Cardiff University is set to cut 400 jobs and close several courses due to a £30 million budget deficit. The proposed cost-saving measures, revealed recently, are a response to declining international student applications and rising operational costs. The university, one of the largest in Wales, is facing significant financial challenges, prompting the drastic restructuring decisions.
Job cuts and course closures
The university has outlined plans to reduce its workforce by 400 full-time roles. The cuts, which affect various departments, are part of a broader restructuring effort that includes the closure of specific courses. Affected subjects include nursing, modern languages, and music, with some departments merging to streamline operations.
The institution also intends to merge departments like chemistry, physics, and earth sciences to form a new School of Natural Sciences, while computer science and mathematics will combine into the School of Data Science. The university hopes these mergers will help reduce costs without compromising academic quality.
Financial struggles and impact on staff
Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner defended the proposed measures, stating that the university’s financial position would become untenable without these cuts. “The situation is extremely challenging, and these difficult decisions are necessary to secure the university’s future,” Larner explained, as reported by BBC.
The Cardiff University and College Union (UCU) has strongly opposed the plans, calling them “cruel and unnecessary.” Dr. Joey Whitfield of the UCU expressed concern for both staff and students, stating that the cuts would have a devastating impact on the university community, as quoted by BBC.
Political and public reactions
Local politicians have also criticized the decision. Ruth Jones, MP for the Welsh Affairs Committee, likened the cuts to a “canary in a coalmine,” warning that other UK universities could face similar financial pressures. Meanwhile, the Welsh government has voiced its concern over the proposed nursing course closures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a steady pipeline of healthcare professionals.
Cardiff University has promised that current students will be able to complete their degrees, despite the proposed changes. The university is expected to finalize its decision after a three-month consultation process.
Leave a Reply