Strategic Review: Outcomes for College of Science and Engineering

The Strategic Review process of academic areas within the College of Science and Engineering has concluded, with decisions now ratified by University Council.  

The review has been 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 create a new School of Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences (CEES).  

CEES will continue to offer the disciplines of Chemistry, Geology and Geography and focus on three areas aligned to the UK’s net zero ambitions, life sciences leadership and future industrial strategy: Sustainable Materials and Resources, Chemical Biology and Diagnostics, and Climate and Environmental Futures.   

The changes will see the closure of the BA Geography and BA Human Geography programmes for new student entrants from September 2026. We will write to the small number of offer holders to make them aware and support them with their future options. The BSc Geography will continue. 

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.  

Importantly, there will be no anticipated compulsory redundancies associated with the closures, subject to the acceptance of VSS and teach-out offers.

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.  

Update on remaining elements of Strategic Review

The final element of the Strategic Review covers Professional Services and proposed changes to College Operations and Technical and Research Infrastructure. Consultations for these areas are ongoing and expected to close mid-June 2026.