Protest against plans to cut language courses at University of Aberdeen

A rally defending modern language courses at the University of Aberdeen is being held tonight (Monday 11 December).

A consultation's been launched into possible cuts, after it was revealed low uptake is causing losses of 1.5 million pounds per year.

Rhiannon Ledwell, Vice President for Education said: “This consultation has caused needless panic and upset among our university community and has united staff and students against these ruthless proposals.

"It is now abundantly clear, with the backing of all student and staff unions at the University, and of the over 11,800 people who have signed our petition, that the only people who think this consultation is remotely fair and legitimate is University Management.

“Court must do the right thing and halt the consultation, take time to explore all options to protect the provision of modern languages and ensure that any future consultation process is done correctly, not quickly.

"Failure to do so when so many eyes are upon us, would shatter the University’s claim to be ‘open to all’ and show clear disregard for students and staff.”

In a statement on its website, the university said: "The University absolutely understands how passionately colleagues, students and many members of the wider public feel about Modern Languages including Gaelic.

"The consultation on Modern Languages was launched to address the financial unsustainability of current provision (losses of over £1.5m a year).

"This is the result of low and declining recruitment to degree programmes in Modern Languages at Aberdeen.

"The University has always made clear that it will continue to teach and value languages, and we are grateful to all those who are sending us their views and ideas on how we can do this in a sustainable way.

The University Court will discuss the issue at its meeting on Tuesday 12 December.