Cardiff University has announced that it proposes to cut around 400 jobs and end courses in music, nursing and modern languages amongst others as it seeks to balance its books from a projected £28m deficit in the current financial year.
The University runs courses for over 32,700 students and is the 16th biggest university in the UK.
According to its website page, the University Music Department offers graduate and postgraduate courses that are, "a stimulating and supportive environment for musical scholarship, composition and performance", calling itself, "an ambitious centre for the study of music at all levels".
It also provides workshops and masterclasses and post graduate research opportunities.
Academic staff
According to its website there are 24 academic members of staff as well as 7 offering professional administrative services. Brass tutors include Owen Farr (horn), Aneurin James (trombone), Philippe Schartz (trumpet), Martin McHale (trumpet/cornet) and Andrew McCade (tuba). There are currently 23 research students.
The University also supports a Symphonic Winds Ensemble and Brass Band and has produced many notable alumni — including composers Sir Karl Jenkins, Michael Bell, Liz Lane and Tom Davoran.
It is due to host the 2025 UniBrass Championships in February.
Very bad
The news came as a huge shock to staff and students, with one lecturer telling the Wales Online website that the cut of around 7% of the workforce was "very bad."
All major political parties have condemned the proposed decision with Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, saying: "It is not only academics and students who will suffer from these cuts, but the wider community in south Wales."
Conservative Senedd member, Natasha Asghar MS, added; "that these concerns will be repeated across our universities in Wales". Plaid Cymru's education spokesperson, Cefin Campbell MS said the job losses would have, "a devastating impact."
Defending decision
Defending the decision, Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wendy Lerner said: "The precarious financial position of many universities, particularly in the context of declining international student applications and increasing cost pressures, and the need to adapt to survive are well documented.
We know here at Cardiff University that it is no longer an option for us to continue as we are."
An offer of voluntary severance scheme was taken up and approved for 155 staff last year and a second round closed earlier this month. Cardiff University is part of the Russell Group of 24 institutions and is the largest in Wales, with 32,725 students in 2023.
Its fees for UK students will rise to £9,535 a year from September 2025, in line with an increase in fees for English universities announced by the UK government.
Cardiff University is part of the Russell Group of 24 institutions and is the largest in Wales, with 32,725 students in 20234BR
Pay packages
167 members of staff earn over £100k per year (as per notes to its financial report ending 31st July 2023) with the Vice-Chancellor receiving a financial package worth £396,000 a year up from £326k the previous year.
It is understood that the final plans for approval will be considered by the University Council in June following three months of consultation.
At least two petitions have been created to oppose the plans to cut the Music Degree Course. One states that "this action represents a gross dereliction of duty and is a deeply short sighted betrayal of Wales's rich musical heritage".
