Staff and students at the University of Exeter have reacted with fury to plans to scrap dozens of posts in the humanities, warning the move will devastate the discipline and damage the university's reputation. The proposal, which would see up to 50 academic roles cut across departments including history, English, and modern languages, has been condemned as a 'slash and burn' approach to cost-cutting.
Details of the Proposed Cuts
The university announced the proposals on Wednesday, citing financial pressures and falling student demand for humanities courses. Under the plan, the number of academic staff in the College of Humanities would be reduced by around 20%, with compulsory redundancies likely. The cuts are part of a wider restructuring that aims to save £15 million per year. Vice-chancellor Professor Lisa Roberts said the university had to 'adapt to changing student preferences and financial realities'.
Reaction from Staff and Students
The University and College Union (UCU) described the plans as 'devastating' and accused the university of prioritising profits over education. UCU regional official Jo Grady said: 'These cuts are a reckless attack on the humanities, which are vital to a well-rounded education. Staff are being thrown under the bus to balance the books.' Students staged a protest outside the university's Streatham campus on Thursday, holding signs reading 'Save Our Humanities' and 'Education Not Austerity'.
Impact on the University and Beyond
The cuts threaten to undermine Exeter's reputation as a centre for humanities research, which has been rated among the best in the UK. The university's history department is ranked in the top 10 nationally, while its English department is known for its work in postcolonial studies. Critics argue the move will have a chilling effect on academic freedom and reduce the diversity of courses on offer. The university has said it will consult with staff and unions before finalising the plans, with a decision expected in September.
