FEES at the University of Cumbria will be slashed in a U-turn that could knock nearly £2,500 off the bill for some students.

The institution had set its fees at £8,400 earlier this year, but has now confirmed it will offer a discounted price for the majority of full time humanities, arts and science students who start studying honours degrees in 2012/13 of £7,850.

For students studying foundation degrees it will be cut to £6,000 – and more than 400 students are also expected to further benefit from the university’s bursaries package.

Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Strike said: “I am delighted that our revised Office For Fair Access agreement has been approved and will see students benefit from a guaranteed universal discounted fee.

“We aim to prepare our students not only for work, but also for life and many of our students are from poorer backgrounds so it is very important for us to provide an affordable education.”

He added that the cuts showed the university’s firm commitment to accessible higher education despite the Government’s decision to allow universities to charge up to £9,000 a year.

Students to benefit from will be studying courses funded by the Higher Education Funding Council.