The Question of Cardiff University Cuts

Recent news that Wales’ largest and only Russell Group university, Cardiff University, is setting out plans to cut 400 full-time jobs amidst a £31m funding shortfall has rocked the Welsh education network (BBC News – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0k5n0k101lo). These jobs will see some schools merged, with some reductions in staffing, whilst elsewhere entire schools will be closed following the completion of courses for students starting in September 2025. The departments of Nursing, Modern Languages, Music and Ancient History will be closed sometime after 2028 due to funding concerns, with hundreds of jobs lost. Having only very recently concluded my doctorate at the university, I was among many students able to access the proposal set out by the university.

The university sector has been rocked by a significant reduction (16%) in international students due to rule changes brought in under the Conservative government (BBC News – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdd4p62nyg8o). Whilst this may seem trivial, it is worth noting that fees for a History BA for home students at Cardiff total £9,535 per year – whilst international students pay £23,700. International student fees power universities, fund numerous courses, and effectively subsidise British students. This combined with recent inflation has seen universities across the UK face increasing financial pressures (The Guardian – https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/nov/11/uk-university-crisis-labour-sector-financial). Meanwhile a post-Covid reduction in student applications nationwide has seen some universities and schools particularly hit – with Cardiff’s school of Modern Languages seeing their financial contribution to the university cut by over 50% since the pandemic. What we are seeing at Cardiff therefore is a sector-wide issue, and Cardiff may well be the “canary in the coalmine”. This is particularly concerning given that the university adds around £3.7 billion to the Welsh economy, and employs nearly 1 in every 135 workers in Wales (Cardiff University – https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/about/our-profile/our-economic-and-social-impact#:~:text=Analysis%20of%20Cardiff%20University’s%20economic,every%20%C2%A31%20we%20spend).

The most alarming announcement was that the School of Nursing would also be closed upon completion of the current teaching contract with the Welsh Government. Cardiff is one of Wales’ largest suppliers of nurses at a time when the Welsh NHS is experiencing a particular shortage of these vital medical professionals – leading to an outcry from the Royal College of Nursing (BBC News –https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz7ep0rx514o). The impacts of this upon the sector could be significant unless a remedy can be found. The Welsh Government has faced calls to support the university sector, and particularly to restore stability to nursing provision. Whilst current signs indicate that no such funding will be announced in the short-term, we can offer some support.

At Cardiff & Vale Tutoring we can provide support and stability amidst these difficult times. We have specialists in History, Nursing and Modern Languages on-hand to help support students concerned that their time at university may be disrupted due to ongoing conditions. Our team includes experienced tutors and established academics from some of the top universities. We are able to advise and help with course content, key skills and assignments. We also offer dissertations support and proof-reading and are able to offer support assistive technology for disabled students to ensure that all students can access top quality education with minimal disruption. For those who are looking for additional support – we are ready and able to help.

This blog was written by Dr Daniel Chesse-PhD lecturer.

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Preparing for University – Cardiff Vale Tutors

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