UCFL - University Council For Languages

university-council-for-languages.orgUCFL | The unifying voice for languages in the UKOur dedicated pages help you find the information you need, whether you’re a languages researcher looking to influence policy, or a policy professional

🎉 LANGUAGES IN POLICY This new online space, funded by the Modern Humanities Research Association, is a one-stop shop for collaboration between the world of policy and the languages research community. Visit our website: university-council-for-languages.org/languages-in...

🌆 Cities are very important spaces for the development of progressive language policies. 📢 The launch event of Coventry's new Language Policy Framework will take be in Coventry Cathedral on 12 October. More information and how to join: www.coventry.gov.uk/ethnic-minor...

ukri.orgEngaging with government course 2027This course will:

📢 Our Summer Plenary recording is available now: university-council-for-languages.org/2026/10/ucfl...

UCFL - University Council For Languages reposted

IfG Academy

@ifgacademy.bsky.social

1 Sept

📣 Arts & humanities researchers: applications are open for the AHRC Engaging with Government Course 2027. Learn how policymaking works, engage effectively with government, and boost your policy impact. Apply by 29 Oct 2026. 🔗 www.ukri.org/events/engag...

14 Aug

The 2026 A-level results bring some welcome news for languages. Professor Marcela Andrea Cazzoli takes a closer look at what the numbers tell us and what they mean for the future of language learning. Explore her insights in this infographic.

theconversation.comA-level results: key takeaways for language learningCombined A-level entries in French, German and Spanish rose slightly in absolute terms in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

13 Aug

It's A-level results day today. Read about the key takeaways for language learning from Professor Sascha Stollhans. theconversation.com/a-level-resu...

14 July

Apply here: university-council-for-languages.org/our-research...

university-council-for-languages.orgSmall Grants | University Council For LanguagesUCFL has made available small-scale grant funding to facilitate projects that support the languages mission and values of the organisation.

7 July

Have a languages project in mind? Apply for a UCFL Small Grant! 📢 Deadline 17 July 2026 university-council-for-languages.org/our-research...

www.theguardian.com/education/20...

6 July

theguardian.comCutting language courses puts social mobility at risk, say UK expertsExclusive: University moves and falling exam entries fuel concerns about opportunities for working-class pupils

2 July

Are you coming tomorrow? After the AGM at 10-12 am, exciting panel discussions follow in the afternoon. Book now: ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...

c.orgThis campaign needs you nowStop Redundancies at the University of Exeter

29 June

Colleagues at the University of Exeter need your support! ✍️ Sign the petition: c.org/yKcx6Zr29H The University of Exeter is to cut about 150 staff. The proposed reduction is almost exclusively focused on roles in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, among them Modern Languages and English.

15 June

🫂 An excellent opportunity to come together. Exciting Plenary Panels in the afternoon. ✍ In-person registration colses in two days on 17th June! ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...

10 June

❗ The programme is now available ❗ ❓ Have you registered ❓ ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...

5 June

Have you applied❓ university-council-for-languages.org/updates/

4 June

❗ Don't miss this job opportunity! We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on Building Policy-Research Bridges in Languages. More information here: university-council-for-languages.org/2026/06/job-...

mhra.org.ukPolicy and BelongingInterviewing Dr Rob Ley, MHRA Languages and Policy Postdoctoral Researcher, and his Cambridge-based mentors Professor Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Professor Charles Forsdick.

3 June

📖 Read the interview with Dr Robert Ley, MHRA Languages and Policy Postdoctoral Researcher and his mentors Professor Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Professor Charles Forsdick, on how the Languages in Policy project is helping to connect language researchers and policymakers www.mhra.org.uk/news/2026/05...

wonkhe.comModern languages has a future – and it’s all about accessContraction of modern languages provision is often painted as a response to falling demand. For Ana de Medeiros and Marcela Cazzoli, if you look across the whole education system then HE starts to loo...

27 May

Languages are not in decline - access is. Our colleagues Marcela Andrea Cazzoli and Ana Medeiros show that the problem is not student aspriation, but structured access. Don't miss this very important read: wonkhe.com/blogs/modern...

