Last updated: October 2026
Financial challenges for universities
Universities across the country are facing financial challenges. These are largely outside of our control and are due to:
- increasing costs because of inflation
- rising pension and energy costs
- an undergraduate student fee that has remained the same for a decade
- Government decisions meaning fewer international students are applying to study in the UK
Our cost-saving measures
Over recent years we have made significant savings through a combination of:
- voluntary severance, where a staff member chooses to leave the University
- restructuring leadership and management roles
- vacancy management, where we don’t replace a role when someone leaves
- other savings, including buildings and contract management
- the closure of some campus cafes and Collegiate Nursery
We've also implemented a new academic staffing model. And we have plans to sell some buildings which aren't used for teaching and are no longer needed.
What this means for you
Your studies will not be disrupted and you will continue to benefit from our award-winning teaching and support. Any changes will not affect your ability to continue with your course or access support.
Changes to the academic staffing model mean teaching staff have more student-facing time, and there is flexibility for online, evening and summer teaching.
Remaining cafés across both campuses are open offering good value food. Closed cafés will evolve into spaces where you can bring your own food. We will work with the Students’ Union on how these spaces are designed.
Accessing support
We understand that some of these changes may be worrying. Please reach out for support and guidance:
