It's with a great deal of regret that this vote was passed

Bob Langridge, Natfhe

The cartography course is one of the only ones available to students in the UK.

The decision comes after the first phase of a review of courses, which may consider cutting other courses, including biology and languages.

Bob Langridge, Natfhe branch secretary, said he was not happy about the way the vote had gone.

He said: "It's with a great deal of regret that this vote of no confidence has been passed, because it makes it difficult to work with management in an atmosphere like this.

"However, we hope management will now get round the table and start negotiations with us."

Fundamental review

Roger Suthren, a senior geology lecturer, said: "We don't know where the university is going with this, they seem to be in disarray.

"Having cut all these courses, they say that they would carry out a fundamental review of how these courses are taught.

"But it seems that there won't be any courses left to teach in the department."

A university spokesman said the decision was based on a reduction in student numbers and financial constraints.

Financial 'surplus'

In a statement the university claimed department head's views on changes were considered.

"In order for the university to continue to thrive as an academic institution, it needs to generate more funds to invest in the future and to support academic activities," said the statement.

University vice chancellor Professor Graham Upton said: "If we are to avoid operating deficits and create a surplus for investment we must act responsibly now.

"We know that these closures are regrettable and are doing all we can to avoid compulsory redundancies."