Join our community
The warm and welcoming atmosphere you’ll find on campus is one of the things that truly sets us apart.
Are you thinking about returning to education to study a subject you love, or perhaps you’re considering a career or life change? A third of our students are over the age of 30, so there’s no need to feel daunted at the idea of getting back into education.
Mature student webinars.
We spoke to mature students and created a series of helpful webinars. So far we have advice for studying with children, an exploration of what student life is like for mature learners and everything you need to know about finance as a mature learner.
How do I apply?
Undergraduate
If you’re a mature student applying for a full-time undergraduate degree, you can apply through UCAS.
If you don't have a UCAS account yet, that's ok. It's a simple process. Have a read about how to create a UCAS account before setting one up.
Postgraduate or part-time - apply direct
If you’re thinking about applying for an undergraduate degree part-time or a postgraduate degree, in most cases you apply directly to us online. However, there are a few exceptions, so it’s a good idea to check the Apply Now section in your chosen course page.
Find out from Louise why she recommends coming to Christ Church as a mature student over on YouTube.
Things to consider
1. Check the length of study
Many of our courses can be taken either full-time or part-time. Full-time is usually three years (four years if you include a foundation year), and part-time is anywhere up to six years.
As well as a wide range of full-time courses, we also offer part-time courses providing a flexible way to fit studying around your other commitments. Check your course page to see if the subject you’re interested in is available part-time. View our list of courses to find your specific course page.
If you’d like to discuss your options further or find out more about course hours at University, the Course Enquiry Team is always happy to help.
2. Qualifications and life experience
We consider applications from people with a wide range of general qualifications. Whether you have A levels or T levels, we accept multiple qualifications to help you secure a place with us.
You can also evidence your life experience with an Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or an Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). If you can demonstrate any previous experience that is relevant to your chosen course, then you can use this as evidence of the entry requirements that we adhere to.
Check our entry requirements page for more information. Remember, this list is not exhaustive, and we do take into consideration your life experience too.
As a mature student you have the life experience and are serious about what you want from your degree.
Kerrie, 23Early Childhood Studies and Special Education Needs and Inclusion Studies
3. Foundation years
If you haven't quite got enough grades, you can opt for a Foundation Year, which will give you a fantastic opportunity to begin exploring your chosen course. Not only will you get a feel for our University, but you'll gain the confidence and skills needed to progress onto your chosen degree.
Please chat to us, and we’ll see what is available for you.
4. Check the location of your course
We offer courses at our Canterbury Campus or Medway Campus, and some courses are available at both.
We offer accommodation close to both campuses too but, if you're planning to commute, check where your course will be based so you can plan travel around your study. If you plan on driving as part of your commute, check whether you are eligible for a student parking permit. Click here to find out more about Park & Ride, how to apply for a permit and our Sustainable Travel Policy and Procedure.
Click here to find out more information about travelling to our campuses.
5. Financial support is available
The Student Loans Company, which is run by the Government, offers loans to cover your tuition fees and help with your living expenses whilst you’re studying. Two loans are offered: the maintenance loan and the tuition loan. As a general rule, the tuition loan will cover the full course of study, plus one extra year if this is needed.
If you previously received a student loan for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you may still be accepted for further funding depending on your course. You also may be able to get extra help if you’ve got children or caring responsibilities.
We explain student finance further here. We also offer bursaries, scholarships and grants that you may be entitled to.
I am loving it! The course fits well around my work, study and family life. This has motivated my children to study hard so that they can grow up and fulfil their dreams.
John, Cyber Security studentComputer Forensics & Security student
6. Living in university accommodation
Visit an Open Day and you’ll be able to see the accommodation for yourself. Or if you can't make it in person, take a look at our virtual tour. If you're in need of accessible transport links, check how close the accommodation is to the city’s numerous transport links.
View our accommodation on offer. Our accommodation at Dover Street is often popular with our mature students. Starting from £148 a week, all accommodation is inclusive of bills, with Wi-Fi included. Not only will you have access to a resident-only court yard, you will have allocated parking and free bike storage.
7. University life for everyone
If you want to meet other mature students on the same or different courses to you, you can start a Mature Students society at the Students' Union. Here, you'll find like-minded students who are eager to find new friends and socialise.
There is a wide range of societies to join. From panto society to the feminist society, there will be something for everyone at CCCU's SU.
In the months leading up to the start of your course, you'll also be invited to join our Christ Church Students Facebook Group. This is the perfect place for you to meet other people on your course who might be living in the same accommodation or commuting from the same area.
University is for anyone at any stage of life. The fact that two thirds of our students are over the age of 21 shows just how much we value our mature students. Our community celebrates diversity in every form, so apply to us today to become a part of Canterbury Christ Church University.
Being a Student Ambassador has helped me get involved. Working with Outreach and alongside younger students has meant new friends, discovering the campus, being informed of what is happening and other opportunities, such as internships.
Susan, 53Postgraduate Diploma in Education
8. You'll receive lots of support
We’re here to support you before you start and all the way through your studies. Prior to joining us, we'll send out a Course Essentials pack to ensure that you'll be fully ready to begin your course.
You also have the option of speaking with a peer mentor who is a current student. This will give you the opportunity to find out what you really need to do to prepare from someone who has already done it - the peer mentor scheme is a fantastic way for you to prepare, build your confidence and make friends.
If you’re joining academic life after a long break from school or college, we offer individual tutorials, workshops and online resources to support essay writing, critical thinking and much more. Read more about the Learning Skills Hub here.
I could not have had more support from Christ Church this year as a mature student. Student support has been invaluable with tips on academic writing and referencing.
Emma, 36Midwifery
Join us
Start your application today! If you have a UCAS account, visit the UCAS website now to make a start.
If you don't have a UCAS account, you can find out how to create one here. This quick and easy step-by-step process will show you how to register and fill out your application form.
University is for anyone at any stage of life. The fact that two thirds of our students are over the age of 21 shows just how much we value our mature students. Our community celebrates diversity in every form, so apply to us today to become a part of Canterbury Christ Church University.