Departments to go include chemistry, philosophy and sociology

The university's new vice-chancellor, Professor Richard B Davies, says he wants to concentrate resources on more popular and successful degrees.

Teaching provision for subjects including history, English, geography and computing will be expanded with 75 new posts created over the next three years.

But the chemistry, philosophy and sociology and anthropology departments will be phased out, although Prof Davies promised there would be no compulsory redundancies.

The loss of these departments in my view amounts to a dumbing down of the university Peter Black AM

The student union says it has carried out widespread consultation with students on the proposals.

Hannah Quinn, the union's welfare and education officer, said: "We believe that this is a positive direction for the university as a whole in a number of ways, not least the extra investment in many departments.

"At the same time we sincerely regret the closure of departments and will continue to do our utmost to support and represent students to ensure that the quality of their continuing education at Swansea is not compromised."

'Reduce scope'

But Liberal Democrat Welsh assembly education spokesman Peter Black said: "The loss of these departments in my view amounts to a dumbing down of the university.

"It will significantly reduce the scope of subjects available to students in Swansea.

"I understand the desire of the university to concentrate on what they do best, but to do so by axing less popular subjects brings into question their commitment to education."

However, Prof Davies said it would improve teaching standards and the new posts would be filled by the very best academics from around the world.

"The benefits to students are the highest quality, up-to-date, career-enhancing courses," he said.

Student demand

"The benefit to south west Wales is a developing powerhouse for economic regeneration, a source of innovation, consultancy, and talented graduates.

'Areas to be phased out will be allowed to shrink naturally. There will be no compulsory redundancies and students currently on these courses will not be affected.

"All universities have from time to time to adjust their courses to changing patterns of student demand."

He said lecturers from closed departments would be "absorbed" into multi-disciplinary teams.