A DEPARTING vice chancellor has told of his fears for his university following the vote to leave the EU.

Professor Michael Farthing, speaking ahead of his final University of Sussex graduation ceremony yesterday, said many of the benefits that came from EU membership were now at risk.

He also warned graduates there would be difficult times ahead but urged them to "hold their nerve" and "stick to their principles".

Meanwhile actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, the university's chancellor, said Sussex graduates were well equipped to deal with whatever the future holds.

Speaking ahead of his 10th graduation ceremony of the week, he said: "They have all shown that they can see something through and that will stand them in good stead.

"Someone once said to me that when there are no jobs there are two types of people: the unemployed and the unemployable.

"All of these here today may at some stage be unemployed but they will never be unemployable."

Yesterday marked the end of graduation week with more than 3,500 students collecting their degrees at the Brighton Dome.

Speaking of the impact of Brexit, prof Farthing said: "I think universities have really enjoyed the interdependency we have had with other universities around Europe.

"We have benefited greatly by having a European funding scheme for research and our students and faculty have benefitted from having wonderful exchange programmes.

"That is all now potentially at risk."

The physician and medical researcher, who has been at the university since 2007, said measures had been taken since the vote to ensure the university's continued success.

He added: "My concern would be that this country will be paying more than it is now because we will be negotiating on the back foot rather than being an integral part of the EU."

One of the main concerns for universities post Brexit is the expected 15 per cent reduction in research funding from the EU.

He added: "We will have to hold the Government to account to ensure the money we paid into the EU is redirected to health, social services, social care, education and research - as promised.

"If they don’t there will be some very serious questions as to why they took us into this situation."

Mr Bhaskar meanwhile said Sussex would continue to be an outward looking university, regardless of the Brexit vote.

He said: "Internationalism has always been part of what Sussex is all about, from its post war origins. I don’t think that ethos has changed and I don’t think it will."

Among the graduating students yesterday there was a mixture of celebration coupled with anxiety as to what lay ahead.

For Clara Coleman, 21, from Guernsey, the day marked the end of three long years studying law.

She said: "There is a great sense of achievement, I'm really proud of myself."

Next year she will move to Paris to study postgraduate at Queen Mary University.

She said: "There were some concerns with Brexit but I've been assured it is all OK for next year.

"But I'm lucky. By the looks of things future generations may not be as lucky. Fees will go up and they will probably need visas if we leave."

Her course mate Sadia Chowdhury, 22, from Brighton, has landed a place on a legal practice course with the intention of becoming a solicitor.

Annie Tyler, 23, from Salisbury, said she not only feared for her job prospects but also her bank balance.

After studying sociology, she is set to study mental health practice next year but has struggled to find a job for over the summer.

She said: "I have had a great time at university but it has been expensive. Has it been worth it? I'm not sure, I'll have to let you know."

Among those graduating was Joe Miller, who has juggled his degree with being the youngest ever councillor on Brighton and Hove City Council.

The aspiring barrister said: "I'm an optimist, I think things will be fine, Britain always finds a way."