Protesting students were supported by lecturers wearing black armbands

Some of the 1,200 undergraduates at University College of Wales, Lampeter held the protest as part of a week of action organised by their student union.

They were supported by college lecturers wearing black armbands who are themselves taking strike action on Wednesday.

Students claim that government plans to allow universities to charge up to �3000 for tuition fees will encourage youngsters to choose institutions which will incur the least debt - rather than the best one for them.

The introduction of top up fees will not just affect students from the lower income bracket, it will affect everyone Cal Mannix

It will also deter people who want to avoid debt from going to university altogether, they say.

"The introduction of top-up fees will not just affect students from the lower income bracket, it will affect everyone," said Cal Mannix, the university's clubs, societies and associations officer.

"The students of today and the future are the social workers, teachers, lecturers, and nurses of tomorrow and to be faced when leaving with a �30,000 debt will be detrimental to the country.

"Mature students and students with children will also be deterred from going to university also because of fear of debt."

The average cost of a degree now is �20,000 and with top- up fees that could increase to �33,708 by 2010.

Other events during the week of action include a strike on Wednesday along with lecturers who are members of the Association of University Teachers.

The AUT believes that 'marketisation' of higher education will result in variable fees which they fear will lead to variable pay for lecturers.

A spokesman for the University of Wales, Lampeter said: " Students have a long history in taking an interest in topical issues and they continue to do so today."