Changes at our university

Changes at our university

Last updated: 3 February 2025

We’re proud that Sheffield Hallam is one of the largest and most popular universities in the country. And we’re committed to giving you the best possible student experience.

Like all universities across the country, we are experiencing some financial challenges and need to take some steps to reduce our costs. Here’s some information on what we’re doing.

Financial challenges for universities

These challenges are largely outside of our control and are affecting all universities. They are largely 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

2023/4 Annual Report and Financial Statement

  • Our Financial Statement for the financial year from August 2023 to July 2024 has been published. It confirms that Sheffield Hallam remains a ‘going concern'  an accounting term for an organisation that is financially stable enough to meet its obligations and continue operating as normal for the foreseeable future. 
  • However, it does include a ‘material uncertainty’ – an accounting term for when there may be doubt on the ability to continue as a going concern.
  • This assessment outlines a potential risk should we not take effective action to reduce costs and reduce risk. Over the last few months, we have successfully taken action to significantly reduce costs and increase income, while continuing to prioritise your learning, teaching and wider experience. All of this has put us in a healthier financial position than we were at the end of the last financial year. 
  • The difficult financial environment for all universities is likely to continue for some time. However, alongside the cost savings we’ve delivered, the University is making good progress on becoming more financially sustainable, and we are confident about our future.

Cost-saving measures

We’ve taken the following steps to save money. 

  • We’ve introduced new College structures. Academic departments that sit within our Colleges have been replaced by Schools and Institutes.
  • Some academic and non-academic staff have chosen to leave their roles at the University through Voluntary Severance Schemes. This helps us to reduce our costs so we can operate effectively, but with a smaller workforce.

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.

New College structures 

These are the Schools and Institutes that sit within our Colleges from the start of the 2024/25 academic year. 

  • School of Biosciences and Chemistry
  • School of Computing and Digital Technologies
  • School of Engineering and Built Environment
  • School of Healthcare and Social Care
  • School of Sport and Physical Activity
  • Sheffield Institute of Education
  • Sheffield Business School
  • Sheffield Institute of Creative Industries
  • Institute of Law and Justice
  • Institute of Social Sciences
 

Government changes to university tuition fees and maintenance loans for Home students  

For the 2025/26 academic year, maximum fees for standard full-time undergraduate courses will rise by 3.1% to £9,535. 

Maintenance loans, which help with living expenses, are also set to rise. The 3.1% rise will provide up to £414 extra per year to help students from the lowest income families. 

These changes will affect students starting university in the next academic year, as well as students continuing their studies in 2025/26. This is the first increase in fees, which are the single most important source of income for universities, since 2017. 

We recognise the financial pressures that students are under, and that the rise in fees will not be welcome. However, the increase will help the University at a time when it, along with many other institutions in the country, is facing significant financial challenges. 

Our commitment is to invest in your experience as a student, with high-quality teaching and excellent facilities. This is how we will use the additional income that the increase will bring.  

Detailed information is on the government website

Accessing support 

We understand that some of these changes may be worrying. Please reach out for support and guidance:

Future investment

We are investing for the future. New buildings and facilities in Sheffield will be open in the next academic year, with brand new state-of-the-art teaching, learning and study spaces.

We are also due to open a London campus from 2026. Our aim is to expand our reach in the capital, creating opportunities for students from Sheffield, who will benefit from placements and work experience.

Read our statement