Established in 1962, Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) is renowned for its industry-responsive courses, training the community's future healthcare professionals, engineers, teachers, creative designers, and more.
CCCU offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across STEM subjects and the creative arts. Not only are the course offerings diverse and innovative, all courses weave themes of employability and sustainability throughout their curriculum, highlighting CCCU's commitment to creating sustainable futures for graduates – that's why they've been in the top 20 for graduates in employment for over three years running.
With over 60 years' experience in teacher education, CCCU offers a diverse range of teacher training routes, with qualifications leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Courses to teach internationally are also offered, highlighting their international status within the education sector.
Not only does CCCU prioritise employability, but the institution prides itself on its support services, offering a range of tailored support to their students, both throughout and beyond their studies.
Nestled in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, CCCU offers an education that prepares its students for the future. Through a supportive and community-focused ethos, students feel a part of the Canterbury community as they study within the historic, walled city.
Canterbury Christ Church University students on Whatuni say:
''The best aspect of my time at Canterbury Christ Church University has been the strong sense of purpose and community.''
''I don't think so that I had any bad experiences in the university it is really nice.''
''Overall, my uni experience has been really positive.''
Read honest reviews from real students at this uni
4.04.23.9
4.3CCCU boasts a range of award-winning, state-of-the-art facilities across both Canterbury and Medway campuses.
CCCU's Verena Holmes building offers industry-spec facilities including medical simulation suites, laboratories, and the innovative Hydra Suite, which is an immersive training facility for high stakes, real life scenarios.
Creative courses are situated in the arts hub, Daphne Oram. This welcoming, collaborative space comprises music studios, dark rooms, print room, games design hub, and collab spaces, encouraging students to work and create together.
CCCU's award-winning library, Augustine House, is made up of four floors, offering a range of study spaces to suit students' learning needs.
Medway Campus is specifically designed to create the UK's education and healthcare professionals. The campus boasts industry-spec simulation facilities and is home to the Institute of Medical Sciences.
Canterbury Christ Church University students on Whatuni say:
''The facilities, hospitality and teaching is excellent.''
''It's a pretty new university, which shows in the facilities, and there's a lot of support available if you need it.''
''There are plenty of resources available to help students succeed, such as libraries and study spaces.''
Based in the Garden of England, Kent, Canterbury is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church. According to student reviewers there are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to keep them entertained, as well as galleries and theatres.
Medway is a cosmopolitan area that's home to students from three universities, giving the area a vibrant, student scene.
What's more, London is less than an hour away by train from Canterbury and just 35 minutes from Medway. Both locations are easy to travel from, whether students want to head to the capital or to the rest of Europe.
4.2CCCU is top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment (HESA, 2026) and has been in the top 20 for three years running. This highlights the institution's emphasis on creating employability-focused and industry-responsive courses.
Throughout every degree, students undertake modules that cover industry, contemporary topics, and sustainability, aiding them in gaining employment and solidifying a sustainable future as they enter the workforce.
Students also have the opportunity to collaborate through interdisciplinary work, learning with students on other courses. Through this collaborative study, students gain vital skills in teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing, fully preparing them for graduate employment.
CCCU's Careers and Enterprise Service provides further support through personalised careers guidance, CV and application advice, interview preparation, and employability workshops. Students can access one-to-one appointments with careers coaches and specialist employability advisers, as well as online resources through the Handshake platform. This also enables students to connect with potential employers, explore job opportunities and attend networking events.
4.2In Canterbury, student residences are single study bedrooms grouped in either houses or flats with a choice of en-suite or shared facilities. Many feature communal living and dining areas.
In Medway, accommodation is shared with the University of Kent in their Pier Quays residence. This is just a ten-minute walk from campus and boasts on-site access to a social area, launderette, Tesco Express, Subway, and Domino's Pizza.
Canterbury Christ Church University students on Whatuni say:
''Good place to live.''
''Good central location.''
''The location is brilliant, being close to both the primary campus and the centre of town.''
CCCU offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students. These change throughout the year, so it's recommended that applicants and students keep an eye on the CCCU website.
