Three Elmwood College courses are to be axed in the summer as chiefs attempt to cut costs in the face of tightening budgets.
Staff and students in art and design, interior design and multimedia have been told that the programmes will be discontinued.
Consultation with the seven subject lecturers is continuing over possible redeployment.
The college said it was finding the current financial climate challenging.
In 2009/10 it delivered 9.5% over its government-funded teaching activity and expects a similar position for 2010/11.
However, it said, “In line with anticipated reduction in funding levels over the coming years, the college can no longer sustain delivery over its contracted levels.
“The college has entered a period of consultation regarding the future of its access, art and design and multimedia programmes and also the staffing levels within its supported accommodation team.”
It added, “This follows on from the college’s curriculum review in 2008/9, where the long-term sustainability and strategic fit of the access, art and multimedia programmes was highlighted.”‘Minimise’ impactIt pledged to do everything possible to minimise the risk of redundancies. The college is seeking candidates for voluntary severance, taking into account the provision offered at other local colleges.
Depute principal Scott Anderson said, “Through this internal consultation and discussions with other colleges, Elmwood is seeking to minimise the impact on staff as well as the impact on access to learning opportunities for residents in north-east Fife.”
Rumours of a merger with Adam Smith College, however, were dismissed, although there was confirmation that the two colleges would continue working together.
Mr Anderson said, “We are having productive discussions around collaboration with Scotland’s land-based colleges and also with Adam Smith College.
“We have always worked with partners in our work and we will continue to do so.”
Adam Smith College principal Dr Craig Thomson said no discussions had taken place over a merger or were planned.
He said, “Discussions take place between the two colleges on an ongoing basis.”