University of Leicester Cuts Courses, Voiding Nearly 300 Students’ UCAS Offers

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 23, 2026 4:43 AM ET

University of Leicester Cuts Courses, Voiding Nearly 300 Students’ UCAS Offers

The University of Leicester has announced it will close its Modern Languages and Film Studies departments. The institution will stop recruiting to all degrees in those subjects immediately.

Who is affected

Almost 300 applicants have had UCAS offers rescinded for September 2026 entry. The Leicester branch of the University and College Union said 17 academic posts will be lost.

Nearly 300 affected applicants for 2026 entry.
Seventeen academic roles cited as likely to go.
Teach-out for current students running until 2029.
Strategic review process began last year.

Staff reaction and regional impact

Spanish lecturer Maite Usoz De La Fuente said staff felt upset but not surprised. She warned the changes could be career-ending for some colleagues.

Staff had contested a strategic review launched last year. The review prompted strike action after proposals emerged in 2025.

Lecturers say the East Midlands risks becoming a cold spot for degree-level language study. They also warn of a potential future shortfall in qualified secondary languages teachers.

Context and criticism

Critics say the University of Leicester cuts courses mid-cycle, effectively voiding nearly 300 students’ UCAS offers. Unions have signalled proposed further reductions across other departments and support services.

Staff campaigners continue to press for alternatives to closure. They seek transparent redeployment and redundancy plans for affected colleagues.

Next steps and teach-out arrangements

The university has confirmed current students may complete their programmes under a teach-out. That teach-out is scheduled to finish in 2029.

Recruitment to the affected degrees has already stopped for incoming applicants. The immediate priorities are clarity for prospective students and support for staff through consultation.

The situation is developing as consultations proceed and teach-out arrangements are implemented. Filmogaz.com will follow the story and report further updates.