University of Kent confirms six courses to be axed

The university said it would work with affected staff to "talk through their options"

The University of Kent has confirmed it will "phase out" six subjects following a consultation.

It said it will stop recruiting students to courses in art history, anthropology, health and social care, journalism, music and audio technology and philosophy and religious studies.

The university has proposed to cut 58 jobs in an attempt to respond to "financial challenges".

In a statement, it said it had shared decisions with staff and students and would work with affected staff "to talk through their options as a result of this".

The university said it would continue to deliver modern languages, English language and literatures, plus forensic osteology courses.

The subjects will be either "aligned more closely with other areas" or through a new "composite" course.

It added that it would confirm with staff what resource was required to support students already on the axed courses to the end of their degrees.

Future staffing plans are set to be finalised by mid-April.

Students will be told what module and supervision options will be available to them by the end of April.

The changes "sit alongside broader strategic plans at Kent to ensure we put students at the heart of everything we do," the university said.

Alvise Sforza Tarabochia, head of culture and languages at the university, had launched a petition to try and stop the cuts.

Dr Tarabochia had said the loss of the subjects would affect the diversity offering at the university and the students' prospects.