University of Chester celebrates six Educate North Awards finalists

The shortlisted categories are: 

• Digital and AI Innovation Award - University Sector Micro Learning  

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Award Chaplaincy Preventative Health Initiative 

• Student Experience Award - University Sector Chester Credentials Nano‑credentials 

• University Student Achievement of the Year Ramitha Nittore Ramnath 

• Leadership and Innovation Award Ramitha Nittore Ramnath 

• Law School of the Year The University of Chester Law School 

1. Digital and AI Innovation Award - University Sector Micro Learning 

The University of Chester’s Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise has pioneered digital innovation initiatives transforming global engagement: the International Citizen Student Show, Micro MBA and the AI Leadership Course. Delivered via livestream with recordings and a free certificate, these programmes reached 1,500 learners across 33 countries - including India, Nigeria, and the UK - connecting prospective students, alumni, and business professionals. Participants shared certificates on LinkedIn, extending reach and engagement. Combining interactive sessions, flexible access, and professional insights, these initiatives demonstrate scalable, student-centred digital pedagogy that builds global relationships, strengthens the University’s brand and showcases innovative approaches to recruitment and professional development. 

2. Mental Health and Wellbeing Award Chaplaincy Preventative Health Initiative 

The Community Hub is a student-centered, preventative health initiative, created without targeted funding and driven by collaborations within the University and local community partners. Co-designed with students, the Hub offers a distinctive wellbeing space, including a Sanctuary Space, Creative Space, Games Room, Community Room and Kitchen, and an award‑winning Wellbeing Garden. The Hub places preventative health at the heart of the campus and is a place-based creative resource that benefits students and staff. This partnership‑rich, sustainable approach proactively addresses pressures facing higher education and the NHS and provides a replicable model of best practice. 

3. Student Experience Award - University Sector Chester Credentials Nano‑credentials 

Chester Credentials is a cross-university, student-centred suite of short, online nano-credentials that develop work ready skills through employer visible digital certificates. Since launching to all students in October 2025, it has had 958 enrolments from 534 students and issued 362 certificates (38% completion, above sector norms). Across nine courses and 401 item level ratings, 80% reported Significant or Moderate skills improvement. Students mainly intend to use their new skills for career and employability (33%), and 96% plan to share certificates with employers. Chester Credentials provides a scalable model for skills development, ethical student partnership, and improved graduate confidence and employability. 

4 . University Student Achievement of the Year Ramitha Nittore Ramnath and 5. Leadership and Innovation Award Ramitha Nittore Ramnath 

Ramitha is an exceptional student leader whose work has transformed student wellbeing, inclusion and community engagement. An International student studying BSc (Hons) Psychology, Ramitha has led award-winning initiatives that rebuild belonging in a post-COVID university environment. As President of the Indian Society and as Assistant Hindu Chaplain within the Chaplaincy department, she has created inclusive cultural events, alcohol-free social spaces, wellbeing programmes and community partnerships impacting more than 2,000 students. A UKCISA National Award winner for International Student of the Year 2025, Ramitha exemplifies values-driven, compassionate and sustainable student leadership. 

6. Law School of the Year The University of Chester Law School 

The UoC Law School has transformed employability by designing an inclusive, curriculum‑embedded model enabling students, particularly those facing structural disadvantage, to develop essential legal and professional skills. Across Levels 4 and 5, redesigned modules integrate reflective portfolios, tailored supervision, flexible learning formats and employer‑aligned activities, informed by design‑thinking and the IDEAS framework. Early evaluation shows strong gains in students’ self‑awareness and confidence, improved articulation of skills, and meaningful engagement from groups historically underrepresented in employability activity. With robust data collection and a clear pathway to long‑term outcomes, we are already reshaping student readiness and widening equitable access to professional futures. 

The 12th Educate North Awards will celebrate excellence and achievement across the University, Higher Education, Further Education and Sixth Form sectors in the North of England. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 7 at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, and will be hosted by broadcaster Lucy Meacock. 

The event attracts more than 450 education professionals, alongside sector partners including financial institutions, professional services firms, IT and infrastructure providers and organisations from construction and property. 

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “I am so pleased to see the hard work of so many colleagues across a range of disciplines at the University recognised with this shortlisting and wish them all the very best of luck in the awards.”