Nearly 300 students are facing canceled offers to study at the University of Leicester after a recent course closure. The University has decided to terminate its Modern Languages and Film Studies programs, significantly impacting these incoming students.
Course Cancellations and Impact on Students
The University of Leicester’s closure of specific courses has raised concerns among students and the University and Colleges Union (UCU). This decision, announced earlier this month, comes during the critical UCAS admissions cycle.
- Canceled Courses: Modern Languages and Film Studies
- Number of Affected Students: Nearly 300
- Jobs Lost: 17 faculty members
Dr. Joseph Choonara, co-chair of the UCU Leicester branch, expressed his disappointment. He stated, “This will diminish the chances students have to study these subjects in the East Midlands.” He emphasized the detrimental effects on both students and staff who advocated for the preservation of these programs.
Protests and Staff Response
In November, students and faculty protested the proposed closures. The University assured that no compulsory redundancies would affect the history or School of Education departments. However, consultations for other departments, including Chemistry and Geography, are ongoing.
- Departments Affected:
- Chemistry
- Geography, Geology, and the Environment
- Decision Timeline: Expected closure by the end of the month, with results coming mid-May.
The UCU Leicester branch plans to take further industrial action in the coming days to contest the university’s decisions. El-Balad has reached out to the University of Leicester for a statement regarding these developments.
