Canterbury Christ Church University

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) was founded by the Church of England as a college for teaching training in 1962. It achieved public university status in 2005, but remains affiliated to the Anglican faith. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the head of the Church, is the institution’s vice chancellor.

The university has one campus in Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and others spread out across the English county of Kent in Broadstairs, Folkestone, Medway and Tunbridge Wells.

There remains a strong focus on vocational training at CCCU, with courses for teachers, nurses, emergency service practitioners as well as those working in social care. However, it also offers a range of academic programmes across the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, science and engineering.

The university is currently being updated as part of a £150 million investment programme. A new arts building was completed in September 2016, which will be followed in 2020 by a new home for courses in science, engineering, technology and health. In 2014, the university acquired Canterbury’s 19th century prison, which is in the process of being renovated to extend the city’s campus by five acres.

The motto for CCCU is “The truth will set you free”, taken from John’s Gospel in the Christian new testament.

Student life in Canterbury is undoubtedly picturesque, filled with medieval architecture and gardens. Fans of old fashioned English pubs are well catered for and the city’s history is easily accessible through the Canterbury Heritage Museum.

The university has 60 different clubs and societies that students can take part in. Graduation ceremonies take place at both Canterbury and Rochester Cathedral, providing a stunning backdrop for the students’ big day.