University of Chichester

The University of Chichester traces its history to 1839, when Bishop Otter College was founded by William Otter, Bishop of Chichester. After a series of institutional changes, it was granted full university status in 2005, and it is a member of the Cathedrals Group of universities. The university has two main campuses in West Sussex: one in the cathedral city of Chichester, next to Chichester Festival Theatre, and a seaside campus in Bognor Regis, set around Georgian mansion houses. It also has an associate commercial music campus on the Isle of Wight.

With around 6,000 students, Chichester offers a smaller, community-focused setting. It is well known for sport, musical theatre and acting, education and teacher training, and the humanities. Recent investment includes a Tech Park, opened in 2018, which houses creative industries, engineering, computing and mathematics, and a dedicated building for nursing and allied health, completed in 2021.

Information for International Students

The University of Chichester has a dedicated international team, including International Student Advisers who support students before and after arrival through pre-arrival information, an International Orientation programme and guidance on academic, language, housing and employment matters. Visa and immigration advice is available for students applying for a Student visa. The typical English language requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for undergraduate courses, and IELTS 6.5 overall for postgraduate study, with higher levels for health and social work programmes.

Students who need to improve their English can take the university's online pre-sessional programme, offered in five-week and eight-week formats. The university runs its own Level 4 International Route, which combines first-year degree study in business or psychology with a credited module in Global English Communication, and an International Pre-Master's Programme delivered on campus or online. Chichester does not run its own international foundation year but accepts foundation qualifications from a range of approved providers. International Top-Up degrees are available for holders of HNDs or associate degrees. First-year students are guaranteed a room in halls if they firmly accept their place and apply by the deadline.