City departments fear the chop

City University is to increase investment in its strongest subjects, raising staff fears that weaker departments could be at risk.

It will develop and invest in groups and projects where there is research of national or international standard, increasing by half the number of staff submitted to the research assessment exercise after next who are attached to departments rated 4 and above. The aim is to double annual research income by 2003.

The university lists its strongest subjects as health, business and law, maths, engineering and informatics, social sciences, creative and cultural subjects and continuing education and professional development.

A spokeswoman said that there were no plans to downgrade or close subjects or departments.