Canterbury Christ Church University

Established in 1962, Canterbury Christ Church University is a modern, multi-campus University offering higher and professional education. The university has several campuses and centres which are based in Canterbury, Broadstairs, Medway and Tunbridge Wells.

One of only a handful of universities in the UK to be situated in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a strong community of 17,000 students and 2,000 staff.

They have four academic schools which are:

• Arts and Humanities
• Education
• Health and Wellbeing
• Social and Applied Sciences

The University is a Church of England Foundation University, and welcomes all faiths and none. Today, the University continues to shape courses and research around critical social issues, the latest industry developments and public service need.

Nearly 90% of its research submitted to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) was assessed as world-leading, internationally significant or internationally recognised.

For postgraduate students, taught subjects are available, along with research degrees.

Canterbury Christ Church University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Staff have been very accommodating and helpful. Uni environment is welcoming.”

“I have really enjoyed my time at CCCU, I have learnt lots and developed my academic skills while making friends with people who share my interests.”

“Enjoying what I'm learning and meeting new people.”

98% of postgraduate students at Canterbury Christ Church are in employment or further training within six months of graduating* (*Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).

Many of the postgraduate courses at Christ Church are designed to offer the qualifications and accreditations required to enter specific professions. They have been developed with public sector organisations within the education, teaching, business, health, law and psychology spheres to make sure that they are as effective as possible in helping students learn about the real world.

Canterbury Christ Church University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Work placements are very beneficial.”

“Temp contracts, encourage volunteering opportunities.”

“Supportive work placements.”

There is a wide range of different postgraduate taught programmes you can complete, including Master’s, Postgraduate Diplomas, Postgraduate Certificates and CPD courses.

These are generally delivered via a series of lectures, workshops and seminars, and are supported by a wide range of facilities including online resources.

In terms of research degrees, you can choose between Master’s by Research, PhDs, MPhils and Specialist Doctorates.

Canterbury Christ Church University prides itself on having lecturers and staff who are experts in their field. 

Canterbury Christ Church University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Really good lecturers, interesting range.”

“The lecturers make good use of the sessions and offer good support outside of lectures.”

“Well organised with good communication between students and teachers.”

Run separately and independently from the university, the Students’ Union consists of a mix of full-time sabbatical officers, staff and a board of trustees. Here you can find advice, training, skills development, student activities, employment opportunities and information about volunteering. The Students’ Union also acts as your representative to the University.

Postgraduate students are not guaranteed a place in university accommodation unless you meet the criteria for Special Accommodation, or you are travelling from outside of the UK to study at Canterbury.

However, anybody can apply for a place and will be put on a waiting list until all those who are guaranteed have been found a place. The university attempts to put postgraduate students together, but can’t guarantee it.

There are lots of different options available for halls, with locations in Canterbury, Medway and Broadstairs. Generally speaking, residences are single study bedrooms grouped together in houses and flats. Some are en-suite, while others have shared facilities.

The university also provides guidance and help for anybody who would like to stay in private accommodation. 

Across the university, you’ll find a variety of facilities, which will cater for both your academic and social needs.

Located at the Canterbury campus is Augustine House. This contains the University’s award- winning library and student services building, as well as the Students’ Union, arts and culture venues, as well as various food courts and cafes. There’s also a sports centre, with exercise studios and a fully-equipped gym. As part of the facilities offered by the Graduate School there is a dedicated room on campus for research students, with exclusive 24-hour access to IT facilities and other resources.

Over at the Medway campus, there is a library, a cafe and a bar, along with subject specific facilities for health students. There are also lecture theatres, IT suites, seminar and tutorial rooms. Some of the facilities are shared with the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich. 

Canterbury Christ Church University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Lots of computers, library is great and psychology department has great equipment and lab rooms.”

“Amazing food selection.”

“I love the bookshop and canteen.”

Canterbury is a historic yet cosmopolitan city which has World Heritage Site status, and is home to the world-famous Canterbury Cathedral, which is where you will graduate.

In Canterbury itself, there’s plenty to keep you occupied, including theatres, cinemas, shops, bars and restaurants. Kent is known as the Garden of England and offers beautiful countryside, picturesque villages and stunning costal scenery. It is the gateway to Europe and you can also reach London and all it has to offer from Canterbury in under an hour.

In Canterbury, there are three universities in the city, so you can expect a vibrant and buzzing student life.

Canterbury Christ Church University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Amazing, culture and places to eat, especially if you have allergies.”

“Amazing place to live, always something to do.”

“Wonderful.”

Organised by the Students’ Union, there are more than 90 different clubs or societies which you can choose from across a range of different groupings, including by faith, interest, culture or hobbies. If you want to start your own society, you can, with support given if you can’t find any current society which is suitable.

Canterbury Christ Church University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Variety of societies accessible for commuters.”

“They are great socially.”

“A wide variety of options.”

There’s a lot of support available for students at Canterbury Christ Church, with help for a variety of issues and concerns. For example, you can get assistance with finance, health and wellbeing, careers and jobs, childcare and faith and religion. Advice is available for budgeting, helping you to get information on scholarships and finance.

The Disability Advice Team is able to help students who often have very different needs and can provide specific information and practical support.

Canterbury Christ Church University students on Postgraduate Search say:

“Outstanding, counselling is helpful.”

“Plenty available.”

“My tutor is very supportive.”

UK Students Per Year: Variable, depending on course

International Students Per Year: Variable, depending on course

If you are studying for a PGCE there are scholarships available for £30,000 for teachers studying Maths, chemistry, physics and computing with a 2:1 or first-class degree and have a demonstrable passion for the subject.

If you are a UK or EU alumni, you can also get a 20% discount off on Canterbury Christ Church fees.

From 2017, you’ll also be able to access a student loan if you are undertaking a Master’s degree. You can find more information about the bursaries which Canterbury Christ Church University offers on the website.

Canterbury Christ Church University started out as a specialist teaching college and has been consistently highly praised for its expertise in the field of teacher training. A lot of the university’s work is linked to important social issues from research around migration and HIV diagnosis, to cybercrime and stem cell research. Many of the lecturers have vast experience in the commercial, professional and academic world, and there is a good staff-to-student ratio ensuring students get the support they need.

Requirements vary between different courses and you can find individual entry requirements on the Canterbury Christ Church website. 

There are in the region of 220 research students registered on full-time and part-time degrees at Canterbury Christ Church University. Most of those students are at the main Canterbury campus.

There are four different research degrees you can undertake: Master’s by Research, PhD, MPhil and Specialist Doctorates.

There’s a Graduate School which supports research students, which gives you direct access to personal and academic support. The school prides itself on offering the opportunity to study personal, creative subjects which may not be available to research anywhere else.

There's a range of MA and MSc courses, along with postgraduate diplomas and certificates and sector specific qualifications. You can also undertake a range of different PGCE courses - something which the university specialises in.

You can find full details of the structure, assessment, entry requirements and more about each individual course on the Canterbury Christ Church website.

You can take the PGCE Primary Modular as a flexible course which takes between 1 and 3 years and is ideal for those who might otherwise struggle to undertake full-time learning. Much of the studying for the course is taken independently through online and distance learning.