A HARROW university could face one of the biggest losses in London if higher education cuts are approved, according to a funding body.

The University of Westminster, which has a campus in Watford Road, stands to lose a possible £36.8m, the third biggest sum in the capital, if Government plans due to go before the House of Commons on Thursday are approved.

Much of the money is likely to be made up through a tuition fees hike that critics say will hit middle income students “disproportionately” hard and deter some part-time students altogether.

Only the University of Arts (£41m) and Kingston University (£37m) will shed more cash in London, based on figures released by the Higher Education Funding Council.

Gareth Thomas, Labour MP for Harrow West, said: “The Government’s plans for cutting higher education funding and loading the vast majority of the cost of university teaching onto higher education students fees are unnecessary, unfair and aren’t sustainable.

“London has world class universities, built on public investment and strong professional academic leadership. These proposals put that at risk.

“London’s Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs need to join Labour on Thursday to force the Government to think again.”

The University of Westminster's financial vulnerability has been no secret in recent years with planned cuts to staff sparking strikes by lecturers in May.

The internationally renowned ceramics course was also axed for economic reasons in the face of strong opposition from the arts community.

Mr Thomas said: “The short term need for deficit reduction doesn’t justify such a major long term change in higher education funding.

“Middle income graduates will be hit disproportionately hardest with the Government now acknowledging that part-time students (two-thirds of whom are women) may be put off going to university if fees for part-time study rise.”

The figures are said to be the best possible indication the funding council, which dishes out money to universities, can give on the impact proposed cuts will have.