FRUSTATED students are looking for new universities hundreds of miles away after their course was cut.

They study Applied Design at Bournemouth and Poole College, learning glass blowing, ceramics and jewellery making.

However their Foundation Degree, which is accredited to Bournemouth University, is being cut, along with similar courses.

They can finish their foundation degree but can no longer complete a ‘top up’ year to get full BA Honours.

To get that qualification they are considering options as far away as Cardiff and Sunderland.

And they may need to complete two years instead of one, further racking up their debts.

Bournemouth natives Christina Bolt, 33, from Springbourne, and Stephanie Da Silva, 27, from Muscliff, are angry because the ‘top up’ option had been one of the key reasons why they signed up.

Christina Bolt said: “It’s a big upheaval. The course was sold to us in effect as a three year BA Honours – that’s what we wanted.

“They had a duty of care to us and they should have told us earlier what was happening.

“The council really wants an artistic community in Bournemouth and Boscombe but they are cutting it off at the same time.”

Stephanie Da Silva said: “The Foundation Degree won’t open any doors for us on its own.”

Christina and Stephanie said there were nine students in their year – one is a mum who cannot travel to another university. They said college staff in the department are also losing their jobs.

The students were told the news in November.

A College spokesman said: “Due to dwindling demand, exceptionally high costs, and Bournemouth University’s decision to suspend recruitment, we are closing the foundation degree and BA Hons courses.

“A small number of ‘full cost’ courses: hot glass, jewellery making and ceramics will also close.

“We have been working with affected students to find alternative ‘top up’ courses and we are ensuring that any tuition fees will be payable at the current rate.

“They will not be required to pay higher fees.”