SCORES of debt-ridden students at Southampton Institute were heading to London today to take part in a huge demo over future higher education funding.

More than 100 people from the city were joining an estimated 40,000 for the march.

The institute's Students' Union estimates its 11,000 students will have accumulated about £150m of collective debt by the time they leave.

They were voicing their anger today ahead of proposed changes to higher education, which could mean them footing the bill.

Among the options being considered by the government are top-up fees. It would lead to universities being free to charge what they want.

Kate Addy, vice-president of media communications, said: "We only had six people go up from here last year but this time 100 have signed up.

"We've really tried to push it this year because it's such an important issue.

"The top-up fees could mean students paying £50,000 just to complete their degrees, which is the reason we've tried to encourage as many students as possible to join the march.

"If it goes through it will wreck the higher education systems and mean many people would not be able to go to university.

"When we tell people what could happen they are shocked."

Other options being considered by the government include a graduate tax or a repayment system for students.

The National Union of Students is calling for the government to abolish tuition fees and not to bring in top-up fees.