Strategic Review: Outcomes for College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities

The Strategic Review process of academic areas within the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities has concluded, with decisions now ratified by University Council. 

The review is being carried out in phases across a number of academic areas and Professional Services functions to strengthen financial sustainability and future success. 

Following careful consideration, the University has taken the decision to close its Film Studies and Modern Languages degree programmes to new entrants from the 2026/27 academic year. 

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 quality of teaching, supervision and academic support will be maintained throughout this period. 

Although degree programmes in Modern Languages will close to new entrants, language learning will continue to be offered through the Languages at Leicester (LAL) programme, ensuring that languages remain a part of the University’s wider academic and community provision. 

Update on History and the School of Education 

The Voluntary Severance Scheme (VSS) has enabled the necessary savings to be achieved in History as a result, it is being removed from the Strategic Review process. There will be no compulsory redundancies in this area. 

Within the School of Education, positive progress following the VSS means the University is now in a 30-day consultation period regarding the consolidation of PGCE and professional learning provision, supported by a streamlined taught postgraduate offer. While changes are proposed, there will be no compulsory redundancies in this area. 

This phased approach, to be implemented over the coming year, is designed to safeguard the student experience. Current postgraduate taught and master’s students will be able to progress as expected, and postgraduate researchers will continue to receive appropriate supervision to complete their research. 

The University remains committed to supporting its students, sustaining research excellence, and ensuring long-term academic and financial sustainability across its portfolio. 

The review and consultation for Chemistry and Geography, Geology and the Environment is ongoing and due to complete at the end of March before decisions are made in mid-May 2026. The review of College Operations, Technical and Research Infrastructure (TRIS) is also ongoing and expected to close mid-June 2026.