Humanities among degrees being ‘extinguished’ by hard-up universities
Summary
Thousands of university jobs in humanities and social sciences have been cut in the UK, causing fewer options for students in subjects like languages, classics, and theology. These cuts are happening mostly at less selective universities but are spreading to other important subjects and top universities, raising concerns about social mobility and education quality.Key Facts
- Nearly 4,000 academic jobs in social sciences, humanities, and arts were cut in the year leading to December 2024.
- Most job losses occurred at non-Russell Group universities, reducing course availability outside top-tier schools.
- Subjects such as social work, English, classics, anthropology, and linguistics saw significant staff cuts.
- Business-related courses lost the highest number of jobs, with 930 cuts in one year.
- Some subjects are becoming nearly impossible to study at less selective universities, limiting access based on student grades and location.
- More than 1,000 additional job cuts are planned at prestigious Russell Group universities.
- These reductions increase educational inequality and reduce opportunities, especially for students from poorer backgrounds.
- Experts warn that the financial crisis in universities threatens the future of research, student careers, and regional growth goals.
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