Are University Students Battling Course Cold Spots Amid Declining Enrolments?

New data analysis reveals the emergence of "cold spots" in university language courses across the UK, particularly affecting students wishing to study subjects like French. The report from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa) indicates a significant drop in enrolment in language studies, alongside a sharp increase in popularity for courses like artificial intelligence, raising concerns about accessibility and diversity in higher education.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The landscape of university courses in the UK is changing dramatically, with language studies facing notable declines while technology-focused subjects gain traction. According to Hesa's recent report, fewer students are enrolling in language courses, particularly French, which has seen a drop from 9,700 full-time students in 2012/13 to just 3,700 in 2023/24. Conversely, the field of artificial intelligence has witnessed exponential growth, rising to 9,100 full-time students over the same period.

This shift is prompting universities to reassess their offerings, often leading to course closures in subjects with dwindling enrolment numbers. The financial pressures on institutions are mounting, exacerbated by rising tuition fees imposed by the government as a means to offset budget shortfalls. As a result, students in various regions may find themselves facing a lack of available courses, particularly in modern languages.

Key takeaways

• Significant decline in enrolment for language courses, particularly French, from 9,700 to 3,700 students between 2012/13 and 2023/24.
• Contrasting rise in students studying artificial intelligence, increasing from 1,800 to 9,100 over the same timeframe.
• Universities are reducing course offerings in response to financial deficits and low enrolment.
• The closure of language courses in universities may impact A-level offerings at schools and colleges.
• Concerns about accessibility for students in regions lacking local university language provisions.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding the context of these developments is crucial. Here’s a brief timeline of key events:

• 2012/13: 9,700 students enrolled in French studies; 1,800 in artificial intelligence.
• 2013/14: AI enrolment dips to 900 but begins a steady recovery.
• 2023/24: French enrolment falls to 3,700; AI increases to 9,100.
• November 2022: Protests occur at the University of Nottingham regarding the suspension of modern languages and music courses.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The newly published data from Hesa highlights the alarming trend of declining enrolment in language courses while presenting a stark contrast with the increasing popularity of technology-driven fields like artificial intelligence. This data underscores the shifting priorities of students, influenced by economic and job market considerations.

What was already established

Concerns about the viability of language courses have been growing for years. With universities facing financial constraints, low enrolment numbers have resulted in the cutting of several language programmes. The impact of these changes is felt not just at the university level but also in secondary education, where fewer students are encouraged to pursue languages.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The decline in language courses may have broader implications for families and students. As universities reduce these offerings, many prospective students may need to relocate to larger cities, such as London or Bristol, where these courses are still available. This could impose significant financial burdens on families, particularly those from less affluent backgrounds, who may struggle to afford living costs in more expensive areas.

Businesses and jobs

The shift away from language studies could have long-term effects on the job market. Language skills are often crucial for roles in international business, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. As universities cut these programmes, the UK risks producing a workforce lacking in essential language capabilities, potentially limiting the competitiveness of British businesses on a global scale.

Policy and regulation

With the government increasing tuition fees to address financial shortfalls in higher education, policy changes may be necessary to encourage universities to maintain a diverse range of courses. This includes incentivising language studies and ensuring that students have access to a broad educational landscape, regardless of their geographical location.

Numbers that matter

• 9,700: Students enrolled in French studies in academic year 2012/13.
• 3,700: Current enrolment in French studies as of 2023/24.
• 1,800: Initial enrolment in artificial intelligence in 2012/13.
• 9,100: Current enrolment in artificial intelligence for 2023/24.
• 125,900: Students enrolled in language and area studies in 2012/13, reduced to 80,100 by 2023/24.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Ab initio: Latin for "from the beginning," referring to courses designed for complete beginners.
• Hesa: Higher Education Statistics Agency, the organisation responsible for collecting and analysing data on higher education in the UK.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, students and educators should closely monitor announcements from universities regarding course offerings. Advocacy efforts may be necessary to prevent further cuts to language programmes.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the academic year progresses, stakeholders should engage in discussions about the value of language studies in the curriculum. This may include collaboration between schools and universities to ensure that language courses remain viable.

Signals to watch

• University announcements regarding course offerings and changes.
• Enrollment statistics for upcoming academic years.
• Government policy changes affecting higher education funding and tuition fees.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage students to advocate for the continuation of language courses at their institutions.
• Explore opportunities for partnerships between schools and local universities to maintain language offerings.

Don’t

• Ignore the importance of language skills in a global job market.
• Assume that the decline in language courses will not impact future educational opportunities.

Checklist

• Review local university course offerings for language studies.
• Engage with school administrations about language education in primary and secondary schools.
• Monitor government policies affecting higher education.
• Promote awareness of the importance of language skills among students.
• Connect with local advocacy groups focused on education issues.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the trends outlined in the Hesa report are concerning, it is essential to approach the data with caution. The decline in language studies may not be uniform across all regions, and some universities may still maintain robust language programmes. Additionally, the long-term impact on educational pathways is still unfolding, and further data will be needed to assess the full implications of these changes.

Bottom line

The rise of university "cold spots" in language courses presents a significant challenge for students in the UK, particularly those in regions where such programmes are no longer available. As financial pressures mount on universities, it is crucial for stakeholders to advocate for the preservation of diverse educational opportunities. Ensuring access to language studies is vital for maintaining a skilled workforce and fostering cultural understanding.

FAQs

What are university cold spots?

University cold spots refer to regions where certain courses, particularly in languages like French, are no longer available due to declining student numbers and financial constraints faced by institutions.

Why are language courses declining in enrolment?

The decline in language courses is attributed to a lack of encouragement for language studies in primary and secondary education, leading to fewer students pursuing these subjects at higher education levels.

What can be done to address this issue?

To address the decline in language courses, universities and schools should collaborate to promote language education and ensure that students have access to these vital subjects across all regions.