Applying to university comes with a lot of questions. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about applying to CCCU, courses, university life and much more. If you can't find the answer you're looking, then don't hesitate to contact us.

How do I apply to university?

For undergraduate courses, you’ll be required to apply via UCAS. Simply register with UCAS Hub and start your application from there.

As part of your application, you'll need to complete your personal statement and supply provide a reference. If you’re currently at school or college then your teacher will be able to help you with this

For more in-depth information for how to apply for an undergraduate course at CCCU, visit our website or contact our Course Enquiry Team.

What are the different types of offers that I’ll receive?

When you apply to university through UCAS, you may receive different types of offers. Here's what each one means:

• Conditional offer – the most common type of offer. You'll be accepted onto the course on the condition that you meet certain entry requirements.
• Unconditional offer – you'll be offered a place without needing to meet any further conditions. You’ve received an offer regardless of the exam results you get or if you’ve already received your qualifications.
• Conditional firm offer – if you accept a conditional offer as your first choice, this becomes a conditional firm offer and your place will be confirmed if you meet the conditions. 
• Unconditional firm offer – if you accept an unconditional offer, this becomes an unconditional firm offer. This means that you don’t have to meet any conditions and you’re in!

If you haven’t received any offers from your five choices, then you can apply to other places using UCAS Extra.

How do I reply to my offer?

Once you've received your university offers, you'll need to reply through the UCAS Hub, you can also use this to check your deadline for responding. 

You'll have three forms of reply to choose from: 

• Firm acceptance – this is your first choice. If you’ve met the conditions of your offer or received an unconditional offer, then you’ll be offered a place.
• Insurance acceptance – this is your second choice and your backup plan if you don't meet the conditions of your first choice. You can only choose an insurance choice if your firm choice is a conditional offer.
• Decline – you can always decline an offer if you decide it is not the right choice for you. You can explore further course options using UCAS Extra. 

Making a decision can be daunting, so check out our advice on choosing a university offer that will work best for you.

How do I change from insurance to firm choice on my UCAS application?

If you've changed your mind about your firm or insurance choice, you can update your replies within 14 days of accepting your offers. You can do so by contacting UCAS.

If it's been more than 14 days, you may still be able to change your choices, but you will need to contact both UCAS and the universities involved. 

Remember that changing your choices will mean that you may also have to update your student finance and accommodation applications.

Once you’ve received your results you won’t be able to swap your choices. If you decide you would rather attend your insurance university, you'll be able to apply to do so through Clearing.

You can contact the Clearing team to discuss this option further and explore your eligibility for the various available courses. 

When is the application deadline for 2026?

The 'equal consideration' application deadline for 2026 was back in January.

Don’t worry, you can still apply through Clearing, however course availability may be limited. 

When will applications open for 2027?

Applications for 2027 university entry opened on 12 May 2026 and the main UCAS deadline is 13 January 2027.

You can register with UCAS and start your application now. 

When will I hear back about my application?

If you applied by the 2026 January deadline, universities had until the 13 May 2026 to make a decision on your application. 

If you're applying for the 2027 entry and do so by the 13 January 2027 deadline, you should expect to hear from your chosen universities by the 12 May, at the latest. 

If you want more of an overview about applying to university, then find out about the  undergraduate application process.

Do you have any interview advice?

Whilst some courses don’t require an interview, some do. Usually, the courses that ask to interview are more practice-based courses like Nursing and Teaching.

You can find some helpful tips and advice about preparing for your interview here: 

• How to prepare for your interview
• Midwifery interview advice
• Interview advice for health courses
• Remote interviews for Nursing and Allied Public Health
• Interviews for Social Work, Education and Teacher Education

Our interview advice will help you understand what to expect and feel confident going into your interview at CCCU. Good luck! 

Do you have any courses starting in January? 

Most CCCU courses start in September, but we also offer a range of courses with January start dates, including postgraduate and short courses. 

Start dates can vary depending on the course, so the best thing to do is check individual course pages for the most up-to-date information. Use our course search to discover your options. 

What do I do if my application is rejected?

If your application is unsuccessful, don't worry, our Admissions team will always try to help you find a similar course where you'll meet the entry requirements. 

If we can’t find you a course, then you can always opt for a foundation year if there’s one available.

