CHEMISTRY degrees will no longer be available at Bangor University it has been revealed in a shock announcement.

In a statement released today (Wednesday) university bosses say the organisation has "reluctantly" taken the "difficult decision" to discontinue the subject.

Decisions have also been made over the business cases for Finance & RIIO, Corporate Services, and the Schools of Education and Human Development, Medical Sciences, Health Sciences, and Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences.

The statement warns there will be "some impact" on the staffing of these areas and details are being shared with the affected staff.

The Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Upton said: “These have all been very difficult decisions for the University to take, but the actions taken now to meet these financial challenges are necessary to ensure that the University will have a successful and sustainable future."

The university says it has faced financial challenges and a demographic downturn in the 18-20 year old population in the UK.

It also cites the decline in the number of students studying Chemistry, with only 23 first year students, currently enrolled on the undergraduate Chemistry courses compared to 61, in 2015/16.

To ensure its long-term financial health of the institution Bangor University’s Council had approved a number of business cases which examined savings options.

A formal period of consultation held from December, 2018 until February, 2019, and submitted responses were considered, including the future of Chemistry degrees.

No new students will be enrolled on Chemistry programmes for the 2019/20 academic year, however existing students have been assured that they will be able to complete their studies and they will be able to graduate with the degree on which they are currently enrolled.

Professor Upton said: “We will do everything we can to support the staff and students affected, and I would like to reiterate that existing students will be able to complete their studies. In addition we will also be working with external funders, project partners and companies to complete research projects and studentships.

"Where possible, we will also continue to support local companies with our expertise in a variety of areas, including chemistry."