The University of Leicester has confirmed the closure of its Modern Languages and Film Studies departments, a decision that has significant implications for nearly 300 prospective students whose UCAS offers were rescinded mid-admissions cycle. The closures, announced on March 23, 2026, follow a year-long strategic review and have put at least 17 academic jobs at risk.
Current students will be allowed to complete their degrees by 2029, but the impact of these closures is already being felt across the East Midlands. The region may soon become a ‘cold spot’ for modern language education, especially if Nottingham University proceeds with its own planned course closures.
This decision is 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 move has not gone unnoticed, as the University and College Union (UCU) has coordinated 28 days of industrial action since the start of the 2025/26 academic year in response to such developments.
Maite Usoz De La Fuente, a faculty member, expressed deep concern, stating, “For many of us, this is likely to be career-ending.” She further noted, “In the East Midlands, De Montfort University closed its department a few years ago, and if Nottingham University closes their course as well, there will be nowhere in the East Midlands to study language at a degree level.”
Dr. Joseph Choonara, another faculty member, remarked, “We’ve been fighting against this for many months now, so it wasn’t surprising to hear they are going through with it.” The sentiment among faculty and students reflects a feeling of being inadequately supported in efforts to prevent the closures.
As the University of Leicester moves forward with these changes, further reviews are underway in other departments, including Chemistry, Geography, Geology, and Environment. The future of these programs remains uncertain, and details remain unconfirmed.