University of Leicester Course Closures: 300 Prospective Students Affected

The University of Leicester has confirmed the closure of its Modern Languages and Film Studies departments, a decision that will impact nearly 300 prospective students who had their UCAS offers rescinded mid-admissions cycle. This significant development was announced on March 23, 2026, following a year-long strategic review.

As a result of these closures, at least 17 academic jobs are at risk, raising concerns about the future of language education in the East Midlands. The university has stated that current students will be allowed to complete their degrees by 2029, but the long-term implications for the departments remain uncertain.

The closures are part of a broader trend in UK higher education, where financial pressures are forcing institutions to prioritize courses with higher enrollment. The University of Leicester’s decision follows similar actions by other universities in the region, including De Montfort University, which closed its language department a few years ago.

Maite Usoz De La Fuente, a faculty member, expressed her dismay, stating, “For many of us, this is likely to be career-ending.” Dr. Joseph Choonara, another academic, noted, “We’ve been fighting against this for many months now so it wasn’t surprising to hear they are going through with it.”

Usoz De La Fuente further highlighted the potential impact on language education in the region, saying, “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.” This sentiment underscores the growing concern among educators and students alike.

The University and College Union (UCU) has coordinated 28 days of industrial action since the start of the 2025/26 academic year, reflecting the ongoing discontent among faculty regarding the university’s strategic decisions.

Further reviews are underway in other departments, including Chemistry, Geography, Geology, and Environment, raising questions about the future of these programs as well.

As the situation develops, reactions from students and faculty continue to emerge, with many feeling that they were not given a fair chance to prevent these closures. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the university’s next steps in addressing the fallout from this decision.