University of Leicester Cuts Modern Languages & Film Studies

0:00It's March 22nd. This is Lester News Today, driven by AI. The University of Lester has shut down its modern languages and film studies departments, halting all new student recruitment in those subjects. This mid-emission cycle move means, though, pull offers from nearly 300 students set to start in September 2026. On top of that, 17 academic jobs will be lost as part of the cuts. This follows a long strategic review that kicked off last spring with staff and the University Union pushing hard to save the programs through, campaigns and strikes, despite their efforts the University pressed ahead with the closures. Staff members are heartbroken, calling it devastating after years of dedication, some with decades at the school. One long-time lecturer worries it could in careers in a shrinking job market for languages experts across the UK. The closures compound a regional crisis as the Montfort University already acts its languages department years ago, and the University of Nottingham. It's to suspend theirs from 2026-27 onward.

1:04That leaves the East Midlands without degree level language options, hurting future teachers and students alike. Meanwhile, the Union reports more cuts looming in areas like geography, geology, chemistry and support roles, with additional job losses expected. Soon, they're gearing up for further strikes amid ongoing disputes with management.