Plans for the design of the Cardiff campus have not been finalised

The plans also include a new campus in Cardiff city centre and upgrading many of the university's existing buildings.

The Cardiff campus would be home to a new school of creative and cultural industries.

The plans will be put to public consultation before going before the Welsh Assembly Government for approval.

Merger talks between the university and Merthyr Tydfil College have been taking place for two years.

The university, which has 20,000 students, said the development was part of its drive to expand its presence in the valleys.

'Exciting proposal'

The plans have been supported by the education body Elwa (Education Learning Wales) and it is hoped the institutions will combine in April 2006.

Howard Jenkins, principal of Merthyr College, called it a "very exciting proposal" which would make Merthyr Tydfil a "university town".

"Together we will maximise the opportunities for both further and higher education in the area, ensuring that local employers have a skilled workforce to draw on - thus reinforcing the benefits for new businesses in relocating to the area," he said.

Professor David Halton, vice-chancellor of the University of Glamorgan said the merger would enable the college to draw on the skills and resources of the university.

Vocational courses

If the plan is approved, the university's new Cardiff campus will be based in a refurbished building next to the Queen Street railway station.

The design of the building has not been finalised.

The school is expected to open in September 2007 and will offer over 40 vocational courses, including animation, film, drama and music technology.

The university said it would provide an "ultra modern learning environment" with some of the of best facilities in the UK.

Professor Halton said: "We want to provide our students with the very best learning environment and this investment will enable us to do this - from Merthyr Tydfil down to Pontypridd and on into Cardiff.