Cambridge University could close its architecture department

University authorities say the quality of the department's research is not good enough.

Administrators were expected to decide on Wednesday whether the department should be closed.

But vice-chancellor Professor Alison Richard said a decision would be made early next year after an investigation into proposals to improve its standing.

The General Board, which ensures college faculties meet academic requirements, had recommended closure after two reviews reported concerns about the quality of its research going back over two decades.

Agreed plan

Professor Richard said: "The General Board today discussed proposals from the School of Arts and Humanities concerning the future of the Department of Architecture.

"There is much to welcome in the school's report, which addresses the board's concerns about achieving excellence in both research and teaching, hallmarks of all academic activities at Cambridge.

"The board wish to explore further some aspects of these proposals with the department and the school and expect to take forward an agreed plan at the next meeting in January 2005."

Any decision would not affect students looking to go up to the university in 2005 and 2006, she added.

The department has 150 undergraduate students and about 100 postgraduates and has been operating for nearly a century.