University Scheme

Looking for a different kind of university experience,  Freemasonry may be the right one for you

About the Scheme

Tradition and continuity are just two of the values which characterise the relationship between Freemasonry and universities. It was over 200 years ago that the first university Lodge – Apollo University Lodge – was founded at Oxford in 1818.

Isaac Newton University Lodge soon followed at Cambridge in 1861 and since then many thousands of young men have been introduced to Freemasonry through these two Lodges.

It was these very foundations that led to the United Grand Lodge of England establishing the Universities Scheme in 2005 and introducing Freemasonry’s important values to a new generation.

There are now 87 Lodges and seven Chapters pursuing a similar, yet distinct, course across England and Wales, where towns and cities have universities.

All these Lodges welcome new members and those wishing to become Freemasons, who are undergraduates, postgraduates, senior members of the university and alumni, and any students from Further Education, ranging in age from 18 upwards.

The scheme also has its own committee, which is presided over by the co-Presidents David Medlock and Steven Varley, UGLE’s Assistant Grand Masters, and Chairman James Hilditch, who meet regularly to ensure the scheme continues to have a critical role in enhancing the opportunities for students and others connected with universities to join and enjoy Freemasonry.

About the Scheme

Tradition and continuity are just two of the values which characterise the relationship between Freemasonry and universities. It was over 200 years ago that the first university Lodge – Apollo University Lodge – was founded at Oxford in 1818.

Isaac Newton University Lodge soon followed at Cambridge in 1861 and since then many thousands of young men have been introduced to Freemasonry through these two Lodges.

It was these very foundations that led to the United Grand Lodge of England establishing the Universities Scheme in 2005 and introducing Freemasonry’s important values to a new generation.

There are now 87 Lodges and seven Chapters pursuing a similar, yet distinct, course across England and Wales, where towns and cities have universities.

All these Lodges welcome new members and those wishing to become Freemasons, who are undergraduates, postgraduates, senior members of the university and alumni, and any students from Further Education, ranging in age from 18 upwards.

The scheme also has its own committee, which is presided over by the co-Presidents David Medlock and Steven Varley, UGLE’s Assistant Grand Masters, and Chairman James Hilditch, who meet regularly to ensure the scheme continues to have a critical role in enhancing the opportunities for students and others connected with universities to join and enjoy Freemasonry.

Thinking of joining us?

Universities Schemes in Chester

Uni Lodge of Chester logo

University of Chester Lodge 4477

University Lodge of Chester is a Craft Masonic Lodge located at Freemasons’ Hall, 2 Queen Street, Chester in the Province of Cheshire and Constituted under the United Grand Lodge of England.

The Lodge was formed in 2011 taking the number from Temple Lodge No. 4477. The Lodge welcomes undergraduates and postgraduates and is a thriving member of the Universities Scheme, which was set up under the direction of the Past Assistant Grand Master David Williamson to make it easier for undergraduates and graduates to enter craft masonry whilst at university.

Omnium Logo

OmniUm Lodge No. 10005

OmniUm Lodge is a Craft Masonic Lodge located at Cheshire View. Plough Lane, Christleton, Chester CH3 7PT in the Province of Cheshire and Constituted under the United Grand Lodge of England.

The Lodge was Consecrated on 6th November 2021.  The Lodge welcomes undergraduates and alumni from the Open University, and is a member of the Universities Scheme, which was set up under the direction of the Past Assistant Grand Master David Williamson to make it easier for undergraduates and graduates to enter craft masonry whilst at university.

Thinking of joining us?

Universities Schemes in Chester

Uni Lodge of Chester logo

University of Chester Lodge 4477

University Lodge of Chester is a Craft Masonic Lodge located at Freemasons’ Hall, 2 Queen Street, Chester in the Province of Cheshire and Constituted under the United Grand Lodge of England.

The Lodge was formed in 2011 taking the number from Temple Lodge No. 4477. The Lodge welcomes undergraduates and postgraduates and is a thriving member of the Universities Scheme, which was set up under the direction of the Past Assistant Grand Master David Williamson to make it easier for undergraduates and graduates to enter craft masonry whilst at university.

Omnium Logo

OmniUm Lodge No. 10005

OmniUm Lodge is a Craft Masonic Lodge located at Cheshire View. Plough Lane, Christleton, Chester CH3 7PT in the Province of Cheshire and Constituted under the United Grand Lodge of England.

The Lodge was Consecrated on 6th November 2021.  The Lodge welcomes undergraduates and alumni from the Open University, and is a member of the Universities Scheme, which was set up under the direction of the Past Assistant Grand Master David Williamson to make it easier for undergraduates and graduates to enter craft masonry whilst at university.

UGLE Universities Scheme

The Universities Scheme gives students and young people a great opportunity to make long-lasting friendships and increase their social interaction.

Visit the UGLE Universities Scheme

UGLE Universities Scheme

The Universities Scheme gives students and young people a great opportunity to make long-lasting friendships and increase their social interaction.

Join Us

How to join the Universities Scheme

If you don’t know anyone who is a member that you can talk to, then your first step is to register your interest.

University of Chester or Open University

If you are an undergraduate, postgraduate or alumni register your interest

Register your interest

Complete the membership enquiry form, on our ‘Join Us’ page, to start your journey to discover Freemasonry in Cheshire.

Still have questions?

Contact us at webenquiries@cheshiremasons.co.uk for more information about Cheshire Freemasonry and we’ll answer any questions you may have.

Join Us

How to join the Universities Scheme

If you don’t know anyone who is a member that you can talk to, then your first step is to register your interest.

University of Chester or Open University

If you are an undergraduate, postgraduate or alumni register your interest

Register your interest

Complete the membership enquiry form, on our ‘Join Us’ page, to start your journey to discover Freemasonry in Cheshire.

Still have questions?

Contact us at webenquiries@cheshiremasons.co.uk for more information about Cheshire Freemasonry and we’ll answer any questions you may have.

university scheme placeholder mobi
The Journey Continues After Graduation

What happens when I finish University?

This is a common question we are often asked and the simple answer is that you’ll be given all the support you need. We understand that once a member finishes their studies at university, they may be moving away from the area.

Membership migration is an important part of Freemasonry and if you do move areas – while you’ll always be able to remain a member of the University Scheme Lodge – help will be provided to ensure that younger members can transfer from Lodge to Lodge.

It means if you’re moving location after leaving university, you’ll be given support to find other suitable Lodges in your area to join.

The Journey Continues After Graduation

What happens when I finish University?

This is a common question we are often asked and the simple answer is that you’ll be given all the support you need. We understand that once a member finishes their studies at university, they may be moving away from the area.

Membership migration is an important part of Freemasonry and if you do move areas – while you’ll always be able to remain a member of the University Scheme Lodge – help will be provided to ensure that younger members can transfer from Lodge to Lodge.

It means if you’re moving location after leaving university, you’ll be given support to find other suitable Lodges in your area to join.