Ninety programmes have been closed to new applicants in the University of Edinburgh’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, a briefing sent to senior academics has revealed.
The “briefing for internal stakeholders” outlines the university’s work to implement the college’s ongoing “Academic Size and Shape” restructuring programme.
According to the document, a total of 90 programmes will be “taught out” over the next several years.
The Herald has previously reported how university managers have sought to cut £140 million from the institution’s annual budget, including £90m in staff salaries.
At least 950 members of staff have been made redundant since senior managers launched the savings drive last year.
The arrangement means that while no new students will enter the programmes after September 2027, existing students will be able to complete their degrees.
The briefing document explains how affected students were informed about the closures earlier this week.
A communication sent to students on September 16 states: “We will continue to teach (eg Scottish Literature and Philosophy) at Edinburgh, but we have made the decision to close the Philosophy and Scottish Literature programme to new admissions from the 2027-28 academic year.
“As you progress through your studies, you will continue to benefit from the same excellent academic support, programme delivery and engagement with your peers. The decision to close future entry does not affect the structure or delivery of your degree.
Additionally, no students currently enrolled at the university will be permitted to transfer onto the programmes.
“Although the programmes will teach out, we are seeking to minimise the impact and disruption to students and staff and would ask that you support us by ensuring that transfer requests are redirected to alternatives where possible,” the document states.
In total, three programmes will be “taught out” in the Business School, 10 in the School of Divinity, five in the Edinburgh College of Art, one in the School of Economics, three in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology, and four in Edinburgh Law School.
The biggest casualty by far is the university's School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC), which is losing a total of 48 programmes.
The Celtic and Scottish Studies department within LLC, which has roots in the 19th century, has been particularly affected, with seven programmes closing to new applicants.
In other schools, six courses are being closed at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, four in the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, and six in the School of Social and Political Science.
The briefing document outlines a number of criteria for deciding which programmes should close, including course size (new rules mandate at least 30 students for undergraduate programmes and 20 for postgraduate programmes), as well as “applicant demand, cost of delivery, and associated research income”.
The Herald reported yesterday how the University and College Union (UCU) had warned that managers were set to announce “massive course and programme closures” across the institution.
The trade union’s local branch said that staff had been called into “informal meetings at less than 24 hours' notice” and told not to bring union representatives.
In response, a spokesperson said that the university regularly reviews its academic portfolio to make sure it aligns with “student demand, a constantly evolving job market and other external needs”.
They added: “Year on year, we see programmes added or strengthened, enrolments increased in areas of high demand and consolidation or closures of programmes in other areas. While closures are not unusual, decisions are never made lightly.
“We have a world‑leading reputation as a powerhouse of the arts, humanities and social sciences. We deliver internationally recognised research, excellent teaching and meaningful public contribution.
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“Protecting this position at a time of sustained financial pressure across the university sector is critical, and it requires conscious and sometimes difficult choices.”
On Thursday morning, UCU members announced they would engage in 25 days of strikes over five weeks from September 28 in response to potential compulsory redundancies.
Branch co-president Lena Wånggren said: “Our members have been clear that compulsory redundancies must not be the university’s answer to its financial challenges. Five weeks of strike action is not what anyone wants, but members are prepared to take action to protect jobs.
“UCU members are prepared to take action for our colleagues and our students – we want to safeguard students’ education not just for five weeks in autumn but for the future."
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