Cardiff University will seek to continue to offer music and modern language courses following a partial reversal in its decision to close its departments.
It has been reported that a revised proposal was approved by the University Executive Board, which is now set to be considered by the University Council next month.
Revised structures
Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner confirmed to staff that if the Council approves the plans, the university will continue to offer modern languages and music research and education, albeit with revised structures and with a smaller intake of students based within a new School of Global Humanities.
This will maintain undergraduate and postgraduate Music degree programmes, although with what was termed, "revised entry targets and content".
Smaller staff base
It was stated that a new degree programmes will be set up to "fulfil the ambitions of the new School — challenge-oriented, inclusive, co-created and committed to advancing the Public Humanities agenda."
Although the plans have been broadly welcomed, it was noted that the new structures would be provided by what Prof Lerner stated was "a smaller staff base." Earlier this month the university stated that 138 staff would be cut.
This will maintain undergraduate and postgraduate Music degree programmes, although with what was termed, "revised entry targets and content"4BR
Pressure
Commenting on the announcement, a Cardiff UCU trade union spokesperson commented: "It is good to see the University Executive Board, under pressure from our members' massive public campaign to save jobs, has now agreed to reverse its initial plans to cut Nursing, Music, and Modern Languages provision entirely."
The campaign gained widespread, high profile support, with a petition signed by over 25,000 people.
The spokesperson added: "However, it is unacceptable that management continue to keep more than 400 staff in scope for redundancy with no end in sight. The physical and mental health effects of this are becoming unbearable for many of our members."
