'Closing courses a last resort' - vice-chancellor

A university vice-chancellor has said closing courses to save money would only be considered as a "last resort".

Speaking to the BBC, Prof Anne-Marie Kilday outlined the challenges the University of Northampton is facing, including a £19m deficit.

The university is consulting on potential cost-saving measures - including the possibility of closing some courses.

But Prof Kilday said: "We've done everything to shrink that deficit, so doing anything in terms of [closing] our courses was always going to be a last resort."

Almost three-quarters of universities in England are expected to face financial pressures next year, despite tuition fees increasing, the BBC has been told.

In November, the University of Northampton told students in a letter that a consultation would begin in 2025 to "maximise the opportunity for high graduate outcomes".

A university spokesperson acknowledged the "pressing challenges" across the higher education sector, adding that students would be supported to "explore alternative options" if parts of their courses were cut.

The university also recently announced plans for a second voluntary severance scheme, following an initial round in July.

Despite these pressures, Prof Kilday said she was confident about the university's future.

She said: "We've got a deficit, but we're managing it, and we have absolutely no concerns about our viability going forward."

The vice-chancellor also highlighted the university's contribution to the economy.

A recent economic impact report suggested that "for every £1 of income received, the University of Northampton generated more than £4 in economic impact across the UK".

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