Rising Tuition Fees and Declining International Students: Cardiff University's Financial Challenges

Cardiff University Student Union Expresses Support Amidst Job Cut Controversy

Cardiff University, the largest in Wales, with 32,725 students in 2023, is a member of the esteemed Russell Group, comprising 24 leading research-intensive institutions. Faced with a significant funding shortfall, the university has announced plans to cut 400 full-time jobs as part of cost-saving measures that may also include course closures and department mergers. Controversy has arisen as subjects like nursing, music, and modern languages face potential cuts. The Cardiff University and College Union (UCU) has criticized these plans as "cruel and unnecessary," but the university maintains that compulsory redundancies will only occur "if absolutely necessary." This step is seen as essential to address financial challenges and ensure the university's long-term sustainability.

The university announced that cuts would impact subjects such as ancient history, religion, and theology. Additionally, several subject mergers are proposed: Chemistry, earth sciences, and physics will form the School of Natural Sciences; computer science and mathematics will merge into the School of Data Science; social sciences, geography, and planning will become the School of Human and Social Sciences; and English, communication, philosophy, Welsh, and parts of history, archaeology, religion, and modern languages will merge into the School of Global Humanities. A three-month consultation period will precede final plans, which are set for approval by the University Council in June 2025.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner defended the proposed job cuts, stating that without significant reforms, the university would become "untenable." She emphasized the need for "difficult decisions" due to declining international student applications and increasing financial pressures. Professor Larner also noted that many UK universities are facing similar challenges due to the "broken" funding system. While acknowledging the news would be difficult for staff, she assured that all currently enrolled students would be able to complete their degrees. Dr Joey Whitfield of Cardiff UCU expressed shock at the cuts, calling them "cruel and unnecessary." He highlighted the devastation felt by colleagues and warned of the negative impact on members, students, the city, and Wales. Dr Whitfield also stated that union members were determined to resist any compulsory redundancies.

Meanwhile, a Welsh government spokesperson expressed disappointment over the inclusion of nursing courses in the cuts and assured they were "working urgently" to maintain nurse training in Wales. Acknowledging the serious concern raised, the spokesperson emphasized that UK universities are facing financial difficulties and urged collaboration with trade unions, staff, and students on any proposals. The Royal College of Nursing raised concerns that closing the school of nursing could threaten the supply of registered nurses to the largest health board in Wales. Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, described the job cuts as a "canary in a coal mine" for the financial challenges facing UK universities, noting their broader impact on the community in south Wales.

Conservative Senedd member Natasha Asghar MS feared similar issues would arise in other Welsh universities, while Plaid Cymru's education spokesperson, Cefin Campbell MS, warned of the "devastating impact" on Wales' reputation as a nation of learning. Cardiff University Student Union president, Madison Hutchinson, expressed strong support for affected students and staff, adding that the university had pledged to communicate with impacted students the following day. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, a 57-year-old professor of ancient history at Cardiff University, called the news "devastating" and "shocking." He explained that major parts of the College of Humanities would be lost, with his department set to be "taught out" and cease to exist. He expressed concern about the uncertainty, stating it would be challenging to continue teaching with a "sword of Damocles hanging over" them.

Kristin Milward, a criminology and sociology student from London, found the announcement "scary" and expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding her future. She mentioned that even though her lecturer's course wasn't affected, he had raised job security concerns. Milward also highlighted her anxiety, noting it was unsettling to pay for education while facing such disruptions. She added that her housemate, a nursing student, was also uncertain about her future. Despite these worries, Milward emphasized her fondness for Cardiff, stating it would be unfortunate if students could no longer stay there.

To address a £30 million budget shortfall caused by increased costs and declining international student numbers, the university extended voluntary severance offers between June and September 2024, with 155 employees accepting, and concluded a second round recently. Starting in September 2025, the Welsh government will raise university tuition fees to £9,535 per year, aligning with the UK's fee hike for English universities.

Cardiff University is not alone in facing financial difficulties. Institutions like Newcastle University, the University of East Anglia, and the University of Kent are also grappling with significant deficits. According to the higher education regulator in England, nearly three-quarters of universities may exceed their revenue next year, leading to a predicted £1.6 billion deficit. These financial challenges are driven by factors such as a decline in international student numbers, partly due to changes in visa regulations. While tuition fees have risen in England and Wales, following years of freezes, concerns remain that further increases may not be enough to prevent ongoing financial struggles for universities.

Editor’s Note:

The financial sustainability of higher education is a pressing issue, with nearly three-quarters of universities in England facing potential deficits. Cardiff University's decision to cut 400 full-time jobs and implement cost-saving measures, including course closures and department mergers, has sparked controversy. While the Cardiff University and College Union (UCU) condemns these actions as "cruel and unnecessary," the university argues that they are necessary to address a £30 million budget shortfall and ensure long-term viability. Despite the controversy, Cardiff University, like many UK institutions, is facing financial pressures from rising costs and declining international student numbers. While prioritizing financial stability through job cuts and course reductions is challenging, it may be necessary to secure the university's future. As the institution navigates these decisions, it is crucial to minimize the impact on students and staff while maintaining the quality of education.

Skoobuzz believes that as the university’s financial challenges are undeniable, it is crucial to focus on long-term sustainability without compromising academic quality.