HUNDREDS of students gathered at a protest over cuts at Bangor University.

They rallied to hear speeches by fellow students, staff, members of the student union and politicians on Friday.

Rhun ap Iorwerth Ynys Môn AM and Hywel Williams Arfon MP also addressed the demo which partly overlapped with some exams.

In a statement, students said the protest was organised following recent news of proposed £5m cost saving at the institution, up to 60 staff redundancies and closure of the Chemistry department.

The students also outlined their case on Facebook saying they wanted the university to "cancel its cuts plan, safeguard jobs, protect the Chemistry course, publish 'full and detailed' financial accounts for open scrutiny, and address issues such as wage equality and Vice Chancellor expenses."

Speaking at the protest third year archaeology student Owen Hercum said: "We are here to make our voices heard. We don't want to lose staff.

"Our staff are the ones who have made this university the only Gold Rated university in Wales. It's one of the highest rated for student satisfaction.

"If the the university is worried about falling numbers, they should be investing in more staff, not making them redundant. We are trying to stop the university shooting itself in the foot."

Gethin Morgan, president of UMCB, the Welsh student's union said: "We are here to support staff and students and exercise our right to protest, as well as outline what the union has been doing."

Student Kayleigh Lavornia said: "We are objecting to the cuts and redundancies the university has put in place.

"We love our staff and think there are alternative ways of saving money. It shouldn't be staff, they are our most prized possession."

Mark Barrow Vice President of education for the student union, UMBC, said: "We are supporting, and offering solidarity with the students in their protest and helping them to get their voices heard."

"We organised events including Q&A sessions and focus group meetings. We have also asked the management difficult questions and raised student concerns."

Joe Brothers, studying creative and professional writing, said: "I wanted to give my support to the protest. Although I am not a science student, the chemistry course is one of Bangor's few remaining STEM courses, I think we need to keep some sciences at Bangor."

The AM and MP met with the University’s senior management before Christmas to discuss concerns.

Mr ap Iorwerth and Arfon AM Sian Gwenllian also raised questions in the National Assembly regarding the funding crisis facing Higher Education institutions in Wales.

Mr ap Iorwerth said: "The situation at Bangor, and across the Higher Education sector in Wales, is very troubling."

Mr Williams, a former member of staff at the university, said: "The situation at Bangor is hugely concerning, and we want to support the students and staff.

"The university is very important to the area and the jobs are very valuable."