Vote of no confidence in Oxford Brookes v-c

Students at Oxford Brookes University have passed a vote of no confidence in vice-chancellor Graham Upton over plans to axe courses in geology, civil engineering, chemistry and cartography.

The vote came from 180 students, who claim they were not consulted over the cuts, which could mean up to 25 teaching staff job losses. Tony Argenio, deputy president of the students union, said the student protest had fallen on deaf ears.

Plans to phase out the courses follow a university-wide review of provision aiming to find savings of £2.5 million over the next two years. A university spokesperson said staff and students were given the opportunity to discuss the proposed course closures before a final decision was made.