The University is working to refine its academic shape. The University Court asked that a number of areas be subject to further scrutiny to determine their fit to the University's strategic plan, and Consultation Panels were established. These panels took as long as they needed to form recommendations, and Senate, the Schools concerned, and the SRC had had the opportunity to give their own view on these conclusions. Senate had a very full discussion of all the reports on 2 June.

On 22 June, Court reviewed the recommendations of the Consultation Panels, and approved the following:

Anthropology and Social Work

Anthropology was well aligned to the University’s strategy and recommended that current staffing levels should be maintained in order to support the interdisciplinary development of teaching and research across the School of Social and Political Sciences and in the Research Institute for Health and Well-Being. With regard to Social Work, the current withdrawal from joint teaching of Social Work with the University of Strathclyde should continue, with teaching out on the Masters programme being completed by the end of session 2011-12.

Archaeology, Classics and History

Court noted the outstanding record of Archaeology in teaching and the strong prospects for graduates, with clear evidence of research-led teaching. Both History and Archaeology were independently streamlining undergraduate programmes as part of the normal evolution of provision, and no further combining of programmes was sought. Credible plans to remedy the problems that had affected the RAE 2008 performance were commended. It was noted that Classics at Glasgow was ranked best in Scotland for teaching and among the best in the UK, with graduates’ prospects strong.  There was clear evidence of research-led teaching, with potential opportunities for the development of inter-disciplinary teaching. The University will not withdraw from, or combine, provision in these subjects.

Centre for Drugs Misuse Research

Court agreed that current activity was not well aligned with the University’s strategy, and that the Centre should be closed.

Nursing and Healthcare

Court approved that, pending the outcome of the Chief Nursing Officer’s review of nursing and midwifery education system in Scotland, all programmes and activities would continue as normal, including admissions for academic year 2011-12, and 2012-13. 

The Open Programme and associated Certificate in Higher Education

Court endorsed the view that the University should continue to provide courses through the Open Programme, but that a robust business model and accompanying business plan should be established.  The business model would incorporate the development of an integrated marketing strategy; a programme of Summer School activities; application of appropriate threshold numbers for courses; the phasing out of the teaching Grant support for the programme; and that the programme be supported by an independent, self-supporting unit within University Services.  

School of Modern Languages and Cultures

The School of Modern Languages and Cultures will maintain the teaching of the full current range of modern languages at the levels currently taught

The Language Centre (including the EFL Unit) will transfer to SMLC on 1 August 2012

September 2011 will be the last year student cohorts will be accepted onto the degrees in Slavonic Studies

Investment should be made in staff (including the Marshall and Stevenson Chairs and lectureship in Translational Studies) as resources become available due to retirements, voluntary severance and the consequences of the decisions in the points above.

Dumfries Campus

Court agreed that the University will withdraw provision of the dedicated liberal Arts programmes on the Dumfries Campus from 2012-13.  However the University is committed to a strong and positive future for the Dumfries campus as we develop our range of courses focused on environmental studies, health and social studies, and primary education, and liberal arts will continue to be a part of other interdisciplinary degree programmes at Dumfries Campus.  

The University Court took the opportunity to thank all - students, staff and external stakeholders - involved in the extensive and exhaustive consultation process, and commended the consultation panels for their thorough approach.

First published: 23 June 2011

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