University will drop language courses

French and Spanish undergraduate degrees at Wolverhampton University are being axed following a drop in applications for the courses, bosses revealed today.

Following a review into languages provision, new recruits will no longer be taken for the courses. The undergraduate English as a Foreign Language course is also being shelved for new recruits.

Kevin Magill, associate dean of the school of law, social sciences and communications, said: "A review of languages provision in the university was recently undertaken, in order to respond more effectively to opportunities and changes in demand and recruitment.

"In line with the long-term national decline in applications to undergraduate degrees in modern languages, the review recommended ending recruitment for the time being to our undergraduate programmes in French, Spanish and English as a Foreign Language and expanding our languages provision in areas of higher demand.

"We are not closing languages.

"We will expand and diversify our existing range of short courses for UK and international clients and partners, bespoke courses and consultancy for regional businesses working internationally and preparatory English courses for international students coming to study in Wolverhampton."

The university today said it was unable to provide figures about the drop in applications on the courses that have been shelved.

They could be relaunched again in the future.

But bosses said other undergraduate language degrees would still be offered.

The university has been looking to save £8million after cuts in funding.

The move saw a voluntary redundancy scheme launched at the university with 156 workers being accepted.The university has 2,740 members of staff.