Kent saves languages but confirms anthropology and philosophy axe

The University of Kent will continue to offer courses in modern languages and English but has confirmed that other programmes including art history and philosophy will close.

Facing a potential deficit of £31 million this year, the institution said it had worked with staff to retain three of the nine courses originally earmarked for closure.

These were English language and literatures, forensic osteology and field methods and modern languages.

However, student recruitment will be halted for anthropology, art history, health and social care, journalism, music and audio technology and philosophy, with the current cohorts in the subjects becoming the last before they are all eventually phased out in the coming years.

Up to 58 academic posts were said to be at risk in the original plans, and it is understood that the university was looking to reduce this number in light of the latest developments.

“Following a period of consultation, we have now shared decisions with staff and students on future course changes at Kent,” a spokesperson said.

“Through working together, we have been able to make adjustments that support continued delivery of some courses under review, such as modern languages, and a new offer of English language and literatures.

“However, a number of other courses will be phased out in the coming years as we adapt our portfolio to better match future student demand.”

The spokesperson said the institution was working with affected staff to “talk through their options as a result of this” and would soon confirm the resource needed to support the final cohorts of students to complete their degrees.

“These changes will also support growth in key areas such as business, psychology and biosciences, and sit alongside broader strategic plans at Kent to ensure we put students at the heart of everything we do,” they added.

Accounts published earlier this week showed that the university was projecting a £31 million deficit for 2023-24 after posting a £12 million loss last year in part because of an unexpectedly higher number of dropouts, which the institution put down to the cost-of-living crisis. Kent has also faced criticism for its plans to cut the amount of time staff are given for research.

Several universities have announced cost-cutting drives in recent months, with many looking to close courses and make redundancies after international student numbers slumped following changes in visa rules and amid the ongoing tuition fee freeze.

In a separate development, the University of the West of England has said it needs to shed 100 jobs to ensure its “long-term financial sustainability”.

A university spokesperson said the “unprecedented financial challenges” facing the sector meant it was “essential we take steps now to safeguard the transformational opportunities we provide for individuals and the communities we serve”.

“We are exploring new ways to generate income and make effective savings across the organisation but, like many other universities across the country, are also taking difficult decisions to protect the high-quality student and academic experience we offer and ensure our long-term financial security,” they added.

“To reduce staffing costs, the university is proposing up to 100 redundancies – around 2 per cent of staff – which we hope to achieve through a voluntary severance scheme.

“This is a difficult decision to take, but we remain confident in our 2030 strategy and clear vision for the future, and we will continue to work hard to support our staff and students through this challenging period.”

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com