University of Otago science communication students have spoken out against cuts to the globally recognised department many of them have travelled from overseas to attend.
A video urging the university to make students part of the conversation has had little response, leaving the students "heartbroken".
The university - which is seeking to cut staff and courses in a push to save $60 million - said it was finalising a proposal for changes to the 60-student department, and students would be asked for feedback later this month.
Masters student Brady Clarke said there were many international students in the department, because of its global reputation.
He personally waited three years through the Covid-19 pandemic before coming from the United States.
"I don’t think any of us would be passionately fighting to save this department if we didn’t feel strongly about the importance of this degree programme and the people who make it so special.
"We all feel heartbroken and that we need to do everything we can to prove to the university they are making a mistake."
In an email last month science communication department head Prof Jesse Bering said that from next year the department would be downsized and incorporated as one programme within a larger sciences department.
The department’s long-standing film programme, which many of its graduates had received awards for, would no longer be offered.
At the time the university dubbed the email "premature" and said more information would be shared with students within the month, but Mr Clarke said this had not happened.
"If he did not leak these changes we would still likely be in the dark."
They sent their video to the university council, which did not respond, and to sciences pro-vice-chancellor Prof Richard Barker, who said they would be consulted on any proposed changes.
They had received no further news, Mr Clarke said.
The university had spoken of cutting courses running at a loss, but this was not the case for the science communication department, Mr Clarke said.
It had experienced "record growth".
As demonstrated by the pandemic, science communication was an important field, bridging the gap between scientists and the public.
The university now seemed to be sidelining the department, for example downplaying its recent role in the recent New Zealand International Science Festival despite an enthusiastic public response, he said.
Prof Richard Barker said the university was finalising a proposal for changes to the programme and could not yet provide any details.
"We expect to be able to share details with students and staff later this month for their feedback."
He would welcome an opportunity to meet personally with students, he said.
The communication of science was vital, and the university intended to continue offering an academic programme in this subject.
"We have assured students from the outset that, should we make any changes, all current students will be able to complete their current course of study."
