The University of Cambridge is just one of 67 universities across the UK that will be affected by wide-scale strikes this coming academic year, it has emerged.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) have voted in favour of a “sustained campaign of industrial action”, with 77% voting to pass the motion.

The ballot came in response to the recent changes in the pension scheme for lecturers, which is operated by the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), one of the largest private pension schemes in the UK. They have recently implemented a range of changes, without consulting UCU members, which include increased contributions, lower pensions for new staff and reduced protection against inflation.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: "These changes have been imposed without the agreement of staff, and our vote shows members are determined to defend their pension rights.”

University employers say the scheme alterations are needed because people are living longer, but the UCU says pension changes will leave new staff up to £120,000 worse off.

With the USS refusing to negotiate with the UCU, lecturers have called for action, which includes setting exams and not marking them, walkouts and may even escalate to a full assessment boycott.

Action is expected to begin in mid October, just a few weeks into Michaelmas term, and will continue for as long as necessary until a breakthrough is made.

This news comes as Britain faces mass walkouts throughout the public sector over pensions. The UCU has committed also to a November day of action, on the 30th of November, in co-ordination with other public sector unions.