Some academic departments and staff posts could be lost at Queen's University Belfast as a result of substantial cuts in its budget, the BBC has learned.

The university has been disappointed that it has not attracted more research funding from the government.

At least four academic departments, the Institute of Irish Studies, Ancient and Classical history, Byzantine Studies and Philosophy are under threat of closure or serious job cuts.

Lecturers union representatives are examining terms offered for redundancy and it is thought about 30 academic posts could be lost.

Some of the subjects have falling numbers of students and some departments have overspent more than double their allotted budget.

The Institute for Irish Studies is a five star department and it is one of the strongest research departments within the university

Dr Stephen King

Dr Steven King, who is a member of the university senate, said any damage to Irish Studies would be a disaster.

"The Institute for Irish Studies is a five star department and it is one of the strongest research departments within the university," he said.

"It is costing the university a very small amount of money relatively speaking.

Redevelopment on hold

"It would be an appalling act against Ireland if Queens was to close the department."

The university is said to be feeling the pinch because it spent �25m of its reserves to boost its grades in the research league tables.

Government funding expected as a reward did not materialise.

The news comes hours after it was revealed that the university had indefinitely postponed its plans for a major redevelopment around its students' union.

The university said it could not raise the money despite already having spent large amounts in preparation for the landmark project called Lanyon II, which was named after the university's 150-year-old red brick main building.

The project was to cost almost �60m and an international competition was held to find a design.