Suspension of Modern Languages courses at the University of Nottingham

The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) would like to register its profound concern regarding the University of Nottingham’s suspension of modern language courses ahead of the University Council’s discussion about future restructuring that will take place later this month.

We understand that modern languages is one of a range of study areas currently under threat as a result of plans to “reshape the university to focus on areas of excellence” as part of the broader Future Nottingham transformation programme.

In our view, the closure of the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies would cause significant harm to the UK’s educational, cultural and economic prospects. It would undermine Nottingham’s distinctive position as Britain’s first truly global university and would create a critical cold spot in language teaching across the East Midlands.

Academic excellence and research strengths

The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies makes a substantial contribution to the UK’s research capacity through its Centre for Translation and Comparative Cultural Studies. The centre’s research strengths in audio-visual translation, translation theory, post-colonial translation and translation between Asian and Western contexts are particularly relevant to Nottingham’s global positioning.

Given the university’s stated ambition to “promote the development of a global mindset as an integral part of the Nottingham student and staff experience” the proposed closure of the School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies suggests a fundamental backwards shift in attitude and ambition. How can the University of Nottingham maintain its self-stated position as Britain’s foremost global university without supporting the linguistic and intercultural capabilities that enable meaningful cross-cultural engagement?

Regional leadership

The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies provides a valuable service to the region, ensuring that local students have access to core arts and humanities subjects. Such provision is essential to ensuring equal opportunities for everyone.

Recent British Academy research[i] identified the emergence of geographic cold spots in language provision. The east of the country is specifically highlighted as one of three regions with the largest declines in acceptances onto language courses over the past decade. If the University of Nottingham proceeds with the proposal to withdraw from teaching modern languages, the region would lose one of its few remaining providers of language education at degree level. This would have a particularly harmful impact on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who may have the aptitude and desire to study languages but lack the economic means to study elsewhere in the UK. More than half of UK students study locally, with those from disadvantaged backgrounds particularly likely to stay close to home.

Economic considerations

The economic case for maintaining language provision is compelling. A 2022 study from the University of Cambridge and the not-for-profit research institute RAND[ii] revealed that removing linguistic barriers to trade could be worth an additional £19bn annually in UK exports. This supports the broader recognition that language capabilities are essential for the UK’s post-Brexit economic strategy.

Aston University’s LO-C 30 research[iii] on 415 UK SMEs revealed that companies making use of language capabilities are 30% more successful in exporting than those who do not. Failing to invest in language teaching therefore weakens the UK’s opportunity for sustainable economic growth. This point is well made in Languages for the Future, a report published by the British Council in 2017[iv] which states:

“But all should recognise that the UK's language deficit remains a threat to our overall international competitiveness, influence and standing in the world, as well as to our citizens' ability to play a meaningful role in the global economy and in an increasingly networked world. We have now reached a critical juncture where investment in upgrading the UK’s language skills, which give unparalleled access to cultural knowledge and understanding, will pay important dividends.”

Furthermore, the proposal to close the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures risks undermining the UK’s skills and knowledge infrastructure at a critical time. Multiple studies have shown that employers in both public and private sectors place a high premium on graduates’ proven ability to learn languages. The additional skills fostered through language learning, such as improved literacy in the student’s native language as well as increased mental agility, creative originality and problem-solving ability enhance a student’s employability and their economic value to their future workplace.

Cultural understanding and international engagement

However, while future economic growth is clearly important, the broader benefits of language skills extend far beyond immediate economic returns. Language capabilities are essential for cultural exchange, diplomatic relations, and the UK’s ability to project itself effectively on the global stage. These capabilities are increasingly important as the UK continues to develop its post-Brexit international relationships.

The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies provides essential professional linguistic training through its MA in Translation Studies and PhD supervision. Graduates emerge fully equipped to become the skilled translators and interpreters needed to support the UK’s international engagement.

Moreover, the school’s outreach work demonstrates its commitment to sharing knowledge beyond the university. The school’s stated belief that "knowledge should be shared and used to enrich the lives of all who live in the community" reflects precisely the kind of civic engagement that universities should be strengthening rather than abandoning.

Conclusion

While we recognise the financial pressures facing the higher education sector, we strongly urge the university to consider the many benefits of maintaining its language provision.

The decision before the Council is not simply about the future of one particular department but about whether Nottingham can maintain its distinctive identity as a global university. An institution with campuses across three continents and an ambition to become the “destination of choice for the brightest and internationally curious minds” cannot achieve this without robust language and cultural studies provision.

We therefore call upon the University Council to examine these far-reaching proposals carefully and to balance the long-term needs of the UK’s students and our future economic prosperity against short-term financial pressures. We strongly urge the university’s executive team to work with stakeholders to find a sustainable solution that preserves this vital educational, economic and cultural resource.

Yours sincerely

Sara Robertson FRSA FIIC

Chief Executive, Institute of Translation and Interpreting