Canterbury Christ Church University – Courses & Eligibility

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) began as a teacher training college in 1962, established by the Church of England in response to a national shortage of school teachers. The college opened its doors with just 75 students and nine teachers. Over the following decades it expanded significantly across disciplines, and in 2005 was awarded full university status by the Privy Council. Today it is a welcoming, supportive, and international university with global connections, located in the historic city of Canterbury.

The university welcomes students from 100 different countries worldwide, who contribute to an exciting and engaging international student community. CCCU is ranked top 10 in the UK for teaching quality and student experience by the Good University Guide 2026.

Why Study at Canterbury Christ Church University?

Students considering CCCU often look at its strong graduate outcomes, award-winning facilities, city location, and focus on student support.

Strong Graduate Employment –CCCU is in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment, out of 100 higher education institutions with 3,000 or more graduates, according to HESA Graduate Outcomes 2025.

Above-Average Employability – Nearly two-thirds of CCCU graduates are in highly skilled graduate-level employment 15 months after completing their studies, five percentage points higher than the national average.

Recognised Teaching Quality – CCCU ranks 6th in the UK for satisfaction with teaching quality and 5th for wider student experience according to The Sunday Times Good University Guide.

Modern Learning Facilities – A multi-million pound investment has transformed the university, including the Verena Holmes Building, a £65 million STEM facility for engineering, health, and science, and the Daphne Oram creative arts building, equipped for music recording, game design, and digital media production.

Historic City Setting Close to London – Less than an hour from London, Canterbury is a lively student city with historic streets, ancient city walls, and a vibrant atmosphere, while the Medway Campus offers a student-friendly, cosmopolitan quarter in a separate part of Kent.

Unique Graduation Ceremony – Undergraduate graduates have the opportunity to receive their degrees in either Canterbury Cathedral or Rochester Cathedral, both significant historic landmarks in Kent.

Commitment to Sustainability – Sustainability is at the heart of CCCU's values. The university is a Gold Tier institution in the Green Universities Report 2023, with carbon emissions down since 2019–2020 and zero waste going to landfill.

Silver Teaching Excellence Award – Canterbury Christ Church University has received a Silver award for teaching excellence, exceeding national quality requirements for UK universities

Courses at Canterbury Christ Church University

Undergraduate Courses

• BSc Adult Nursing
• BSc Computer Science
• BSc Biomedical Science
• BA Business Management
• BA Education
• BA English Language and Communication
• LLB Law
• BSc Psychology
• BSc Sport and Exercise Science
• BA Criminology

Postgraduate Courses

• MBA International
• MSc Data Intelligence
• MSc Global Public Health
• MSc Cyber Security
• MA Education
• MSc Applied Psychology
• MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration)
• MSc Social Work
• LLM Law
• MA Creative and Professional Writing

Eligibility Criteria for International Students

Undergraduate Programmes

Applicants generally need:

• Completion of Class 12 or an equivalent qualification
• Academic results meeting programme-specific entry requirements
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Supporting documents as requested during the application process
• Undergraduate applications are made through UCAS

Postgraduate Programmes

Applicants generally need:

• A recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
• Academic background relevant to the selected programme
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• A personal statement and references, where required by the programme
• Additional documentation as specified on individual course pages

English Language Requirements

As an international student at CCCU, applicants must hold a valid English language qualification in addition to the relevant academic qualifications.

The standard minimum requirement for international applicants is IELTS 6.0 or an equivalent qualification. Accepted equivalents include TOEFL and Cambridge Advanced at Grade A or B. Some programmes may require a higher level of English proficiency, and individual course pages provide specific requirements.

Accepted English Language Tests

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• Pearson PTE Academic
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate (Grade A or B)
• Cambridge Proficiency Certificate

Students who do not meet the required English language score may be eligible to take the Pre-sessional Course in Academic English Skills at Canterbury Christ Church University before their degree programme begins.

Campus and Student Life

The warm and welcoming atmosphere on campus is one of the defining features of student life at CCCU. The university has created a nurturing and supportive environment where diversity, equality, and individuality are part of everyday life. Students from around the world come together to exchange ideas, values, and experiences.

Canterbury is a vibrant student city surrounded by beautiful countryside, picturesque villages, stunning coastal scenery, and nearby cosmopolitan destinations. The university also has a Medway Campus, offering students the opportunity to study in a different part of Kent with its own unique community atmosphere.

Students have access to:

• Libraries and learning resources
• Sports and fitness facilities
• Student support services
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Academic and study support services
• Clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities through the Students' Union

Career Opportunities and Employability

CCCU has a strong reputation for graduate employability and is committed to helping students develop the skills employers value. Lecturers and tutors provide personalised support, helping students reach their academic and professional goals.

Students may have access to:

• Career guidance and planning services
• CV and application support
• Interview preparation
• Work placements and industry projects
• Employer engagement and networking events
• Professional skills development

Canterbury Christ Church University graduates enjoy some of the strongest employment prospects in the UK, according to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey. The availability of specific opportunities may vary depending on the programme and level of study.

Funding Your Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University

Studying abroad involves costs beyond tuition fees. Students should plan for accommodation, local transportation, healthcare requirements, study materials, visa-related expenses, and day-to-day living costs. Building a realistic financial plan before arriving in the UK can help students manage their expenses throughout the academic year.

As an international student, you may be able to work up to 20 hours per week during term time while studying full-time on a degree-level course at Canterbury Christ Church University, subject to the conditions of your Student visa.

Many students explore an education loan as part of their overseas education planning. Depending on the financing provider and applicant profile, funding may be available for tuition fees and other approved education-related expenses.

For students planning to study at Canterbury Christ Church University, an education loan for UK universities may be one option to consider when evaluating funding requirements. Expenses such as tuition deposits, accommodation bookings, travel arrangements, and other pre-departure costs often need to be organised well before arrival in the UK.

Credila offers education loan solutions for eligible students pursuing higher education abroad. With flexible repayment plans and guidance throughout the application process, students can explore financing options aligned with their academic aspirations, chosen programme, and individual funding needs.