A final decision on the cuts is expected before Christmas

The controversial proposals would mean the loss of 130 jobs as the university tries to limit an overspend.

Exeter University says its projected deficit has risen to �4.46m and proposed to stop courses in music, chemistry and Italian to save money.

Members of a university committee will have a closed meeting to air their views on the vice-chancellor's plans.

Unanimous vote

The university has insisted that current students will be able to complete their degrees.

But many students say they fear that a gradual running down of courses and axing up to 130 staff will force students to other universities.

Nobel prize winner Professor Sir Harry Kroto has already announced he is returning his honorary degree to the university in protest at the plans to close the chemistry department.

The Guild of Students has voted unanimously to oppose the closures and last week some students put the university up for sale on eBay, an internet auction site.

There was a mock bid of �10m and the page received thousands of hits, before it was removed by the website the following day.