UK job cuts hit English and modern languages staff hardest ‘Vicious cycle’ of course closures means system ‘gradually losing breadth and depth of expertise’

Languages are falling into a vicious cycle that will be difficult to break.
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/uk-job-...

Sir Albert Sloman envisioned languages at the heart of the University of Essex.

❗ Now, his legacy is in danger.

Sign the petition:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

University of Leicester to cut film and modern languages courses A union claims up to 300 students will see offers withdrawn as a result of the decision.

Short-term savings, long-term national loss?

When university “financial sustainability and future success” harms UK economic growth and diplomacy.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Did you know that the University of Essex had a waiting list for their British Sign Language course?

❗ It is in danger now!

✍ Sign their petition to urge the Executive Committee to reconsider the large-scale restructuring proposal: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

The University of Essex has proposed to discontinue most of their undergraduate language provisions as well as the Languages for All programme as part of large-scale restructuring.

Sign their petition to urge the Executive Committee to reconsider the proposal: docs.google.com/document/d/1...

Closure of language courses is ‘national catastrophe’, warns VC - Research Professional News Birmingham leader Adam Tickell says “institutional mergers” may be needed to protect “national cultural assets”

Vice Chancellor at the University of Birmingham Adam Tickell warns about a "national catastrophe" unfolding as universities close modern languages courses.

Institutional mergeers may protect our "national cultural assets".
Read the article here:
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...

Step up, get involved, make a difference!

Election of UCFL Membership Secretary – Spring 2026

More information here: university-council-for-languages.org/2026/03/elec...

Small Grants | University Council For Languages UCFL has made available small-scale grant funding to facilitate projects that support the languages mission and values of the organisation.

The UCFL Small Grants call is out.
❗ Deadline: 20 Febrary 2026 ❗
More information here:
university-council-for-languages.org/our-research...

And another petition, sadly 😪
You might be aware that the Department of Languages & Intercultural Studies (LINCS) at Heriot-Watt University is under threat.

More information and to sign the petition: heriotwatt.web.ucu.org.uk/2026/02/05/s...

YOU SIGNATURE MATTERS! Help us save Modern Languages at Leicester.

Sign the petition: www.change.org/p/save-moder...

You can still join the REF 2029 Town Hall event on Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE)
tomorrow, Wednesday, 4 February, 11 am to 12 pm

2029.ref.ac.uk/about/how-to...

Duolingo Language Challenge: Westminster x The Academy – who will win? Starting January 6, parliamentarians and vice chancellors in the UK are going head to head to win the most Duolingo XP. But who will be victorious?

Have you signed up ❓

thepienews.com/duolingo-lan...

Small Grants | University Council For Languages UCFL has made available small-scale grant funding to facilitate projects that support the languages mission and values of the organisation.

The UCFL Small Grants call is out.
❗ Deadline: 20 Febrary 2026 ❗
More information here:
university-council-for-languages.org/our-research...

Have you heard the recent House of Lords debate led by Baroness Coussins (Chair of the APPG for Modern Languages), which addresses language education across schools and universities in the UK?

Baroness Coussins’ intervention is at 15:37 and can be viewed here: parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...

Watch the videos by Professor Emma Cayley and Darren Paffey MP on why to take part.

💰 Universities can win money for their Modern Languages Departments.
Anyone with a ac.uk address can take part.
You can find a link in the article to sign up for the challenge:
thepienews.com/duolingo-lan...

It’s time to celebrate the German language in the UK!

This is your chance to share your language learning highlights with the world.
#ShoutOutForGerman

bsky.app/profile/uk.d...

Join the REF 2029 Town Halls. They are free and open to all:
2029.ref.ac.uk/about/how-to...

A big thank you to Professor Jane Stuart-Smith, chair, and Professor Susan Harrow, deputy chair of Sub‑panel 26 (Modern Languages and Linguistics) who delivered an inspiring presentation at UCFL Winter Plenary on the work in preparation for REF 2029.

Check out: 2029.ref.ac.uk/about/how-to...

UCFL Winter Plenary 2026

Don't forget that UCFL winter plenary is this coming Friday, 16 January.
Check the details here: ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...

UCFL is seeking nominations for six roles. Deadline: 16 January.

More information here: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/12/ucfl...

➡️ Chair of Wales
➡️ Early Career Academic Rep
➡️ French Studies Rep
➡️ Linguistics Rep
➡️ Lusophone Studies Rep
➡️ Slavonic and Eastern European Studies Rep

We start the New Year with UCFL Winter Plenary. You can join online or in person.
🏃🏻‍♀️Hurry up! In-person registration will close on Monday 5th January 2026.

Book now: ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...

3️⃣interesting panels and many nice people to talk to.

🎉 Excellent news! Our Languages Research Database is now live!
Check it out here: university-council-for-languages.org/research/lan...

Have you seen the updates and changes of REF 2029?
Check it out here: 2029.ref.ac.uk/resources/cl...

Did you know that today is National Linguistics Day?
www.ciol.org.uk/national-lin...

In the East Midlands, the University of Leicester is the only provider of Italian at degree level. An now they are under threat. Please sign the petition:

www.change.org/p/save-moder...

Sign the Petition Stop the removal of Modern Languages courses at the University of Nottingham!

www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...

Sign the Petition Save Modern Languages courses at the University of Leicester!

www.change.org/p/save-moder...