The University of Nottingham has announced the permanent suspension of its undergraduate music degree course.

An initial indication was announced in November 2025 which resulted in no new students being recruited to the programme. The final decision has now been made with the university stating that the changes reflect shifts in student demand, delivery costs and competition from other institutions.

Petition

The University and College Union (UCU) says it opposes the move, whilst over 11,000 students have signed a petition against the proposal and staff have indicated that they intend to lobby the university's governing body.

Nottingham's decision follows a series of cuts to music degree courses at Oxford Brookes, Kent and Wolverhampton universities, while Cardiff University also recently proposed closing its School of Music.

Tragedy

The head of Music at Nottingham University, Dr Hannah Robbins, stated: "I am sorry to confirm that the University of Nottingham has chosen to close the Department of Music. This includes the termination of three undergraduate Music programmes.

Music at Nottingham has run for more than 100 years and the Department pioneered the study of Music Education in universities. It's a tragedy to see such a heritage come to an end. Our solidarity is with colleagues in UoN's Modern Languages and American and Canadian Studies departments who are facing similar news today."

Disappointing

One of those speaking out about the decision has been Independent Society of Musicians Chief Executive Deborah Annetts, who said: "It's enormously disappointing to see Nottingham cut music courses at the same time as the government is proposing to revitalise arts education.

The government's decision to scrap the EBacc gives music in schools a lifeline, but higher education music opportunities are just as vital and we urge the University of Nottingham to reconsider."

It's enormously disappointing to see Nottingham cut music courses at the same time as the government is proposing to revitalise arts educationIndependent Society of Musicians Chief Executive Deborah Annetts

Travesty

Another has been composer and former university alumnus, Sam Watts who added: "It's a bit of a travesty," the writer of the television theme tune to 'The Traitors' said.

"Not only do I have incredibly fond memories of my time there, but it allowed me to pursue my dream job as a career. I still use orchestration techniques I learned there and it was my tutor who introduced me to my first employer, George Fenton, so I owe the UoN music department a lot."