The curriculum is increasingly broad at this former teacher training college, where courses span creative arts and industries, nursing, law, policing and social sciences. From 2025, a new approach has been introduced on courses, aimed at producing adaptable, innovative and collaborative professionals. Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) has brought in modules focusing on life beyond the classroom, tackling contemporary issues and connecting with local communities and employers. Foundation years are offered as a way into a number of degree courses and CCCU has a successful record on widening participation, remaining in the top 30 of our social inclusion index (27th).
Canterbury is a thriving student city where those attending three universities mingle in the cobbled streets or make forays to the seaside at Whitstable or Margate. CCCU’s teacher training courses, rated “good” by Ofsted, are based at the Medway campus near the historic Chatham dockyards. A university since 2005, CCCU joined the University of Kent in opening the Kent and Medway Medical School there in 2020 — which produced its first graduates in 2025.
What is Canterbury Christ Church University’s reputation?
Canterbury scored triple silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023) for student experience, outcomes and overall. Between 2014 and 2021, CCCU more than doubled the proportion of world-leading work in the national Research Excellence Framework. The university slides (just) into the top 100 in our research quality index (99th).
CCCU has appointed Professor Claire Ozanne as its next vice-chancellor from April 2026 after the departure of Prof Rama Thirunamachandran. Ozanne led Liverpool Hope University in a period of significant improvement in student satisfaction. She said she was proud of CCCU’s “strength in driving social mobility and supporting excellent graduate employment”. The university remains a Church of England foundation but admits students of all faiths and none.
There were 200 degree apprentices at the last count, in fields such as manufacturing engineering, occupational therapy and policing.
Student satisfaction has improved out of sight with top-10 results in our analysis of the latest National Student Survey. CCU has leapt 72 places to rank sixth for satisfaction with teaching quality, and an even more dramatic 105 places to be 5= for the wider experience. Poor continuation rates (119=) continue to hold CCCU back in our main academic table although it has improved 28 places to 81st overall.
What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?
New from September 2025 are degrees in architectural engineering, building services engineering, sport management, sport development, popular music, and countering terrorism and extremism.
What are Canterbury Christ Church University’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?
For a foundation year, the standard offer is DDE at A-level (64 Ucas tariff points). Degree courses usually require BBC (112 points), rising to ABB (128 points) for physiotherapy. Almost three in ten students entered through clearing in 2024.
What are the graduate prospects?
CCCU ranks 67= in our analysis of the Graduate Outcomes survey, with three quarters of graduates in highly skilled work or further study 15 months after finishing their degree. Employability is embedded in courses and the university teams up with industry and local businesses to keep courses up to date with required skills. An enterprise and employability team offers dedicated support, from personalised careers advice and “earn while you learn” job opportunities, to specialist careers events and support with creating start-ups.
What is Canterbury Christ Church University’s campus like?
The Verena Holmes building for Stem subjects — which also incorporates the Kent and Medway Medical School — opened in spring 2023 in the cathedral city as part of an ambitious £150 million campus redevelopment. The Daphne Oram Creative Arts Building — named after the pioneering electronic music composer and former CCCU tutor — has professional facilities with the latest technology using drones, motion capture and XR (extended reality).
The Medway campus incorporates a simulated hospital setting for health students. CCCU courses are also delivered at Global Banking School campuses in Greenford, west London, Birmingham and Manchester and there is a postgraduate centre in Tunbridge Wells.
When can I visit?
canterbury.ac.uk
Everything you need to know about Canterbury Christ Church University’s student life and wellbeing support
The students’ union is at the main Canterbury site, where most students are based and use of a new multi-use games area — for football, basketball, futsal and table football — is free for students. The sports centre and playing fields are a mile away at Stodmarsh. Cricket, hockey and tennis facilities are at Polo Farm Sports Club, two miles from the main campus. Canterbury Rugby Club allows free membership to CCCU students, and they can use Canterbury Golf Club and an athletics track at a local college.
Mental health services include counselling, drop-ins and workshops, and students can seek support at the chaplaincy. The Safezone app alerts security staff if a student needs urgent assistance.
The cathedral city is richer in real ales than raves, but provides a charming backdrop to student life.
What do the students say?
“The friendly and welcoming campuses have a real sense of community, and the support from lecturers and staff has made a huge difference. I’ve made friends from all over the world and got involved in societies and volunteering. I’ve grown not just academically, but personally too."
Flic Lindo, Union Council and Student Green Officer
What about student accommodation at Canterbury Christ Church University?
All CCCU’s accommodation is off campus, none of it catered. For first-years who want to live in, university-approved rooms are guaranteed – as long as students apply by the end of July.
How diverse and inclusive is Canterbury Christ Church University?
CCCU works with more than 50 schools and colleges in Kent and Medway to raise aspirations and attainment, and to support wider access into higher education. It has the second-highest proportion of mature students (86.8 per cent).
Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at Canterbury Christ Church University
CCCU pays a university grant of up to £600 a year to undergraduates whose household incomes are under £25,000, doubled to £1,200 a year for care leavers. Academic scholarships are available for students who achieve at least ABB at A-level or equivalent, as well as sports and music scholarships.
