STUDENTS are demanding compensation for missed classes during university strikes.

Staff at the University of Brighton are striking for better pay and conditions over a 14-day period between this Thursday and March 13.

Students are campaigning for compensation over the strikes, which will see them miss out on classes during a period of preparation for exams and final year dissertations.

Amelia Livingstone is a mature student in her third year, studying for a BA in history of art and design.

The 32-year-old said: “There’s no one to represent the student body in respect of these strikes and we are the ones suffering because of it.

“We support the reason why the strikes are happening but there’s been no compensation or even an apology from the vice chancellor.

“We are going to miss dissertation meetings with tutors and classes on our other module.

“I’m quite confident in my subject field but there are students who have real anxiety about their dissertation, and some might not pass because they need that extra guidance.”

A group of students called Boycott Brighton have started a petition calling on the university and its vice chancellor Debra Humphris to “resolve the ongoing issue” over staff pensions, pay and work conditions and to compensate students if strikes go ahead.

At the time of going to press, the petition had more than 1,500 signatures.

Amelia said: “We are paying almost £10,000 in fees per year and each class effectively costs us between £300 and £400.

“It’s just unacceptable. It should have been sorted out by now and it’s really sad considering the teachers are so good.

“I think the university as an institution is accountable.”

A spokesman for the University of Brighton said: “We understand students will be worried about potential disruption to their learning and teaching as a result of the further national strike action by the UCU [University and college Union].

“We expect the majority of teaching in most of our schools to go ahead as normal. Where this is not the case, our immediate priority is to minimise any disruption and to ensure that students are not disadvantaged in terms of assessment and examination outcomes.

“Any student who feels they have been materially disadvantaged as a result of the strike action can use our established complaints procedure.

“All complaints will be dealt with on their merits and, where appropriate, compensation will be given.”