University campus scraps geography admissions

The University of Exeter has said it will no longer be taking on new geography students at one of its campuses.

The decision impacts the BA, BSc Geography and associated joint undergraduate programmes at the university's Penryn campus in Cornwall.

Those who were offered a place on the course for September 2026 were "contacted directly several weeks ago" to make them aware the programmes were under review, while those already on the courses will be able to complete their studies, the university has said.

University College Union (UCU) general secretary Jo Grady said the latest move "beggars belief," adding members "will be voting yes to strike action to protect student provision".

It comes a day after A-Level results were published and just weeks after bosses proposed to reduce the equivalent of 150 full-time roles across the whole university.

The UCU general secretary said that while the university is "supposed to be running a consultation on proposed cuts, management has announced that next month it is shutting down all undergraduate geography provision for the whole of Cornwall".

Grady added: "If that wasn't bad enough, it has chosen to do so as students are receiving their A-levels with many using clearing to choose where to study.

"The announcement seems specifically designed to hurt recruitment and hurt the university's finances."

Geography programmes will continue to run as normal at the university's Streatham Campus in Exeter, with all other subjects at the Penryn campus unaffected.

A spokesperson for the University of Exeter said it recognises the move is "disappointing for affected applicants and difficult for colleagues associated with these programmes".

They stressed they have "sought to give applicants as much notice and support as possible" and contacted offer holders to "discuss the options available to them, including programmes in Penryn and Streatham".

"The decision has been taken at this point so that applicants have clarity and can make informed decisions about their university choices," the spokesperson said.

Current students on the affected programmes will "continue to be supported to complete their studies, and we remain committed to our Penryn campus," they added.

"We will continue to communicate directly with affected staff and provide appropriate support and information."

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