The University of Chester has celebrated the first graduates of its innovative Postgraduate Certificate in Conservation and Sustainability Education, a digital-first programme developed and delivered in collaboration with Chester Zoo.
Graduates, staff and partners gathered at Chester Cathedral to mark the achievements of the founding cohort. Many students met one another in person for the first time, sharing how the course has shaped their professional practice and strengthened their work in sustainability and conservation.
The part-time PGCert – designed to allow learners to apply conservation and sustainability principles directly within their organisations – demonstrates a unique partnership between the University and Chester Zoo. This collaboration was highlighted throughout the ceremony, reinforcing a shared commitment to developing future leaders in conservation education.
Programme praised by the University’s new Chancellor
The PGCert also received endorsement from the University’s new Chancellor, Dame Jenny Harries DBE DL, who described it in her inaugural address as a leading example of innovative, collaborative teaching that advances essential green skills. She praised the Chester Zoo–University of Chester partnership for equipping professionals across industries to influence sustainable practice and lead long-term environmental change.
Chester Zoo celebrates the impact of the partnership
Liz Webb, Conservation Training Academy Manager at Chester Zoo, attended the ceremony and praised the success of the collaboration:
“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.”
Students already influencing conservation and sustainability sectors
Uná Meehan, Deputy Head of Childhood, Education and Professional Development (CEPD) and Programme Leader, reflected on the cohort’s achievements:
“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 across the sector in roles such as:
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 reflected on the impact of the programme:
“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.”
Recruitment now open for January 2026 intake
With the founding cohort now graduated, the University of Chester and Chester Zoo will continue to welcome new learners to the programme, which prepares professionals from diverse sectors to lead meaningful, action-focused responses to the climate and biodiversity crises.
Recruitment for the next cohort is now open, with the next intake beginning January 2026.
