THE University of Chester will offer help for unemployed and underemployed graduates during the economic down-turn after making a successful funding bid.

It will run a postgraduate course in Business Innovation & Development for graduates in the Cheshire and Warrington sub-region.

This will offer a blend of three elements: university-based taught components, one-to-one coaching and career planning and structured placements. A total of 300 individuals stand to benefit from this initiative.

The course will be funded from a £168,322 Government grant while the university itself or the European Regional Development Fund will match that amount.