible. Please note that failure to send proof of your qualifications may hinder your enrolment.

Tel: 01244 511000 Email: hscadmissions@chester.ac.uk

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Applying for Accommodation If you’re thinking of moving away from home, it’s time to start thinking about accommodation. We offer a range of accommodation types, all conveniently located close to our learning sites in Chester. We guarantee University or partnership accommodation to all Firm choice applicants who apply by the priority deadline of: 6th May 2026.

We’ll send you an email with all the information you need and key dates for making your application – don’t worry, we’ll give you plenty of notice.

If you will be based at either our University Centre Birkenhead or University Centre Warrington sites, please get in touch to explore your accommodation options.

Find out more at: chester.ac.uk/accommodation Get in touch: accommodation@chester.ac.uk

Applying for Student Funding There are a range of financial support packages available to help you along on your university journey, including student finance, bursaries and scholarships. It’s best to apply as soon as possible to ensure everything is in place for the start of term. For full details of your next steps and eligibility, visit: chester.ac.uk/finance 44

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 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.

For more information, visit: chester.ac.uk/finance or nhsbsa.nhs.uk/student-services

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Stay in the Loop If you choose Chester as your Firm or Insurance choice, we’ll 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 511000 / Email: chester.ac.uk/contact-us

Connect with Current Students

Get Your Loved Ones Involved

Don’t forget to ask our students about anything that comes to mind via the Unibuddy app or by visiting: chester.ac.uk/ask

Sign your parents or supporters up to receive updates from us. We’ll keep them informed with key dates, important information and other ways that they can support you in your university journey.

We’ll also be posting student and staff blogs throughout the year at:

Scan the QR and sign your supporters up!

chester.ac.uk/blog

Student Shout Out is our channel for student updates and news – follow @uocshoutout for a taste of what our students are getting up to.

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Join our Online Offer Holder Community Look out for your exclusive email invitation to join our online Offer Holder community on Unibuddy.

It’s a great way to connect with fellow offer holders and meet other new students from your course, accommodation or a shared hobby before starting at Chester.

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Across social media @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 information has been included in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of publishing.