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Plans to scrap ‘lifeline’ TESOL and lessons for refugees at the University of Central Lancashire have been dropped but six courses are still to be axed as university bosses address budget issues.
The education facility had faced a backlash over proposals to drop courses which teach English as a second language and were seen as vital to it being awarded university of sanctuary accreditation.
Staff, pupils and alumni were among those to speak out against the plans, with hundreds signing a petition calling for a rethink. Those calls have now been heeded, with those courses no longer understood to be under threat.
However, the university confirmed to Blog Preston that six courses are still to be removed – two in chemistry and four in European Languages. Blog Preston understands the latter four to be French, German, Spanish and Russian.
The decision comes after years of universities across the country calling for increased funding to allow them to remain viable. While tuition fees will increase from 2025, the impact of rising costs, inflation and a fall in international students has hit the sector badly.
Explaining the original plans and need to make changes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Janice Allan told Blog Preston: “Like many institutions in a financially challenging environment, we are having to review our portfolio, including our provision of European languages, to ensure it remains fit for purpose within an increasingly competitive market.
“It is an unfortunate truth that interest in traditional European languages has been in decline across the sector for more than a decade.
“It is, however, important to note that we are currently consulting with potentially affected staff and no decisions have yet been taken. I would also like to stress that, should any course be withdrawn, we are fully committed to maintaining an excellent academic and student experience during a four-year teach out process.
“We are equally committed to our Preston City of Sanctuary status and do not envision any change to the support we offer to sanctuary seekers.”
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