For centuries, universities have had a responsibility to ensure what they teach stays relevant in a changing world, while remaining intellectually rigorous and sustainable for future generations of students.
Like other institutions, Edinburgh undertakes regular evidence-based reviews of its academic portfolio to make sure it is aligned with student demand, a constantly evolving job market and other external needs.
Year on year, we see programmes added or strengthened, enrolments increased in areas of high demand and consolidation or closures of programmes in other areas.
While closures are not unusual, decisions are never made lightly.
Evolving to meet changing needs
A university’s curriculum offering must evolve as knowledge and new technologies advance, student demand changes, and the needs of professions, industries and wider society develop.
Edinburgh currently offers a broad range of subjects for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students. Our taught degree programmes are made up of courses, some compulsory and others optional, providing flexibility within the degree structure and enabling students to add greater depth to their education.
With such a large and diverse portfolio, some programmes will grow, others will evolve, and some may eventually close.
Enrolment numbers on programmes are an important consideration, as low enrolments do not allow us to give the quality of experience we think students deserve. Such numbers are just one part of the evidence-base review we regularly undertake in relation to our portfolio.
Understanding what comes next
An individual programme being closed doesn't necessarily mean a subject is no longer available. It will often still be studied and integrated as part of another degree programme.
When a programme does close to new entrants, arrangements are usually made to enable current students to be ‘taught out’. This means that students who are already matriculated continue their studies as usual until they graduate.
If programmes can’t be ‘taught out’, the University will take all reasonable steps to reallocate students to suitable alternative programmes. Such cases are unusual.
During any programme closure, we will always seek to protect the experience of our students, ensuring changes cause as little disruption to students as possible and to support any staff affected.
Staying at the forefront of education
The long-term purpose for the University of Edinburgh is to continue to deliver excellent teaching and world-changing research.
To ensure we can preserve its standing, strength and impact, we will work on supporting a strong, sustainable and academically ambitious portfolio that equips our students with the skills and qualities they need for their future.