STUDENTS will be able to complete their courses at a closure- threatened arts college.
The pledge came after fears that Leeds University would shut its Bretton Hall College in 2006.
University chiefs plan to transfer the 1,000 acting, theatre, dance and performance students to Leeds.
Past students at the college include League of Gentlemen stars Steve Pemberton and Mark Gatiss, TV scriptwriter Kay Mellor and radical comedian Mark Thomas.
Students had feared their education would be disrupted in the transfer.
But they have been assured the move will not be until 2007, so current students can complete their degrees at Bretton Hall.
University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Alan Pearman said: "It gives us time to ensure that excellent facilities will be in place at Leeds."
A final decision on the future of Bretton Hall College is due to be made on December 9.
If the move goes ahead, a new £1.5m theatre, including a 200-seat auditorium, dressing rooms, workshop and store, will be built in Leeds.
Other facilities are planned, including a performance design studio and costume design/storage, together with space for rehearsals, dance, seminars and meetings.
Prof Pearman said students would continue to be recruited to Bretton Hall in 2005 and 2006
"We promised our students in performance and cultural industries that facilities at Leeds would be at least as good as those at Bretton.
"If we go ahead with plans to integrate our arts excellence in Leeds we will honour that pledge."
Bretton Hall opened in 1949 as a higher education college, but the university says its £2.6m a year running costs are too high.
