FULL university title has been awarded to Canterbury Christ Church University College which will drop the word 'college' from its name from August 1.

The institution has had the power to award taught degrees since 1995 and the announcement is said to recognise its successful delivery of high quality programmes in arts, humanities, business, sciences, education and health.

Principal, Professor Michael Wright, said: "This is a very proud day for Canterbury Christ Church and I am delighted.

"The award of full university title recognises the achievements of our staff and students who undergo the same rigorous processes and assessments as students at other universities.

"Our students will now have their efforts duly acknowledged by being awarded a degree from a full university."

He added: "The award of full university title will enable our academic staff to continue to develop our side range of excellent academic and professional programmes and research."

The university has 14,000 students studying on campuses in Canterbury, Broadstairs, Tunbridge Wells and Chatham.

It is also the largest centre of higher education in Kent for public services – notably teacher training, policing and health and social care.

The university will be formally launched at the start of the new academic year on September 6.