Awards include:
The annual 2026/27 tuition fees for most undergraduate full-time courses are:
UK/EU: £9,790
Overseas: £17,000
Foundation Year: £5,760
From nursing and teaching, to engineering, sport science, computing, and games design, there's a wealth of undergraduate courses on offer at CCCU.
Students have an exceptional selection of study options available across four schools:
Learning quality is prioritised throughout every course, and students delve into both practical and academic study, blending theory with practice to truly set them up with the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
This is facilitated by the excellent academics at the university. Tutors and lecturers are passionate about their specialisms as they engage and inspire students. Throughout many courses, students can also get involved in direct research, working with academics and postgraduate students as they gain rich research experience alongside their usual study.
All students benefit from a personal academic tutor during each year of study, offering unique and tailored support throughout their degree.
With an emphasis on community and teamwork, lecturers and students refer to each other by their first names, highlighting the warm and inviting environment that CCCU creates on campus.
Canterbury Christ Church University students on Whatuni say:
''Environment is good, lecturers are helpful and nice.''
''The lectures are generally good and engaging, which makes a big difference.''
''One of the best aspects of my university experience has been the supportive learning environment. The lecturers at Canterbury Christ Church University are approachable and knowledgeable.''
CCCU is recognised historically as a university for teacher training and higher education for the public services, including health-related courses. The institution has evolved significantly in recent years and has a wide portfolio in arts and humanities, engineering, and sport, as well as the creative arts, and social and applied sciences.
The university's academic strengths are supported by significant investment in specialist teaching facilities. Its Verena Holmes Building brings together science, engineering, medicine and healthcare disciplines, providing industry-standard laboratories and simulation suites. Meanwhile, the Daphne Oram Creative Arts Building offers dedicated facilities for music production, digital media and design.
Beyond these specialisms, the university is broadly considered to offer outstanding education opportunities across its entire portfolio of courses.
With a passion for teaching and providing an exceptional learning experience, students on any course at CCCU will benefit from the very latest developments in their chosen field. This leaves them best prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.
Canterbury Christ Church University students on Whatuni say:
''The teaching style works well overall and I feel supported throughout.''
''The mix of lectures, seminars and independent study allows for a good balance between guidance and self-learning work placement.''
''School placements have been particularly transformative. They have pushed me beyond my comfort zone, strengthened my resilience, and helped me discover the kind of teacher I aspire to be.''
There is a huge range of clubs and societies that students can join through the students' union. And if students can't find a society they want to choose, they can create their own. Students are fully supported through the SU.
4.0The Canterbury Christ Church University Students' Union is run independently from the university and has a mixture of full-time sabbatical officers and staff, plus a board of trustees. It offers advice, representation, training, skills development, student activities, volunteering opportunities, and employment.
Canterbury Christ Church University students on Whatuni say:
''Easy access location, on a UNESCO site, which is such a privilege.''
''Canterbury is a nice place to live and has a great atmosphere.''
''I also really enjoyed meeting new people, joining clubs, and taking part in social events, which made university life enjoyable and memorable.''
4.1CCCU prides itself on the extensive support that it offers its students. From application to after graduation, students can access a range of support to help them, from mental health and wellbeing to finance. Other areas of support include disability, cost of living, employability, and careers advice.
The Careers and Enterprise Service offers a variety of one-to-ones and workshops, including how to set up a business, CV help, preparing for graduate employment, and networking. Bursaries are offered to help with career development, and the university also has access to Unitemps where students can find placements, internships, part-time work, and volunteering opportunities.
As the university has a Christian foundation, the work of the Chaplaincy is particularly important and there are three chaplains who work across the three campuses to provide support and help.
CCCU welcomes students of all faiths and none, and students can seek advice from the Chaplaincy regardless of their own background and beliefs. As well as the Canterbury based chapel, there is a Muslim prayer room, a Buddhist meditation room, and quiet rooms on all campuses.
Canterbury Christ Church University students on Whatuni say:
''Another standout aspect has been the support from lecturers. There is a genuine culture of encouragement at CCCU.''
''The best aspect of my experience has been the supportive lecturers and engaging teaching.''
''The wellbeing team at CCCU are impeccable. They really really care about students and will do anything to help support their journeys.''
4.2
