Embassy concerned by under-threat language courses

The University of Nottingham announced on 6 November proposals to suspend its modern languages courses

The Spanish ambassador to the UK has said he is "very concerned" about plans from the University of Nottingham to suspend entry for new students to its language courses.

The university announced on 6 November proposals to suspend its modern languages courses due to a change in demand.

A spokesperson said a final decision on the proposals to reshape the university amid a fall in revenue - including course closures - would not be made until the end of the academic year.

José Pascual Marco Martínez, ambassador of Spain to the UK, told the BBC the embassy had written to the university and said the proposals could lead to a loss of "economic and educational opportunities".

The university previously said any students currently on courses would be supported to complete their studies.

It added it recognised the "importance" of language learning but said its modern language degree courses were "unsustainable".

"We currently have almost 2,000 students across all of our disciplines studying languages as part of their degree through our language centre, and we are planning to build this so all students have access to learning a language but in a way that better suits them," a spokesperson said.

Cultural knowledge 'damaged'

Mr Martínez said the embassy was "aware" of the financial difficulties which universities were facing, and added it would be available to discuss "creative solutions" to help the languages department,

"We believe it is appropriate to maintain and strengthen university education in modern languages and culture, particularly in Spanish, given the close ties that bind both countries," he said.

"I am very concerned that the proposal made by the University of Nottingham will damage the whole educational outlook of the East Midlands.

He added: "The mutual cultural knowledge among the scholars of our respective countries may be damaged, with a loss in economic and educational opportunities."

A University of Nottingham spokesperson said: "Council met earlier this week and approved the university's plans to continue engaging with staff, students, trade unions and relevant stakeholders, on proposals to reshape the university.

"Final decisions on the plans, including course closures, will not be made until the end of the academic year 25-26.

"Over the coming months we are committed to working with our university community to gather feedback, hear concerns and consider counter proposals.

"The government has been very clear it expects universities to manage their own finances and to focus on areas of strength.

"We are responding to this to ensure the University of Nottingham remains a world-leading institution long into the future."