A degree course offered by one of Canterbury’s universities has been rated as the third best in the country.

Christ Church University’s geography course has received the acclaim following a survey carried out by a national newspaper.

The poll ranks it third best in England, fourth in the United Kingdom, and the top degree programme for human and social geography in the south east for the second successive year.

The votes are the product of a National Student Survey, based on student satisfaction in a survey of performance for the Sunday Times University Guide.

The aggregate score awarded to the university’s geography degree course was higher than the top-rated subject in 85 of the 117 universities listed by the newspaper.

Professor Peter Vujakovic, head of the university’s geography department, said: “We pride ourselves on our supportive approach to teaching and learning, and the extremely good working relationship between staff and students.

“Our degree provides the basis for students to find employment in a range of jobs, including planning, environmental management, and teaching.”