Kingston University has announced a series of proposed academic restructurings, including the closure of two entire departments—Criminology, Politics and Sociology, and Humanities—as part of a plan to save approximately £20 million. At the same time, the University is advancing a major capital development: a new building at its Middle Mill site, with costs estimated by University management to begin at £22 million.

This juxtaposition of course closures and capital investment has prompted significant concern from staff, students, and members of the wider community. The Kingston Society does not take a position on the University’s internal decisions but recognises their importance to the borough’s civic, cultural, and educational life. This report summarises the issues raised by union representatives and campaigners, and highlights upcoming opportunities for public engagement.

Academic restructuring proposals
In February 2025, the University announced the suspension of student recruitment to several courses, with many earmarked for closure. A formal 30-day consultation affecting approximately 30 academic staff is underway. Affected courses include:

• Criminology
• Criminal Justice
• Sociology
• International Relations
• English
• Modern European Philosophy
• Humanities Foundation
• Philosophy and Contemporary Critical Theory

Also planned for closure is the Kingston Language Scheme, which provides free or low-cost language tuition to students, staff, and the wider public. Many of these programmes fall under the Kingston School of Art—the same faculty for which the new Middle Mill building is being proposed.

Critics argue that the academic cuts impact nationally and internationally respected teaching and research centres, including the renowned Centre for Research in Modern European Philosophy. Current undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students may lose access to key supervisors, modules, and research infrastructure.

New campus building at Middle Mill
In parallel to these cuts, the University is currently consulting on a proposed new building at Middle Mill. While the purpose and function of the building have not been fully specified, the project is described as a significant new addition to the campus estate. According to University staff representatives, management have stated that the estimated starting cost for the project is £22 million—close to the £20 million being targeted through course and staffing reductions.

Some campaigners have questioned whether investment in new infrastructure should take precedence over sustaining existing academic provision, particularly in subjects central to the University’s stated mission to widen participation and offer a comprehensive education. As one union representative stated, “state-of-the-art buildings must be matched by world-class education provision.”

Legal, financial and procedural concerns
Staff unions have raised concerns about the process and legal compliance of the restructuring. These include:

• The delayed issuance of a Section 188 notice
• Limited access to financial data and modelling used to justify course closures
• A perceived lack of meaningful consultation, with decisions effectively pre-determined
• Co-occurring deadlines for consultation and a Voluntary Severance (VS) scheme, which some staff feel is coercive
• They further argue that the University’s financial rationale—a projected shortfall rather than a current deficit—is being used to justify redundancies in order to achieve a surplus for infrastructure investment.

Reputational and civic impact
The proposals have drawn criticism from professional organisations, academics, and members of the public, who argue that they undermine Kingston’s reputation for research and teaching excellence in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Detractors also point to a broader national trend of diminishing support for these disciplines within higher education, and warn that such cuts risk limiting access to socially and culturally significant fields of study.

Opportunities for public engagement
The University has launched a second round of public and internal consultations on the Middle Mill building project. The following events have been scheduled:

Staff and student consultations (Knights Park Campus)

• Thursday 24 April, 12:00–14:00

Public consultations

• Wednesday 23 April, 16:00–19:00

Comments may also be submitted via the University’s online feedback form.

Conclusion
The alignment of course closures with a major new building project raises complex questions about institutional priorities, financial strategy, and educational mission. While the University maintains that the restructuring is necessary for long-term sustainability, many within the University community express concern that it risks undermining Kingston’s distinctive academic character and civic role.

The Kingston Society encourages all residents, students, and stakeholders to take part in the consultation process and to contribute constructively to the ongoing dialogue about the future of higher education in Kingston.