University of Edinburgh to close more than 90 degree programmes from 2027

The University of Edinburgh is set to close more than 90 degree programmes to new applicants from 2027 as part of changes to its academic portfolio.

The university informed staff about the planned closures, which will affect programmes across its academic schools. Students already enrolled in the programmes will be able to continue their studies. The university previously announced plans to reduce its budget by £140 million.

Scottish studies among affected programmes

Around half of the programmes being closed are in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures.

The affected programmes include undergraduate degrees in Celtic, Scottish literature and Scottish ethnology, along with several joint-honours language programmes. Other specialist programmes listed among those facing closure include divinity, textiles, performance costume, and jewellery and silversmithing.

The university's School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures said 48 programmes being phased out had historically attracted low numbers of students, with fewer than 30 students enrolled across those programmes each year. It said nearly 100 programmes would remain available in the school for 2027 entry.

The university said it regularly reviews its academic portfolio based on student demand, the changing job market and other external needs.

It said decisions on the programme changes followed consideration of data and disciplinary input from academics and experts, followed by the university's governance processes. The university also said around one-fifth of the programmes being closed had no students enrolled.

The School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures said the changes are intended to reduce the number of separate entry points while maintaining the breadth of subjects available to students. It said courses covering Scotland's history, languages, cultures and society would continue to be offered.

Students and staff raise concerns

The Edinburgh University Students' Association said 93 programmes in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are scheduled to be cut. It expressed concern about programmes centred on Scottish history, culture and language and called for greater transparency and student involvement in decisions about the closures.

University and College Union representatives have also criticised the planned changes. Marion Lieutaud, vice-president of the Edinburgh UCU branch, said the closures could affect specialist programmes that attract students interested in those particular subjects.

Robert Irvine, a reader in the university's Scottish Literature department, said the closure of the Scottish Literature degree would not mean Scottish literature courses themselves would disappear. He noted that the university's English and Scottish Literature programme, which has more than 30 students, is not among the programmes being cut.

The university has not yet announced whether the programme closures will result in job cuts.