Cardiff University Reverses Decision to Cut Music Department

Following public outcry, the department will remain open, though with a reduced cohort size

In January 2025, Cardiff University in Wales announced that it would cut four hundred jobs across all departments — equating to approximately 10% of its staff. In addition, it was to cut entire course programs in Music, Ancient History, Modern Languages and Translation, Nursing, and Religion and Theology.

The decision prompted outcry from students, staff, and the wider community, and a letter of protest signed by musicians including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, and Sir Elton John was sent to university management.

However, the university has recently reversed its decision with regard to music and modern languages, according to the BBC. The music program will revise both its entry target numbers and its content, and the modern languages program will also reduce the size of its cohort.

The university's plans to close its ancient history, religion, and theology courses will go ahead as originally planned.