POSSIBLE cuts in face-to-face teaching at a North-East university are being challenged by the lecturers’ union.

The number of ‘live’ modules taught at Durham University could be cut back by 25-per cent from as early as the autumn term, with more courses to be rolled out online during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The proposals, revealed in the Durham student newspaper Palatinate, could be introduced by the start of the 2020/21 academic year, in October.

But the University and College Union (UCU) has called for the university to halt its plans and launch a full consultation with staff and students.

UCU general secretary, Jo Grady, said: "Changes to our higher education system should be led by staff from the ground up, whether they are necessitated by Covid-19 or not.

“We will do everything we can to challenge this and any other similarly destructive proposals.

“The global pandemic is not an opportunity for universities to try to swiftly implement radical change.

“This looks like an attack on the livelihoods and the professional expertise of hard-working staff, all to line the pockets of private providers who don’t have the same track record of providing high standards of education.”

The proposals, which were shared with heads of departments, are said to be set for consideration by the university’s senate, next week.

Professor Antony Long, the university's deputy vice-chancellor and provost, said: “We want to ensure we can continue to deliver the highest possible quality of educational offer for both current and future students within a strong collegiate and academic community.

“None of us yet know what the 2020/21 academic year will look like, but we must plan now so that when we do, we have options properly developed and ready to implement for our current and future students.”

He added: “Anticipating that some and, perhaps, a significant number of students will not be able to travel to and live in Durham in 2020/21, we are preparing an online, distance learning programme that is both inclusive and high-quality.

“We are extremely grateful for how our staff have responded to the Covid-19 crisis and we welcome their input, as well as that from trade union and student representatives, as we seek to take these proposals forward.”