The University of Plymouth's faculty at Seale-Hayne College, near Newton Abbot, will shut in 2004.

The School of Arts and Humanities, based in Exeter and Exmouth, will also be closed and moved to Plymouth.

But the governors have agreed that the students currently studying at the three sites will be able to complete their courses at their chosen locations.

University of Plymouth's plans

Move the School of Arts and Humanities from Exeter and Exmouth to Plymouth Start new students for current Seale-Hayne courses at Plymouth in 2004 Consult first-year students at Seale-Hayne about remaining at the campus during 2004/05 Relocate theatre and performance from Exmouth to Plymouth and art and design from Exeter to Plymouth Carry out a feasibility study into the long-term future of Seale-Hayne

The university governors voted unanimously to press ahead with the restructuring plans.

But chair of the university's board of governors, Sir Brian Pearse, said the proposals had been modified as a result of the protests by students and local people.

"Many staff, students and other stakeholders of the university have expressed their strong support for these development plans.

"We have also heard opposing views from some quarters.

"I believe we have already allayed many fears by listening to existing first-year students and allowing them to complete their degrees at their current campus base."

'International excellence'

University vice-chancellor Professor Roland Levinsky said he was delighted by the decision of the board of governors.

"We now have a real opportunity to create a dynamic and thriving campus in Plymouth, which will be enormously attractive to staff and students alike."

Professor Levinsky said he understood the concerns over the future of Seale-Hayne.

"We recognise the importance of the rural economy to the region.

"We believe that, by bringing together related disciplines, we have the opportunity to develop a rural research centre of international excellence."

Luke Telford, vice-president of Seale-Hayne Students' Union, said the students were disappointed their efforts to save the college had not been successful.

He said a students' meeting would take place on Monday to see what else they could do to protest.