The University of Leicester has confirmed the closure of its Modern Languages and Film Studies departments, a decision that will affect nearly 300 prospective students who had their UCAS offers rescinded mid-admissions cycle. This announcement, made on March 23, 2026, follows a year-long strategic review and puts at least 17 academic jobs at risk.
Current students will be allowed to complete their degrees by 2029, but the impact of these closures extends beyond the university’s walls. The East Midlands may soon become a ‘cold spot’ for modern language education, a concern echoed by faculty members and community advocates.
Maite Usoz De La Fuente, a faculty member, expressed deep concern, stating, “For many of us, this is likely to be career-ending.” She further highlighted the regional implications, noting, “If Nottingham University closes their course as well as they plan to, there will be nowhere in the East Midlands to study language at a degree level.”
The closures are part of a broader trend in UK higher education, where financial pressures are forcing institutions to prioritize courses with higher enrollment. This shift has led to significant changes across various departments, with further reviews underway in Chemistry, Geography, Geology, and Environment.
Dr. Joseph Choonara, another faculty member, remarked, “We’ve been fighting against this for many months now so it wasn’t surprising to hear they are going through with it.” The sentiment among faculty and students reflects a growing frustration with the decision-making processes at the university.
The University and College Union (UCU) has coordinated 28 days of industrial action since the start of the 2025/26 academic year, highlighting the ongoing struggle for job security and educational integrity within the institution.
As the community grapples with these changes, the voices of those affected are becoming increasingly prominent. Maite Usoz De La Fuente stated, “We feel like we weren’t given a fair chance to prevent these closures,” a sentiment that resonates with many in the academic community.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future of other departments, but the impact of these closures is already being felt by students and faculty alike. The University of Leicester’s decision marks a significant turning point in the landscape of higher education in the region, raising questions about the future of academic offerings and job security.