A foundation year is the first year of a four year degree. This is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge to confidently enter year 1 of your subject without having to re-do your level 3 qualifications. Once you have successfully completed your foundation year, you'll progress to year 1 of your course. 

This year will also give you time to adjust to university life and the CCCU campus. You’ll get the opportunity to build strong relationships with academics and will be readily prepared to enter level 4 (year 1) once you’ve finished.

So, don’t worry if you haven’t received the offer that you initially wanted. There are always other options available, and we’ll do what we can to help you get onto the course you want.

The January deadline has passed. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply. However, if you apply for a course that’s already full then you may not be able to join that course. In this instance, you may be offered a place on a similar course, depending on your current and/or predicated qualifications.

You will also be able to apply through Clearing, which started on 5 July.

How do you transfer to CCCU?

If you are currently studying at university and you’d like to transfer to another, you’ll have to apply through UCAS again.

When you apply, you will need to indicate that you'd like to transfer into a later year of the course. The Point of Entry refers to the year that you want to start, so you would choose year 2 or 3 depending on your previous study and the course you applying for. 

The rest of the process will be the same as when you have previously applied. 

In order to be considered for transfer into a new year, you’ll need to have completed the previous full academic years with 120 credits. This means that:

• To transfer into year 2, you’ll need 120 credits from year 1
• To transfer into year 3, you’ll need 120 credits from year 1 and 120 credits from year 2, equalling to 240 credits.

Some courses don’t accept a transfer in year 3, so it’s best to contact our Course Enquiry Team for confirmation.

If you don’t manage to get the full 120 credits for one year, then you’ll have to repeat that year with your current university or CCCU before progressing onto the next academic year.

What language tests do you accept?

We accept the following English Language tests for international students seeking to study with us:

• IELTS
• Pearson PTE Academic
• TOEFL IBT.

However, English language requirements vary depending on the course, and you may be eligible for exemption. Check our specific English Language requirements page for more information.

Alongside your English language qualifications, you can also apply to complete our General English course, which is accredited by the British Council. This course focuses on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, as well as enabling you to learn about living in the UK.

If your conversation skills are strong but you’re looking to improve for university level, the Pre-sessional course in academic English skills will enable you to improve your academic language. This will prepare you for university-level study at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Is accommodation guaranteed?

Yes! Once you put CCCU as your firm choice on UCAS and apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year you’re starting university, you will be guaranteed student accommodation.

This is available to all foundation, first year, and international students.

Find out more about our accommodation guarantee.

How much is student accommodation?

Prices vary depending on which accommodation you choose. CCCU student accommodation starts from £124 a week, with a range of accommodation options to suit your needs and budget.

All prices include:

• Bills
• Wi-Fi
• Contents insurance
• 24/7 security.

Most accommodation contracts are for 39 weeks, from September to June. Find out about accommodation prices.

What accommodation do you offer?

We offer a range of student accommodation, to suit different needs and budgets, from single rooms with shared spaces to large studios. Depending on where you want to live and your budget, you’ll be able to choose student accommodation that will cater to your needs.

Most of our accommodation have shared inside and outside spaces, making it easier to socialise and make friends.

View our accommodation.

When do accommodation applications open?

Applications for CCCU accommodation typically open in the first week of March every year. 

Find out more about the process on our how to apply for accommodation in Canterbury page. 

When the Accommodation Portal opens, simply log in and apply. 

Facilities and support  

Is there support for mental health at the University?

Yes, there’s a huge range of support for all our students, both available on campus and online.

From study support to mental health and wellbeing, we offer a range of services to ensure that you are supported throughout your time at CCCU.

If you have a disability or mental health condition, there are plenty of specialist support services available to ensure you succeed.

CCCU also has an out-of-hours service, so whether you need to speak to someone day or night, there will always be someone available.

You can also find a wealth of advice from the Christ Church Students Union. Have a look at their website for important contacts and helpful resources to help with your wellbeing.

https://ccsu.co.uk/advice-and-support

Will I fit in?

Yes, definitely. There are a lot of ways where you’ll be able to meet new people and make friends. And remember, you won’t be the only new person starting university.

Not only will you have the opportunity to make friends in your accommodation and on your course, but you’ll also get the chance to meet new people during Welcome Week. 

