THE University of Chester is celebrating after being shortlisted for a record number of accolades in a regional awards programme.

It has reached the final list in each category in which it entered in prestigious Educate North Awards 2018.

Now in their fourth year, the awards celebrate the outstanding teams, people and initiatives from higher and further education institutions across the north of England.

The university has been shortlisted for an increasing number awards each year and in 2018 is up for an impressive 13 spanning 11 categories.

The categories range from ‘Student Experience’ and ‘Research Project of the Year’ to ‘Employer Engagement’ and ‘University of the Year’, with the institution’s sustainability unit shortlisted for the fourth year running.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, Professor Tim Wheeler, said: “Once again, the university has excelled in our nominations at the Educate North Awards.

“It is particularly pleasing that the institution is being recognised across the board – in the work of our academic staff, our professional services staff, and our students.

“Last year we celebrated a record number of accolades, coming away with three awards and two highly commended entries. With such an impressive shortlist success, we have high hopes for the awards night in Manchester next month.”

The university provides training for a significant proportion of the region’s teachers, nurses, midwives and police officers.

Its sports teams and societies have raised £21,170 for charity, during only the first term of this academic year - £11,500 more than during the same term last year.

It also contributes to charities and businesses through its voluntary and internship opportunities with students carrying out approximately 32,000 hours of voluntary work in the last 12 months.

In the work-based learning department alone, students contributed the equivalent of £783,000 in employment to the northern economy, providing local businesses with 108,750 hours of free support through student placements.

Dr Anna Mackenzie, senior project officer who coordinates the university’s award submissions, said: “Following the university’s largest submission yet to the Educate North Awards, we are thrilled that each entry has been shortlisted. The diversity of submissions increases year on year.” with more colleagues deservedly recognised for their sector-leading work. Being shortlisted is a huge achievement in itself, and we will very much look forward to the awards night on April 26.”