ONE in ten jobs could go and courses are under threat at the University of Bolton after its funding was slashed.

Its Government handout has been cut by 4.1 per cent — £850,000 from a budget of £20.7million.

This is second year in a row the university has experienced a cut in its funding.

Last year’s 0.9 per cent cut was described as “manageable”

but university bosses warned at the time any future cuts could put jobs on the line.

Vice-Chancellor George Holmes hinted before the announcement was made that job losses could be as much as 10 to 15 per cent.

The university has around 700 staff but takes on an additional 300 extra “parttime lecturers”.

The funding settlement comes at a time when the university is deciding on the new fee level for students beginning with degree courses in the autumn of 2012. At the University of Bolton tuition fees are expected to be £7,000 or £8,000, although the exact figure will be confirmed in July.

Arts and humanities courses in particular are likely to be at risk as a result of the funding cuts.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Rob Campbell said: “Today's announcement, with regard to a reduction to the university's funding is, of course, disappointing.

“However, we have been expecting this for some time and been preparing for it.

We are ready to deal with it in a competent manner “The university is undertaking a comprehensive academic review aimed at substantially improving the quality of our entire provision.

“It will also identify ways in which we can operate more efficiently.”

He added: “This restructuring may affect course provision and also university staffing levels.

“However, until we have discussed these measures with our staff, we have no firm information to give.”

Under the same funding announcement, Bolton College suffered a 9.2 per cent reduction in funding of its higher education provision.