The Christ Church Students Union is also buzzing with socials, societies, and events. Independent from the University itself, CCSU is run by students, for students. From sports and music societies to EdSoc and the Feminist Society, you’re bound to find like-minded people who have similar hobbies and interests.

What are the facilities like?

Our campuses have a range of modern facilities and specialist spaces, designed to support your learning and develop your practical skills for the workplace. 

The Verna Holmes building is home to impressive specialist facilities and equipment for a variety of subjects, including health, engineering and sport. It's a great place to put your learning into practise and gain some hands-on experience. 

For students studying creative subjects, our Daphne Oram Creative Arts building provides a dedicated space for creativity and collaboration. Facilities include a graphic design space, dark rooms, music studios and much more. 

You'll also have access to Augustine House, our award-winning library in the heart of Canterbury. Including plenty of modern study spaces, this is the perfect place to work independently or with others, make friends, and take breaks between lectures. Augustine House was also built with sustainability in mind, reducing carbon emissions by 23%. 

What are the sports facilities like?

Our Christ Church Sports Centre  has a range of activities to help you stay active, including a gym, spin studio, and sports halls, with our main campus housing the MUGA - the Multi Use Games Area.

The gym includes the latest gym equipment. It also has a space for functional fitness with a multi-use rig, which is perfect for cross-training and weightlifting. There's even an interactive spin studio, climbing wall, and double sports hall.

You can also have personal training sessions to help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you want to focus on strength, endurance, or you’re recovering from an injury, our personal trainers will create a personalised plan for you.

Our main Canterbury Campus has tennis and basketball courts, which is used for training sessions or for if you want to play with your friends in between lecturers.

If you’re studying a sport-related course, you’ll learn using state-of-the art equipment in modern and spacious facilities within our Verena Holmes building.

Our SportsLab, which is a professional service for athletes, includes a movement analysis lab and physiology lab, which are used to conduct physical performance tests. Students studying a sports subject can use these facilities to aid their practical learning and get involved in academics’ active research.

What societies are there?

The Christ Church Students’ Union is thriving with societies, sports clubs, and much more. From the British Sign Language Society to Show Choir and Dungeons and Dragons, there’s a society for everybody.

And if you can’t find one, then you and some friends can always create your own!

Check out the CCSU's website for more information about what’s going and how you can get involved as a CCCU student.

What support is there for disabilities?

If you have a mental health condition or disability, there’s an abundance of support available. Our dedicated teams can offer advice, help put adjustments in place to support your learning, and help you access funding. CCCU support teams are here to help you thrive throughout your studies. 

Our Mental Wellbeing team can:

• provide advice on specialist funding
• ensure adjustments are in place to support your learning
• help you apply for diagnoses
• enable you to access specialist equipment, tuition and resources.

If you have any specific questions that you’d like to ask the Student Disability and Mental Wellbeing teams, don’t hesitate to email them at disability@canterbury.ac.uk or mentalwellbeing@canterbury.ac.uk.

What scholarships do you offer?

We offer a range of scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students. Scholarships include:

• Sport Scholarship
• Bursaries for care leavers 
• Academic Excellence Scholarship

The Scholarships and bursaries available can change throughout the year, so keep an eye on our scholarships and bursaries page for the latest information, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. 

How do you apply for student finance?

You can apply for student finance through the government website.

Firstly, you’ll have to create your account, take down your Customer Reference Number (CRN), and follow the steps to apply. You’ll need your National Insurance number and bank details, so you can be paid your maintenance loan directly, to help with your living costs. 

Your tuition fees will be paid straight to your university, so you won’t have to worry about this.

If you’re still living at home with your parents, they will also need to provide information. Once you’ve applied for student finance, your parents/carers will receive an email within 24 hours, asking them to create their own account. Their account is separate to yours so be sure to keep their login details to hand.

When does student finance open?

Applications for student finance normally opens in the spring before the start of your course. It is best to apply as soon as possible through the government website. 

For 2026 course entry, student finance applications opened in March 2026. 

For courses starting after August 2027, student finance applications are expected to open in the spring of 2027. 

Visiting us

When are your Open Days?

You can find our upcoming Open Day events on our Visit Us page.

There are a range of in-person and online events you can attend, including helpful webinars, offer holder events, and Open Days.

Do you offer bespoke tours? Do these include accommodation?

