Degree choices fall by quarter in universities

It reveals that there are almost 20,000 fewer full-time undergraduate courses available now than there were in 2006.

The study, by the University and College Union (UCU) found cuts across a range of subjects, from the sciences to arts and humanities.

England, which will see tuition fees rise to a maximum of £9,000 per year from this autumn, has been the hardest hit, with almost a third fewer courses on offer.

UCU said that the findings show that funding cuts are affecting course availability, which could be damaging to students.

The report authors analysed official course data, and a sample of single subject degree courses.

It found a “sharp” reduction in the total number of full-time undergraduate degree courses in the UK – falling by 27 per cent between 2006 and 2012.

In total, there are 51,116 degree courses available this year, compared to 70,052 in 2006.

England has seen a 31 per cent reduction in courses, but Scotland only 3 per cent.

The North West region has seen a cut of 40 per cent.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “Although students in England are expected to pay up to £9,000 a year to study, there is much less choice for them.

“We fear that shifting the burden of funding from the state to the student means nervous universities will look to axe even more courses that they worry won’t make a profit.”