EU consulates call for Aberdeen language courses to be saved

Aberdeen University said it had seen falling demand for language degrees

The French, German, Spanish and Italian consulates in Scotland have written to the University of Aberdeen raising concerns about potential cuts to modern language courses.

The joint letter was sent ahead of the expected publication of proposals this week which will outline the future of language courses at the university.

It is understood the withdrawal of honours degrees is an option.

Aberdeen University said it had seen falling demand for language degrees.

The joint letter, shown to BBC Scotland News, has called for "clear signs of commitment" from the university to linguistic and cultural studies, and for a solution to any cuts to be found.

It said: "We have received with concern, persistent rumours about the possibility of a closing or dramatic reduction in the academic offer of the modern languages department at Aberdeen University.

"In a time of widespread budgetary constraints, we believe it is important to defend and preserve linguistic and cultural studies as an essential part of the university's commitment to humanities."

The representatives of the four nations have urged university bosses to protect language teaching in the north of Scotland because the nearest equivalent course is at St Andrews.

'Accelerating reduction'

They added: "We would like to ask you to consider further and increased interaction with the academic staff of the linguistic department in order to find solutions that preserve their immense contribution to Aberdeen in Scotland."

The University of Aberdeen said it has set up a steering group which would bring forward any plans for consultation.

Senior management are meeting with students on Monday for a Q&A session on the changes at King's College on the campus.

Responding to the letter, Karl Leydecker, vice-principal of the University of Aberdeen said: "I would like to reassure you that the University is committed to continuing to provide opportunities for all students at the University of Aberdeen to learn languages.

"But we are unfortunately not in a position to make a commitment to the continuation of our current provision given the long term and accelerating reduction in enrolments for degrees in modern languages."

The potential changes to modern language courses follow recent cost pressures at the University.

Staff have been told they will be "supported" if they are thinking about a voluntary exit or early retirement.