Yes, we do offer bespoke tours which include accommodation tours. You can book a tour, and one of our student ambassadors will show you around campus.

How can I visit campus?

There are multiple ways you can visit campus. You can come to an Open Day, book a bespoke tour, or take a self-guided tour.

If you’re unable to make it to campus, you can also take a virtual tour, where one of our students will virtually show you around an open day, giving you a taste of what it's like.

View our Open Days and events page for the latest events and information on how to book a tour.

Location 

How close is Canterbury to London?

London is under an hour away from Canterbury, making it an incredibly easy journey to the Capital.

You can take a direct train from either Canterbury East or West, and you will arrive in the centre of London.

Are there any reading lists?

Yes, once you’ve accepted your offer from us, you’ll receive everything you need in the summer before your course begins. This will include a suggested reading list if you’re keen to get ahead before September.

When do I get my timetable?

You will receive your timetable once you have registered online with us. Everything you need to know will be in your course essentials, which you will receive in the summer before you start.

You can also use UniTimetables to view the teaching timetables for all modules and courses at Canterbury and Medway. You can find out more information relating to timetables and important dates on our website timetabling page. 

When do I register?

You will receive an invitation to register during the summer before you start your course. However, if this isn’t the case, then you might need to complete some outstanding checks before you’re able to register.

You can only officially become a CCCU student once you’ve registered, so make sure that we have all the information we need.

To be eligible to register, you must have:

• met and accepted the academic, and other conditions, of your offer (you'll have an 'Unconditional Offer' against your application in MyRecord)
• started the Disclosure and Barring Service clearing process (if you will be working with young or vulnerable people as part of your course)
• completed the online occupational health questionnaire (if you will be studying a relevant Education or Health and Social Care subject).

All the information you need to successfully register is on our website. Simply visit ‘registering as a student’.

When does Clearing open?

Generally, Clearing opens in July. You don't have to wait until results day to explore your Clearing options, eligible students can start enquiries as soon as Clearing opens. 

Clearing 2026 opened in July and will remain open until 19 October. 

So, if you have any questions or you’re confused about what Clearing is, don’t hesitate to call our Clearing team on 01227 92 6000. You can also find further information, send us an email or start an online application, on our Clearing page. 

How do you apply through Clearing?

Simply give us a call on 01227 92 6000 or start an online application. If you're eligible, we'll make you an offer on one of our courses and provide you with all the necessary information. You'll then need to:

1. Log in to UCAS
2. Click 'Add a Clearing choice'
3. Fill in the course details.

You'll then receive your acceptance within one working day. 

For more information visit our Clearing page.

Do you have any Clearing Open Days?

Our main Clearing Open Day has passed but you can still take a tour of the campus or take a virtual tour.

Keep an eye out on our Visit Us page for the most up-to-date information or our Open Days and events page, for other upcoming visit opportunities. 

What courses will be in Clearing this year?

We have a variety of courses offered in Clearing each year. You can find out which courses are currently open for Clearing on our dedicated search page. 

Studying  

Can I study abroad as part of my degree?

Depending which course you take, you may be able to take an extra year to study in North America.

You can find a full list of courses that include a year abroad. Simply visit our web page for more information on studying abroad.

Can I work whilst I study?

Yes, working alongside your studies can have huge benefits. It can fund your social life, help towards the bills, and add to your savings.

To help you find part-time work, we have a service called UniTemps where you can find vacancies, internships, placements, and much more.

However, we do recommend that you only work up to 15 hours a week so you have time to study and enjoy your social life. It’s important to manage your time and work schedule effectively so your studies, and your mental health, aren’t negatively affected.

What is the library like?

Our main library, Augustine House, is situated close to the centre of Canterbury, Canterbury East train station, and is just a ten minute walk from main campus.

Spread across four floors, Augustine House offers a range of study spaces, depending on how you like to study. Whether you need a room for a group project or a silent space, you’ll find exactly what you need to support your studies. 

You also have access to computers, printers, and scanners. If you need some lunch and a coffee, you can take a break in the cafe. You’ll also find your support services here.

If you’re studying in Medway, then you’ll have access to Drill Hall Library, which is Europe’s longest library.

Drill Hall Library contains around 130,000 books and journals, 400 computers, and 100 laptops, with training rooms and discussion spaces open to you.