More than 70,000 university staff at 150 universities could strike after union members voted in favour of action.
The University and College Union (UCU) said the result of a ballot today is a clear indication of the anger felt by staff over pay, conditions and pensions.
The UCU, which represents a large number of academics, lecturers, researchers, managers, administrators and other staff, has now called on vice chancellors to enter negotiations in order to avoid disruption.
