University of Aberdeen staff to vote on strike action after scrapping of single degrees in modern languages

Staff at the University of Aberdeen are being balloted over potential strike action after the institution scrapped all of its single degrees in modern languages.

From the next academic year, students will no longer be able to take French, German, Spanish or Gaelic alone and will instead have to choose a joint degree if they wish to study languages.

The university court backed the decision in December, based on a recommendation from the senior vice principal, Professor Karl Laydecker.

The university's management said low uptake of the courses meant the current model is not sustainable.

The University and College Union (UCU) says about 30 people are at risk of redundancy due to the changes.

A UCU ballot on industrial action is opening on Wednesday and will run until February 7.

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Dr Rachel Shanks, UCU branch chair, said: "Cutting single honours degrees from the university would mean students in the north and north east having to leave the region to study their subject.

"For an ancient institution with the history and reputation of Aberdeen to consider this move is frankly embarrassing.

"It's clear that this is just the start of senior management's plans.

"It's important that members send a clear message that we don't accept the need for jobs to be lost and that we will stand behind and support any member whose job is threatened."

In response, the university said just five students began single honours across its modern language programmes this academic year.

A spokesperson added: "We understand many people care passionately about languages but in a challenging financial period for many universities, the high cost of running programmes with an average in each of just one new student a year is unsustainable.

"For this reason, the university is consulting on how we develop a robust future for modern languages.

"Importantly Court, the university's governing body, has also confirmed that we will continue to provide joint honours programmes in which students can, for example, study French or Gaelic with history.

"Court has also extended the consultation period until mid-February.

"During this period, we are engaging constructively with colleagues, students and UCU. We are very grateful to all those who have responded to the consultation."