CANTERBURY'S two universities have experienced mixed fortunes in the annual league table published by the Sunday Times.

The table looks at the UK's 123 universities with Cambridge ranked number one and Thames Valley 123rd.

Kent University, which held the 54th position last year, moves to 51st and is ranked equal ninth in the top 10 for employment after graduation, but Canterbury Christ Church University drops from 59th in 2001 to 70th this year.

Despite the lower ranking, however, it still holds sixth place in the top 10 higher education colleges.

Statistics for Kent show that 85 per cent of its students come from state schools and 59.1 per cent of students graduated with a first or 2.1 degree last year.

More than 50 per cent of students live on campus with Whitstable and Herne Bay the favourite for those living out.

The University's sports facilities are rated as excellent and students rate its best feature as five bars, two restaurants and a nightclub and think night life in Canterbury is great.

The Sunday Times says Christ Church is one of the leading higher education colleges offering a teaching record better than many new universities. Celebrating its 40th year, it is preparing to apply for full university status, although it already awards its own undergraduate degrees.

The new Thanet campus, which opened in 2000 offers high-tech facilities for subjects such as digital music as well as teaching and nursing. Its best features according to students is they get to know everybody, including lecturers, and it is located in a beautiful city.