First class of University conservation course run with Chester Zoo celebrated in graduation ceremony
The first graduates of a conservation course run in collaboration with Chester Zoo have celebrated their achievements.
Students and colleagues gathered at Chester Cathedral to honour the founding cohort of the Postgraduate Certificate in Conservation and Sustainability Education at the University of Chester. Many of the graduates met in person for the first time and shared how the programme has shaped their professional practice.
Developed and delivered in collaboration with Chester Zoo, the digital-first PGCert enables learners to study part-time while applying sustainability and conservation principles directly within their organisations. The partnership was highlighted throughout the ceremony, demonstrating a shared commitment to developing future leaders in conservation and sustainability education.
The programme has also received recognition from the University’s new Chancellor, Dame Jenny Harries DBE DL who, in her inaugural address, named the PGCert as a leading example of innovative, collaborative provision advancing green skills. She praised the University-Zoo partnership and its role in equipping professionals across sectors to drive sustainable practice and influence long-term change.
Liz Webb, Conservation Training Academy Manager at Chester Zoo, attended the graduation and spoke positively about the strength of the collaboration and the impact of the programme.
She added: “This programme shows what is possible when conservation practitioners and educators design learning together. The partnership between Chester Zoo and the University of Chester is helping to equip graduates with the confidence and skills to lead impactful conservation change across a diverse sector.”
Uná Meehan, Deputy Head of Childhood, Education and Professional Development (CEPD) and Programme Leader, reflected on the cohort’s achievements.
She said: “Teaching on this course has been the most wonderful experience. Our students have formed a genuine community, joining together across locations and sectors to make a real difference. Their achievements reflect the transformative potential of conservation and sustainability education.”
Graduates from the founding cohort are already contributing to the sector in roles that include:
- Leading new conservation and sustainability programmes;
- Supporting businesses as sustainability consultants;
- Implementing whole-school sustainability plans;
- Advancing research and practice across academia, conservation organisations and zoos.
One graduate said: “I feel like my brain expanded in a million different ways with all the different angles of conservation education. I feel very lucky to have been on the course.”.
As the founding cohort celebrates its success, the University of Chester and Chester Zoo look forward to welcoming future students to this innovative programme, one that equips professionals from diverse sectors to lead meaningful, hopeful and action-focused responses to the climate and biodiversity crises.
Recruitment for the next cohort is now open. Next year’s intake begins at the end of January 2026, and places remain available. For more information, visit: https://www.chester.ac.uk/study/course-search/conservation-and-sustainability-education-pgcert/.
