DURHAM University plans to invest more than £8.7m in its prime courses and research ventures during the next four years.

But the move will mean closing its East Asian studies and linguistics and English language departments, and phasing out degrees in European studies and sport, health and exercise.

The move would affect up to 40 teaching and back-up staff.

The university has drawn up plans for a major restructuring to concentrate resources on key areas, such as geological sciences and chemistry, where it has internationally-competitive research and there is a big demand for course places.

It also hopes to build up other departments and courses that have the potential to be top performers.

A university spokesman said the shake-up would mean phasing out relatively low demand subjects.

"We have had to do some very difficult planning, and to look at how we can retain our best departments at the level they are at or build up others to the same level of international excellence.

"That, unfortunately, means withdrawing investment from other areas over a period of time.''

He said back-up staff might be re-deployed and losses in teaching posts offset by the creation of 40 more in the areas receiving investment.

The plans are due to be discussed by the university's senate tomorrow.