Cardiff University has confirmed plans to cut 400 full-time jobs amid a funding shortfall. The cost-cutting proposals could also involve course closures, as well as department mergers, with nursing, music and modern languages among the subjects facing cuts.

The Cardiff University and College Union (UCU) called the measures “cruel and unnecessary” and said it would fight plans for compulsory redundancies. The university said it would only make compulsory redundancies “if absolutely necessary”.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner defended the decision to cut jobs, saying the university would have become “untenable” without drastic reforms.

The job role cuts are only a proposal, but she insisted the university needed to “take difficult decisions” due to the declining international student applications.

Larner said it are not alone in its financial struggles, with most UK universities grappling with the “broken” funding system. She said the news would have been difficult for staff to hear, but all students on current degrees at the varsity would be able to complete their degrees.

Dr Joey Whitfield from Cardiff UCU said they were “absolutely shell shocked” by the “cruel and unnecessary” cuts.

“I’ve had colleagues in tears. They’ll damage our members, our students, the city, and Wales as a whole,” he added.

He said union members “are prepared to fight any compulsory redundancies tooth and nail”.