University of Chester Q&A on winning multiple awards at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024

The University of Chester walked away with three awards, as voted for my students themselves, at this year’s Whatuni Student Choice Awards. That’s more awards than any other university and a remarkable achievement. The collective student voice crowned the University of Chester as the winning institution for the following categories: International, Postgraduate and Student Support.  

We were thrilled to talk to Dr Helen Galbraith, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Chester, about what these wins have meant to the university, what they’ve done to achieve such success, and why elevating the student voice is crucial.  

By listening to students' needs, concerns, and suggestions, universities can make targeted improvements to their courses, services, and overall student experience. Student feedback can provide valuable insights into teaching methods, curriculum design, and assessment practices. By giving students a voice in their educational experience, universities empower them to take ownership of their learning and become more engaged in the university community. Capturing the student voice is a necessity for universities that want to create a positive and supportive learning environment, and help students achieve their goals. 

Universities that actively seek and respond to student feedback demonstrate a commitment to student success and continuous improvement. Student input is essential for making informed decisions about academic policies, campus facilities, and other important aspects of university life. This ensures that decisions align with the needs and priorities of the student body.  

Universities that actively listen to students are better equipped to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the future. By understanding students' perspectives and aspirations, universities can offer courses and services that are relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of society. 

A range of factors could influence students sharing their views and opinions. Society is becoming more accepting of diverse perspectives. At Chester, we are committed to equality and inclusion, creating a diverse community that encourages students to voice their opinions. We also have a range of opportunities for students to engage in real-world work placements and practical learning which promotes the development of their voices. By creating an environment that is open to feedback students are encouraged to share their thoughts and take an active role in shaping their university experience first-hand.  

The University has been consecutively shortlisted in the International category for a number of years, so were thrilled to finally win this year.  Regardless of a students’ background or nationality, the University is committed to providing international students with a smooth transition into the University, as well as a vibrant, diverse and supportive student community once they arrive here in Chester.  Our Student Race Advocates, international societies, student groups, and staff members host a variety of cultural events throughout the academic year, emphasising the sense of student community for all our students and ensuring that Chester is a home away from home.   

We pride ourselves on the quality of the support that we provide for our students. As part of our Citizen Student Strategy, students receive a comprehensive support package to help them gain self-worth and resilience, enabling them to contribute to society on a local, national and global level. With a range of support across campuses and dedicated offices, we're on hand to offer information, advice, and guidance to all students on every aspect of their life.  

Furthermore, we provide opportunities to network with employers, gain valuable and sought-after experience, alongside access to lifelong careers support. We also aim to create a strong sense of belonging through the tradition of volunteering and citizenship - our aim is to ensure that everyone can experience an enjoyable and enriching time as a student at the University of Chester. 

At Chester, students have access to a wealth of opportunities while being taught in subject-specific facilities by industry experts and research-active staff. More than half of the research our schools produce is world-leading or internationally excellent, according to the Research Excellence Framework (2021), the UK’s national assessment of research quality.  

Our staff go the extra mile to ensure students succeed in their studies and develop into future-focused graduates ready to make a difference. We also offer a range of flexible study options allowing postgraduate students to gain the knowledge, skills and experience they need to get ahead around pre-existing commitments.    

At the University of Chester, we have a real focus on making students ‘World Ready’. This approach is embedded in everything we do. We’ve created a culture of opportunity and self-development, so students have a strong feeling of belonging at Chester. Regardless of students’ backgrounds, they are supported to succeed in every stage of the student life cycle, from pre-arrival right through to career and life success. The student population is diverse, and students are empowered to bring a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives to university life. Our recent success in the WUSCAs, as voted for by our students, proves we’re listening to our students’ feedback and providing them with a valuable university experience.  

Whatever the issue or idea, our students’ experience at university is at the heart of everything we do, and we will seek to involve them as much as possible in driving improvement and change. We welcome feedback through Student Voice Representatives and work closely with the Students’ Union and our Student Race Advocates, so students’ voices will be heard loud and clear.  

Our WUSCAs wins only help us to amplify this message, providing first-hand evidence from our current students to any prospective students that if they choose Chester their voices will be heard, and we’ll help them achieve their goals with a university experience we’re extremely proud of. 

View our events page for more details and get in touch with us to find out how your institution can participate in Review Collection for WUSCAs 2025.