SAVE FILM STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

The University of Leicester is currently consulting on plans to close the Film Studies programme as part of its "Strategic Review", abandoning staff, students and a valuable academic area that should be allowed to prosper. 

This news is devastating to everyone in the film department. This closure will result in no new entrants from 2026/27, and will have devastating effects on current undergraduates, postgraduates and postgraduate researchers who have dedicated their time, money, effort and future to pursuing an academic interest in film. Furthermore, the incredible staff in the film department are at risk of redundancy. After spending years at Leicester evolving their research, teaching new students, and building a vibrant community of academics, these lecturers are being cast aside. 

Film Studies is a profitable department and we attract exciting, unique voices to help expand the research into this ever-growing academic area. The study of film allows us to explore and investigate one of the most popular creative mediums in the world, one that permeates our culture and will continue to expand and grow. Film Studies can offer many career paths, whether it be in academia, archival work, journalism and publishing, or an entryway into the film industry itself. The University of Leicester states on its own website 'Film Studies provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of careers' and graduates will be 'well placed to compete in today's job market' [1]. It is clear that despite their own statements, the senior management at the University is determined to remove this excellent path to providing students with a career in the arts. 

The University of Leicester's current plan places long-term academic value below short-term financial relief. Leadership have openly stated that they are aware of risks to their reputation and future research. However they do not care about academic respect or legacy. Within the UK the humanities and arts are at great risk of being left behind due to lack of support. The University of Leicester could be a champion of the arts and humanities, supporting us at a time of great stress. Instead they see film studies as fickle and unessential to their vision and are determined to aid the nationwide culling of respected academic departments. 

We are one of six areas at the University of Leicester that are facing risks of redundancy. Chemistry, Geography, Geology and the Environment, History, Modern Languages, and Professional Services: College Operations are all affected by the University's new vision. In 2025 staff and students were asked to offer ways of removing the need for closures or redundancies and gave solutions to reduce unnecessary spending and raise income. It is clear from this new decision that the University did not listen. We are told nothing is set in stone and things can change. For us however, nothing is changing for the better. Students and staff who are within the film department are doing everything we can to fight back against this decision. We would greatly appreciate your support as well. 

What Can You Do?

Please sign and share this petition to show your support for the film department at the University of Leicester and show the senior management that you are strongly against the closure of the department and staff redundancies. If you would like, please leave a comment to show your disapproval of these decisions. The more voices that stand up to the University the better. 

[1] https://le.ac.uk/film/study/undergraduate/careers