The latest threat to UK modern languages is yet another faux pas

"On 25 November, the Council of the University of Nottingham will discuss the plan to suspend all Nottingham’s undergraduate degrees in modern languages and cultures – as well as in music, nursing and various other subjects – for 2026/27 entry." This is incorrect. Nottingham University has already suspended recruitment to any Modern Languages degree programme for academic year 2026-27. University Council is voting on 25th Nov to approve the proposal to close all those programmes definitively, hence rendering the current suspension of recruitment permanent.

Truly abysmal.

The odd thing is that it is not until the end of the piece that the authors write "The question of student demand is more complex." But this is the reason why Modern Languages are in trouble!! Of course it's the problem of the school system with no compulsory language and actually very little English grammar taught, which is essential for instruction in other languages. Languages are difficult unless students are introduced to language study very early or unless they have a particular aptitude for their study. That's why students avoid them and go for Humanities subject they perceive to be easier and have better chance with of obtaining a good degree. Universities can not make up for these defeciances I am afraid, especially in a marketised system.