University of Nottingham to cut 560 jobs and close departments

The University of Nottingham has confirmed the implementation of its ‘Future Nottingham 2’ programme, which involves significant organizational restructuring and job reductions. The university plans to cut 560 jobs, a figure slightly lower than the 608 originally proposed in May.

By August 2027, the institution will transition from a faculty-based structure to three distinct colleges: Health, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science and Engineering. As part of this shift, several departments and courses deemed financially unsustainable or lacking student demand will be closed, including the modern languages and music departments. While existing students can complete their degrees, the university will not accept new applicants for these programs. Additionally, 73 Master of Research (MRes) programmes will be reduced to 10.

The restructuring has faced significant opposition, including a marking boycott and strikes scheduled from September 30 to December 11. A university spokesperson stated that the transformation is among the most significant in the institution’s 145-year history and noted that approximately one-third of alternative proposals from consultation processes were incorporated into the final business case. To support staff, the university is offering voluntary redundancy and redeployment opportunities.