Nearly one in five jobs are at risk as part of university cost-cutting plans.
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has announced proposals to cut 93 roles—19 per cent of its workforce—following what it described as "poor financial management."
A total of 195 staff members have been told they are at risk of redundancy.
Affected roles include library assistants, marketing and HR staff, administrators and technician demonstrators—student-facing employees who deliver hands-on learning.
Preeti Sood, UNISON’s Bournemouth higher and further education representative, said: "Staff are being made to pay for the poor financial decisions of the past. These proposals are drastic and short-sighted. Cutting staff numbers is a false economy.
"Technician demonstrators play a crucial role in the student experience. Removing or diluting their roles means less practical support, fewer learning opportunities and a lower standard of education."
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The university’s plans would see technician demonstrators redistributed across subject areas instead of supporting specific courses.
UNISON argues this would erode the tailored learning currently provided to students.
The union also warned that the cuts would leave remaining staff with "unmanageable workloads" and compromise the student experience.
Ms Sood said: "The university should work with UNISON to protect jobs, safeguard the student experience and rebuild confidence, without resorting to compulsory redundancies."
Students have also protested the proposed cuts, raising concerns about course closures and reduced support services.
AUB has not issued a public statement but has linked the decision to a period of financial mismanagement.
Both the previous vice-chancellor and finance director have since left their posts.
