House of Lords members have criticised a university's plans to cut jobs in its arts and humanities department.
The University of East Anglia (UEA) aims to lose more than 30 academic posts, most in arts and humanities, as it tries to tackle a £30m deficit.
One peer described the move as "sad and very tragic" while others said it was a sign the government was not encouraging arts and humanities.
UEA said the subject areas would be maintained.
Historian Baron Kenneth Morgan, who has lectured at the UEA, said it was "bad news for a distinguished department at a good university".
The Earl of Clancarty said the cuts, which would include staff working on the globally renowned creative writing course, were "shocking".
"They are the latest in a pattern of such cuts in universities across the country, which is a result of a long term downgrading by this government of arts education" he said.
