University to cut film and modern languages courses

The University of Leicester is to close its film studies and modern languages degree courses to new students.

University bosses said the decision was taken after a strategic review of its College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

The University and College Union (UCU) has claimed up to 300 students due to start courses in September 2026 are to have offers rescinded and is planning industrial action to oppose the cuts.

The university has confirmed the courses would cease, but declined to comment on the number of prospective students affected, saying the figure was "commercially sensitive".

It has said students and postgraduate researchers who have already started courses would be able to complete between now and 2029.

The strategic review has been carried out to "strengthen financial sustainability and future success" of the university, bosses said.

However, the UCU said the latest cuts would have a negative impact on the university and the city, and also result in 17 academic jobs being lost.

A UCU spokesperson said: "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."

The union said the move would "significantly reduce" the university's academic offer in the arts and humanities.

The UCU spokesperson added: "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."

The UCU warned the East Midlands would become a "cold spot" for studying languages following an announcement by the University of Nottingham suspending programmes 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 branch is set to announce further industrial action in the coming days."

In a statement, the university 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 added students would still be able to learn languages through its Languages at Leicester (LAL) course.

Kim Eccleston - the head of universities and colleges at Ucas - said: "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."

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