More than 100 students from the School of Physical Education Sport and Exercise Science met yesterday to plan ways to fight the cuts, which they say will strip it of some of its most important subjects.
Sciences pro-vice-chancellor Prof Richard Barker yesterday stood by the changes in the face of student opposition, saying ‘‘staying the same is not an option’’ given declining student numbers and financial difficulties at the school.
The meeting came after the university confirmed last month it was going to cut 12 full-time equivalent staff from the school and there would be changes to the curriculum, which included cutting dance.
Fourth-year student Ella-Rose Haig said students learnt last week that other parts of the curriculum on the chopping block were outdoor education and exercise prescription, both beloved parts of the course.
While the university had not confirmed changes to the curriculum, the direction it was taking seemed clear from the staff that were being made redundant, Ms Haig said.
There was unanimous support among students for these subjects to be retained and there were fears the unique culture of the school would be lost if the university went ahead with plans.
The level of opposition was shown by an online petition which attracted more than 5500 signatures within about 24 hours of being launched on Wednesday.
Ms Haig said students recognised the physical education school was suffering from falling student numbers and financial difficulties.
"We are aware that change has to happen. It’s just that the type of change that is happening does not make sense."
Molly McLaren said as a fourth-year student who would soon graduate she was fighting for future students rather than herself.
"At the moment, we are deeply concerned and working on solutions for how we can remedy the situation."
The students were organising a protest for next Friday.
Prof Barker said the school had lost 40% of its students over the past five years and had sustained large deficits.
"These are strong indicators that it’s time to work on a new brand and identity that will be much more successful.
"We intend to involve students in the development of the new courses."