Students, staff and members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), and the University and College Union (UCU) protested with placards and banners at the announcement that three lecturers could lose their jobs when a decision is made at the end of the month.

Terrie Reynolds, a final year history student, said: "The department is stretched as it is and each lecturer has a specialist subject so when people choose their subjects they have a very limited choice anyway.

"Every single one of the lecturers here is absolutely fantastic at their job and it would be a shame to see any one of them leave."

As well as the protest outside the academic centre at Park Campus, in Boughton Green Road, students and staff were also signing a petition to hand to the Dean of the university with more than 90 signatures yesterday.

Dr Sally Sokoloff, head of the department, addressed the protesters and said: "History has been a great part of the past of this university. Our students are fantastic and are a big part of the present.

"Let's hope that with this demonstration you will all be part of the great future of this university."

A university spokesman said: "The University has an excellent academic and teaching track record in history.

"However, long-term economic and other market conditions are such that the division's activities are having to be reviewed accordingly."