Entry requirements

Most of our degree entry requirements are shown in terms of UCAS Tariff points - the level of qualifications you need to be considered for a place.

Currently the University asks for between 88 and 120 UCAS Tariff points for degree courses, depending on the subject. Up to date information on a course by course basis can be found on the UCAS course search engine.

The table below indicates the number of UCAS Tariff points that some of the more common qualifications are worth. This is just a guide and if your qualification is not shown here, check the tariff calculator on the UCAS website. 

Generally, offers will be made in terms of UCAS Tariff points but there are exceptions to this. Some courses require you to achieve specific grades in the qualifications you are taking and for some you will need to have studied a particular subject at Level 3 (A-Level, BTEC, IBCP, OCR or equivalent). This will be made clear when an offer of a place is made. 

Some courses, particularly those in the health and education subject areas, have their own additional entry requirements for instance English and Maths GCSEs, or evidence of work experience.

Please check individual course pages for specific requirements.

The University considers applications from those with a wide range of general qualifications that attract UCAS Tariff points either on their own or in combination with others.

Below shows the list of frequently accepted qualifications.

The list is not exhaustive and if your qualification does not feature here then you should contact contact our Course Enquiry Team for advice.

• A-levels
• Vocational A-levels
• Accredited Access qualifications
• Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design)
• BTEC Qualifications
• CACHE qualifications
• Cambridge Pre-U
• OCR qualifications
• Certificate/Diploma in Financial Studies
• Higher Apprenticeships
• International Baccalaureate
• Irish Highers
• NVQ 3 qualifications
• International Baccalaureate Career-related programme
• Scottish Highers
• European Baccalaureate
• Welsh Baccalaureate

For a small number of courses there is either a national or a University requirement to achieve grade C passes in specific GCSEs or the equivalent.

GCSE English and Maths exams are graded 9 (highest) - 1 (lowest) instead of A-G. From summer 2019 all GCSE’s will be graded this way.

We will require applicants to achieve four or higher for those courses with GCSEs as part of the entry requirements.

If you do not have GCSEs, the University will only accept Level 2 credits from accredited Access courses completed in 2014 or earlier as the equivalent to GCSE passes.

Functional skills at Level 2 are accepted for the Adult, Child and Mental Health Nursing degrees and for Operating Department Practice. However, the University does not currently accept functional skills at level 2 as the equivalent of GCSEs passes for any other degree programmes that recruit via UCAS. O-Levels sat in, or after, summer 1975 must be at grade C or above. CSE grade 1 is accepted as equivalent to GCSE at grade C.

We welcome applications from people who have, or are taking, an accredited Access qualification. 

Please check the UCAS Tariff calculator to work out your tariff points.

The IBCP is a two-year international education programme. Applications from students who are taking or have successfully completed this programme are very welcome at Canterbury Christ Church University.

Applicants should normally have 32 UCAS Tariff points. We will also welcome applications from students with few or no formal Level 3 qualifications who wish to return to education and applicants may be asked to attend an interview.

Please visit the Foundation Year page for a full list of courses.

If you have been out of education for some time relevant experience will be taken into consideration. Our Course Enquiry Team will be happy to advise.

We will consider applications to the second or third year of degree courses from suitably qualified applicants. Applicants should have passed one year (for entry to Year 2) or two years (for entry to Year 3) of relevant degree level study. Applicants should apply through UCAS indicating which year of entry they wish to be considered for. A transcript from your current/previous study is required.

You may be able to demonstrate learning which has occurred in the past by way of certification or experience. This is particularly useful for mature students, who may have substantial experience and who may have taken short courses or professional training. Under normal circumstances, students may claim up to a maximum of 50% of the total credit points required for an award, usually for learning which has occurred during the previous five years.

APL relies solely on the provision of evidence of learning by way of certification from another university or college. Applicants will need to provide appropriate documentation including certificates and details of the awarding body. This process may enable you to build directly onto your existing learning if you are choosing a programme of study within the same discipline. Applicants should apply via UCAS.

Non-UK qualifications equivalent to Level 3 study in the UK, GCSEs and the others mentioned above are accepted by the University. Further information on the equivalence of non-UK qualifications can be obtained from International Admissions, email: international.admissions@canterbury.ac.uk. If you are based overseas, from your local British Council office.

Students who have completed their course of study and become eligible for an award may obtain a supplementary document, called a European Diploma Supplement, which provides information about the award to universities and employers in other European countries.