University to Close Film and Modern Languages Courses
The University of Leicester has announced it will stop accepting new students for its film studies and modern languages degree programs. This decision follows a strategic review of the university's College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.
The University and College Union (UCU) has stated that up to 300 prospective students, expected to begin their studies in September 2026, will have their offers withdrawn. The union is planning industrial action in response to these course closures.
The university confirmed the discontinuation of these courses but declined to specify the exact number of affected prospective students, citing the information as "commercially sensitive." It assured that current students and postgraduate researchers enrolled in these programs will be able to complete their studies by 2029.
The strategic review was conducted with the aim of "strengthening financial sustainability and future success" of the institution, according to university officials.
Union Response and Job Losses
The UCU expressed concerns about the negative consequences of the cuts on both the university and the local community, highlighting that 17 academic positions are expected to be lost as a result.
"The decision to cut all programmes in these areas, in the middle of the Ucas admissions cycle, means Leicester will be rescinding offers to almost 300 students planning to start university in September 2026," a UCU spokesperson said.
The union emphasized that the move would "significantly reduce" the university's academic offerings in the arts and humanities disciplines.
"From 2026-27, students pursuing degrees in film or modern languages in Leicestershire will be forced to travel further afield.
With rising costs for students - both during and after their degrees - they regularly choose a commutable university.
The cuts contribute to humanities degrees becoming the preserve of a privileged minority."
Regional Impact and Further Industrial Action
The UCU warned that the East Midlands region could become a "cold spot" for language studies, especially following the University of Nottingham's announcement to suspend similar programs from 2026-27.
"The university is prepared to ditch its commitment to its civic mission for the sake of minimal savings," the UCU added.
The union also indicated plans to announce additional industrial action in the near future.
University Statement and Support for Students and Staff
In an official statement, the University of Leicester said:
"This decision follows a thorough period of pre-change engagement and formal consultation, during which colleagues provided significant volumes of thoughtful and constructive feedback.
The university recognises the dedication, professionalism and deep commitment to students demonstrated throughout this process.
Immediate priorities are to ensure stability and continuity for our current students and to support staff impacted by this decision.
While we will not accept new students, current students and postgraduate researchers will continue to receive teaching and supervision through to 2029 to ensure they can complete their studies as planned."
The university further noted that students will still have the opportunity to study languages through its Languages at Leicester (LAL) course.
Guidance for Affected Students
Kim Eccleston, head of universities and colleges at Ucas, commented on the situation:
"In the event of a course closure mid-cycle, universities are required to support affected students in finding a suitable alternative course, either at the same institution or at another provider.
We therefore encourage any applicant who has concerns about their chosen course to contact the university directly for guidance.
If a student chooses not to accept the alternative option offered and wants to explore an offer elsewhere, they can contact Ucas for support and we'll work with them in finding another course at another university."
Additional Information
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