Chester vs Edge Hill for Biology

Looking at joining either Edge Hill or Chester Uni to study Biology BSc as a mature student.
Need to decide where to go. Can't. Help? preferably from who studies at either instituation?
Thanks

Reply 1

Anonseeyou

Which one is closer?

University of Chester

Chester

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Reply 2

University of Chester

Official Rep

Original post by INeedA Username

Looking at joining either Edge Hill or Chester Uni to study Biology BSc as a mature student.
Need to decide where to go. Can't. Help? preferably from who studies at either instituation?
Thanks

Hi @INeedA Username :smile:

It’s great to hear that you are considering the University of Chester!

Have you tried to chat to any of our students online? You can do so here - https://www1.chester.ac.uk/ask, whilst unfortunately none of our current ambassadors study Biology, chatting with them could give you great general insight into what it’s like to study at Chester. Plus, a couple of our ambassadors are mature students and could answer any questions you may have around this.

We also have some blogs which may be of interest! Considering applying to university as a mature student? and Meeting People as a Mature Student.

Our Biology Programme Leader, Dr Robert Coleman, would be happy to answer any course specific questions you may have. Feel free to contact him via email: [email protected]

Ultimately, visiting both universities to get a real free for each one should help you decide before you apply. We have an upcoming Open Day event in both October and November, you’re very welcome to book and place and come along, even if you’ve visited us before. You can find out more and book your place here - https://www1.chester.ac.uk/open-days

We hope this helps, but do let us know if you have any questions.

Best wishes,
Becky

Reply 3

EdgeHillStudents

Official Rep

Original post by INeedA Username

Looking at joining either Edge Hill or Chester Uni to study Biology BSc as a mature student.
Need to decide where to go. Can't. Help? preferably from who studies at either instituation?
Thanks

Hi @INeedA Username [br] [br] I am not a Biology Student but I am an Edge Hill Student. I don't know specific course details but I do know Edge Hill has a building dedicated to Biology on campus (the BioSciences Building). This building has specialised labs as well as classrooms for lectures and seminars. There are also options for field trips I know previous years have gone to Cypress and Scotland for example, and there are also many different areas to specialise your knowledge, such as genetics, ecology, biotechnology etc. so there are plenty of options for you to tailor the degree to your areas of interest!

I would recommend checking out the Edge Hill webpage for Biology if you haven't already as it breaks down the modules for each year, and you can also see a video of a previous Edge Hill Biology student chatting about the course. You can find this here.

In terms of general student life at Edge Hill, I would definitely recommend coming to an Open Day if you can to see the campus and facilities, the next one is on the 15th October, you can find out more info here! The campus itself is really beautiful. It's located in Ormskirk so it is very quiet and peaceful, the campus has two lakes and loads of green space so it is a lovely place to study. Everything you need is also in one place being a campus-based uni, so the biology building is a 30 second walk from the main Hub, where you can get food, drinks, and relax with friends. The library is about a minute walk away from your building, and the library is only 4 years old so it's super modern with learning services Helpdesk available from 8am-8pm.

I can imagine as a mature student it might be a bit daunting, but Edge Hill's Student Union has a dedicated Mature Students Officer, who will be a mature student studying at Edge Hill who you can talk to at any point, and as with all students support is available should you need it.

I would definitely recommend attending an Open Day to both Edge Hill and Chester if you haven't already though. You can get a feel for both unis, what they can offer you, and where you would like to spend the next three years at least studying.

I hope this has helped, best of luck with your decision! :smile:

Grace
BA History
MA Nineteenth Century Studies (History and English Literature)

Reply 4

EdgeHillStudents

Official Rep

Original post by INeedA Username

Looking at joining either Edge Hill or Chester Uni to study Biology BSc as a mature student.
Need to decide where to go. Can't. Help? preferably from who studies at either instituation?
Thanks

Hi @INeedA Username

I have just started my Second Year of studies at Edge Hill so I thought I'd share with you some of the reasons I chose to study here for some insight into the university :smile:

I have found the campus to have a very kind and inclusive feel. The university is very supportive and has excellent student services such as the wellbeing team as well as support with things like money advise, accommodation, just ensuring all students feel comfortable, safe and happy on campus. The campus itself is absolutely beautiful and there is so much wildlife such as ducks and hedgehogs - it even has its very own campus beach!

The BSc Biology course here at Edge Hill is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology meaning that on successful completion you’ll be eligible for one year of free membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Associate level. As a BSc Biology student the majority of your teaching would take place in the bio-sciences building where you'll have access to a range of facilities such as labourites and prep rooms as well as access to equipment such as Scanning Electron Microscopes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR machine) and climate-controlled insectaries. A number of the best nature reserves in the country are in close proximity to the campus. The University itself also has extensive grounds which are used to demonstrate sampling techniques.

I would highly recommend coming to see the university for yourself during one of our Open Days - the next one is the 15th October. This will give you the opportunity to see the campus for yourself and attend a Biology specific subject talk which will give you more of an idea about the course and you'll be able to talk to your subject tutors who will be teaching you throughout the course as well as current students at Edge Hill. You can easily book on to this here.

If you would like to chat one on one to one of our current students we have Zara on the Ambassador Platform who is a current third year student studying BSc (Hons) Biology who would be happy to help you with any queries you have about studying Biology at Edge Hill or just to have a general chat about the university :smile:

I hope this is helpful!

Katie - Second Year Educational Psychology Student