A PRESTIGIOUS and national renowned ceramics course is facing the chop after fifty years of pioneering work.

The University of Westminster is threatening to close Harrow Ceramics as it changes the range of course it is offering.

But hundreds of angry students and staff, past and present, have launched a campaign to persuade the university to change its mind.

153 people have joined a Facebook page calling for the department to be saved, and more than 700 people have signed a petition to the Prime Minister about the proposed closure.

Jane Cairns, a first pupil in the department, was outraged when she heard about the possible closure.

She said: “This is a very important degree within ceramics, and it has been running for nearly 50 years.

“It is one of the top courses in the country, all the teaching staff are also practitioners, and the level of opposition to the closure is massive.

“Everyone knows the name of Harrow Ceramics, it is synonymous with the best.”

The university is current consulting with pupils and staff about the possible closure, but it has already suspended admission for next year leading some to suspect the decision has already been taken.

Ms Cairns said: “They are supposed to be consulting us, but they have already suspended recruitment.

“This will effectively kill the course, and it is starting to feel like it is a done deal.”

The department is known throughout the UK as a centre of excellence for ceramic studies, and set up in 1963 it is also one of the oldest in the country.

Top craftsmen including Steve Buck and Clare Twomey are products of the department's courses, and some have gone on to become lecturers at the department.

In a letter to staff and students about the closure, Professor Geoff Petts, vice chancellor of the university, said it has to continue to meet the student demand which is why a consultation has begun.

He added: “The university is greatly aware of the good work of our ceramics department and esteem in which it is held by students, staff, and alumni.

“Please be assured that the decision to consider the future options on this course has not been taken lightly.”

The department was devastated by fire in the middle of 2007, and had only just been rebuilt and refitted with new equipment when it was hit by the news of possible closure.

Ms Cairns said: “This makes it all the more galling for us is this seems to come down to money, and the department has only just recovered from the fire.”

What do you think about the proposed closure of Harrow Ceramics?