University of Chester tops North West rankings in Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026 

The University of Chester is celebrating another successful year at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards. 

The University was named first in the North West for University of the Year for the third consecutive year, reinforcing its strong reputation among students. 

The institution has been ranked first in the North West and second in the UK for Halls and Student Accommodation; first in the North West and third in the UK for Student Support; first in the North West and third nationally for Postgraduate Study; first in the North West for Lecturers and Teaching Quality and second in the North West for International Study. 

The WUSCAs are the only UK higher education awards entirely voted for and judged by students. Now in their 13th year, they draw on more than 42,000 verified student reviews from over 85 university campuses nationwide, offering independent insight into the real student experience. 

For prospective students, the WUSCAs reviews provide a trusted and authentic guide to university life, highlighting the University of Chester as a leading choice for student satisfaction and experience in the North West and beyond. 

The results reflect consistent excellence across key areas of the student experience, including teaching quality, support services, accommodation and postgraduate study. The University has also previously been named the North West’s University of the Year in both 2024 and 2025. 

The winners were announced at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards ceremony on May 21, 2026. 

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “We are absolutely delighted with these results. These awards are especially meaningful because they are based entirely on the honest views and experiences of our students. Their feedback shapes everything we do and being recognised across such important areas is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the strength of our community. We are incredibly proud of our students, grateful for their contributions and honoured to be recognised among the top institutions in the UK.”