LIVERPOOL John Moores University last night said it has “ a reputation as a progressive, forward-thinking university” and “in order to maintain this, we must constantly review our courses to ensure they meet market needs, where necessary closing programmes which have low student numbers”.

A spokeswoman added: “Budget cuts to the higher education sector also mean LJMU, like all universities, must rationalise its course provision to concentrate on delivering high-quality courses which best reflect market demand and areas of future growth.”

Confirming the three degrees would be axed from September, the spokesman added: “The university is in the process of contacting applicants who have been offered places so they can take up alternative offers on related programmes such as BA (Hons) history or BSc (Hons) geography at LJMU or programmes offered by other universities.”

Students already enrolled on the condemned courses would graduate as planned and the move “will be completed without any compulsory redundancies”.