Edinburgh University academics rally to oppose restructure plans that could see 90 programmes cut
Academics held a special meeting to discuss proposals allowing Edinburgh University to cut as many as 90 programmes
Edinburgh University academics have rallied to oppose controversial restructuring plans that would see the end of as many as 90 programmes.
The Senate passed a motion during a special meeting on Wednesday - held to discuss the university’s bid to change the rules governing the academic committees that oversee its courses and degree programmes.
The move came amid a dispute over whether academics were properly involved in decisions to close the targeted programmes.
All three motions passed by a significant margin in a rebuke to management, which wants to revise the rules governing its committees, known as Boards of Studies.
An academic, who preferred not to be named, said the meeting had been brought in response to the university’s proposal to change the Boards of Studies Terms of Reference.
The Senate was unable to discuss the proposals at its last meeting and members “felt that this urgently needed discussion because of concerns over the process of preparing this document and its approval, as well as disagreement with some of its content”.
The first motion was voted through by Senate members with an amendment designed to emphasise strength of feeling among academics.
“For avoidance of doubt, this means that Senate does not recommend to Court the currently proposed changes to the Boards of Studies Terms of Reference in their current form,” was added.
A university spokeswoman said: "We are actively reflecting on the issues raised during today's meeting and have a plan to take this forward."
In order to requisition a special meeting of the Senate a request is required from 12 senators, making the move unusual.
A Senate member told The Scotsman it was prompted by “strength of feeling”.
He said: “There was not only strength of feeling here but also a sense of urgency that we must move swiftly to ensure the decision to close any programmes is taken with close advice and oversight from the Boards of Studies.”
The row focuses on responsibility for scrutinising and overseeing decisions about what the university teaches and what role academic staff have in those decisions.
It came two weeks on from a report published by a group of Senate members accusing university Vice-Chancellor Sir Peter Mathieson of contravening statutory requirements over the programme cuts.
Sir Peter, who will step down from post next year, is accused by staff of trying to “push through cuts without proper oversight or regulation”.
One of the motions discussed by the Senate states: “Senate requests a report listing all programme closures approved since August 1, 2025, and recording for each: the date of consideration by the relevant Board(s) of Studies; the approving College committee; any further body involved in the decision; and evidence of student involvement.”
READ MORE: Peter Mathieson to step down as Principal of Edinburgh University after decade of turmoil
Edinburgh University has insisted all procedures have been correctly followed and that programme cuts are not a cost-saving measure.
It claims the move is designed to provide students with the most relevant courses.
One senator said staff feel they have been undermined by the university and that the senior management team is failing to be held accountable for doing so.
The role of the Senate is laid down in law as part of the Higher Education Governance Act, which stipulates that the committee protects academic provision.
Senate members have complained that they have not been consulted over programme cuts, nor have they had sufficient input into proposed job losses.
They say some programme closures may be reasonable or even necessary, but object to how the restructure is being managed.
In May last year the Senate, the university's most senior academic body, passed a vote of no confidence in Sir Peter.
In an interview with The Scotsman last month, he said, “I mean, do you think it doesn't hurt?” in response to a question about the Senate’s views.
The low level of confidence, he said, was “very obviously seen and very much understood”.
Programme closures involve the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS).
Management claim the changes are part of regular reviews of the academic portfolio, which adapts to “student demand” and an “evolving job market”.
A total of 48 programmes would be lost from the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).
Some six programmes will be closed in the Moray House School of Education and Sport, four in the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, and six in the School of Social and Political Science.
A total of 10 will be removed from the School of Divinity, five at the Edinburgh College of Art, one from the School of Economics, three in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology, and four in Edinburgh Law School.
Last year some £140 million cuts were announced by Sir Peter with an estimated 1,800 job losses possible.
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