**Cardiff University Reconsiders Axing of Music and Modern Languages Following Public Campaign**
Cardiff University has announced a dramatic reversal of its widely debated plans to discontinue its music and modern language programmes, following a wave of public opposition and intervention from international music stars. The institution’s revised approach, outlined this week, comes after a comprehensive review by the University Executive Board (UEB), and has already received preliminary approval. The final verdict is expected after consideration by the University Council on 17th June.
This significant change of direction follows overwhelming public support for the School of Music and languages, driven both by grassroots campaigns and endorsements from internationally recognised figures such as Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, and Stormzy. These influential artists called for action to preserve the departments, championing the importance of music education in Wales and drawing particular attention to Cardiff’s reputation both culturally and academically.
In a communication to university staff, Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner stated that, subject to Council approval, Cardiff would continue its commitment to education and research in both music and modern languages. However, she acknowledged that the shape and size of these offerings would change, with a smaller number of places and new structures being introduced under a newly formed School of Global Humanities.
Under the revised proposal, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in music will persist, but with updated entry criteria and restructured course content to better reflect student demand and university priorities. Modern language courses will also remain, albeit with a renewed focus on French, Spanish, Mandarin, and Japanese, targeted at smaller student cohorts. Additionally, the university is set to enhance its translation degree suites and uphold the Languages for All scheme, promising further student-centred language opportunities.
Alongside these immediate changes, Cardiff University is reportedly planning to launch new, collaborative degree programmes described as “challenge-oriented, inclusive, [and] co-created”, aligned with the broader ambitions of the School of Global Humanities. These developments demonstrate an intention not just to safeguard existing subjects but to innovate and adapt in response to shifting educational and cultural landscapes.
However, the university confirmed it would press ahead with the controversial decision to discontinue single and joint honours degrees in Ancient History, and Religion and Theology. Professor Larner acknowledged that this would deeply disappoint many academics and students, but reassured the university community that those enrolled to start in 2025–26 would be supported through to the completion of their studies.
Throughout her message, Professor Larner expressed her appreciation for the sustained input and engagement from both staff and students, whose feedback and alternative proposals she credited as instrumental in shaping the new plan. She also alluded to the anxiety caused by the period of uncertainty, expressing hope that the latest announcement would provide a measure of reassurance, even as the university faces the continuing challenge of implementing its ambitions.
The ongoing debate has attracted the scrutiny of political figures in Wales. Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, described the policy reversal as a “relief” for many, noting the high levels of concern among both students and staff. However, she warned that lingering uncertainty and course closures could harm the university’s international reputation and impact student recruitment in the years ahead.
Further information for students and staff is scheduled to be delivered via a university webinar on 3rd June, with materials available to the wider community from 4th June. The outcome of the University Council meeting later in the month will determine the final structure and direction for Cardiff’s language and music programmes.
As the dust from this debate settles, Cardiff University’s path forward will be watched closely—not only by its own students, faculty, and alumni, but by advocates for the arts and languages across the United Kingdom keen to see whether academic tradition can thrive in a changing higher education landscape.