University cuts nearly 200 jobs to protect future

Cranfield University has more than 5,000 students and 1,500 members of staff

A university plans to cut 195 jobs as part of a plan to safeguard its future.

Cranfield University, which has its main campus in Bedfordshire and a second in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year.

In a statement, it explained it had faced challenges due to reduced international student numbers and increased costs.

It added that proposals to reduce the workforce were under consultation and other "cost-saving measures" had already been undertaken.

Chief executive and vice-chancellor Dame Karen Holford said: "We've already taken tough steps to support our financial sustainability such as revising our structure from four schools to two faculties, reviewing our course portfolio and reducing costs.

"Work is now starting to streamline Cranfield to protect our teaching, research and student experience whilst securing our long-term future."

She explained that colleagues and unions had been consulted throughout the process.

Cranfield University owns Cranfield Airport on the same site

On its website, Cranfield University said it employed more than 1,500 people across academic, technical, and professional fields.

It also has 5,000 postgraduate students from 177 countries.

Founded as the College of Aeronautics in 1946, it specialises in technology and management.

It is claimed to be the only university in Europe with its own airport.

In a letter sent to alumni, Dame Karen described the situation as a "critical moment" and stressed changes would help secure the university's future.

She wrote: "We remain ambitious for our future and committed to delivering the excellence for our students, customers and partners for which we are known."

"As we approach our 80th anniversary in 2026, we are building on our rich heritage and deep partnerships to become a smaller, more agile university – an elite institution that is fully focused on the needs of UK business, industry and government."