THE University of Chester has racked up an impressive nine category nominations for the UK's leading student-led university awards, the joint largest number of any higher education institution.

The Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA) has been taking place since 2012 and celebrates the UK’s best universities based on reviews from current students. This year saw over 35,000 verified student reviews from 92 qualifying higher education institutions across the UK.

Securing their spot in nine of the twelve categories including the coveted 'University of the Year' award, the University of Chester was one of ten institutions to qualify in this category, and the only entry from the North West region.

The eight other nominations cover categories including Lecturers and Teaching Quality, Halls and Accommodation, and Facilities to their Student Support, and Career Prospects.

And it is good news for Edge Hill in Lancashire who have been nominated in both the Halls and Accommodation, and Facilities categories and the University of Bolton who have made the shortlist for the Lecturers and Teaching Quality award.

The winners of the 12 categories will be announced at a black-tie event in London hosted by comedian, actor and writer Ellie Taylor, a Sunday Times Bestselling author also known for hosting Series 5 of The Great Pottery Throwdown, Let's Make A Scene, You Won't Believe This (Channel 4) and Cheat (Netflix). She can also be seen on the smash hit, multi-award winning Ted Lasso.

This year sees several smaller or more focused institutions battling it out against larger, more well-known universities. Eleven Guild HE members have been nominated in the Student Support, Student Life, Career Prospects, Halls and Accommodation, and Lecturers and Teaching Quality categories.

Simon Emmett, CEO at IDP Connect, said: "The Whatuni awards both celebrate the resilience and innovation within higher education as well as championing the student voice and driving better experiences and outcomes for students.

"With some of the highest scores we have ever collected, institutions across the North West have highlighted the fantastic work of many in the sector, won the backing of their students and secured their nominations in this year’s competition.

"With the continuing cost-of-living challenges, the ongoing debate around international student numbers and Universities thinking more and more about what they can do to help their local communities, we’re proud to be about to take an evening to focus on all the good universities do and celebrate their successes.

Prof Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester said: "It’s fantastic to see University of Chester shortlisted in so many categories of the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, especially because this acknowledgment has come directly because of our own students’ feedback. We work hard at Chester to listen to the student voice to ensure we are providing the best possible experience for every student to achieve their potential, so we are thrilled to see our students respond in this way."