Maths days numbered

THE University of Northumbria could become the first large higher education institution to scrap its pure mathematics degree.

It has reviewed its academic provision as part of a "rebalancing exercise". A report produced by pro-vice chancellor Tony Dickson recommends the merging of the maths and statistics department with computing.

It could mean that pure and applied maths, which scored a 3B rating in the last research assessment exercise, are dropped in favour of courses including maths.

Mr Dickson said: "We will retain some maths provision but it is unlikely to be the same as the present provision."

He said that it was likely that the present 16 maths and statistics lecturers would be required. The university is also carrying out a review of modern languages.