19 May

📢 Don't miss our Summer Plenary! ✍ Register here: ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...

📢 UCFL is seeking to appoint a new East Asian Studies Representative and a new Germanic and Low Countries Representative. ❗ Deadline: 14 June 2026 🔗 Links to the posts in the comments.

university-council-for-languages.org/2026/05/ucfl...

📢 UCFL is seeking to appoint a new East Asian Studies Representative and a new Germanic and Low Countries Representative. ❗ Deadline: 14 June 2026 🔗 Links to the posts in the comments.

university-council-for-languages.org/2026/05/ucfl...

8 May

🔎The ELL programme at the University of Hertfordshire is under review. 🫂Linguistics plays a critical role across humanities and social sciences contributing to areas such as education, communication, social justice and interdisciplinary research. ✍️Sign the petition: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

28 Apr

💪 It is reassuring that the APPG on Modern Languages on their Monday meeting discussed in detail the crisis in teacher recruitment in Modern Languages and Physics. 💷The UK heavily relies on overseas trainee teachers. ⛔ Post-Brexit visa rules mean schools cannot employ overseas teachers.

bbc.co.ukGCSE languages sees rise in Wales after new approachAfter a long decline, the number of pupils taking language GCSEs in Wales rises for two years.

24 Apr

The Cardiff University-led modern foreign languages mentoring programme is achieving excellent results in boosting language uptake. Could it be adopted more widely? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

timeshighereducation.comUK job cuts hit English and modern languages staff hardest‘Vicious cycle’ of course closures means system ‘gradually losing breadth and depth of expertise’

8 Apr

Languages are falling into a vicious cycle that will be difficult to break. www.timeshighereducation.com/news/uk-job-...

26 Mar

Sir Albert Sloman envisioned languages at the heart of the University of Essex. ❗ Now, his legacy is in danger. Sign the petition: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

bbc.co.ukUniversity of Leicester to cut film and modern languages coursesA union claims up to 300 students will see offers withdrawn as a result of the decision.

24 Mar

Short-term savings, long-term national loss? When university “financial sustainability and future success” harms UK economic growth and diplomacy. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

18 Mar

Did you know that the University of Essex had a waiting list for their British Sign Language course? ❗ It is in danger now! ✍ Sign their petition to urge the Executive Committee to reconsider the large-scale restructuring proposal: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

15 Mar

The University of Essex has proposed to discontinue most of their undergraduate language provisions as well as the Languages for All programme as part of large-scale restructuring. Sign their petition to urge the Executive Committee to reconsider the proposal: docs.google.com/document/d/1...

researchprofessionalnews.comClosure of language courses is ‘national catastrophe’, warns VC - Research Professional NewsBirmingham leader Adam Tickell says “institutional mergers” may be needed to protect “national cultural assets”

5 Mar

Vice Chancellor at the University of Birmingham Adam Tickell warns about a "national catastrophe" unfolding as universities close modern languages courses. Institutional mergeers may protect our "national cultural assets". Read the article here: www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...

3 Mar

Step up, get involved, make a difference! Election of UCFL Membership Secretary – Spring 2026 More information here: university-council-for-languages.org/2026/03/elec...

24 Feb

UCFL - University Council For Languages reposted

22 Jan

The UCFL Small Grants call is out. ❗ Deadline: 20 Febrary 2026 ❗ More information here: university-council-for-languages.org/our-research...

heriotwatt.web.ucu.org.ukSave LINCS petitionTo Principal Richard Williams, the University Executive and Court The Department of Languages & Intercultural Studies (LINCS) at Heriot-Watt University is under threat to lose a third of its staff, f...

11 Feb

And another petition, sadly 😪 You might be aware that the Department of Languages & Intercultural Studies (LINCS) at Heriot-Watt University is under threat. More information and to sign the petition: heriotwatt.web.ucu.org.uk/2026/02/05/s...

6 Feb

YOU SIGNATURE MATTERS! Help us save Modern Languages at Leicester. Sign the petition: www.change.org/p/save-moder...

2029.ref.ac.ukHow to get involved – REF 2029

3 Feb

You can still join the REF 2029 Town Hall event on Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE) tomorrow, Wednesday, 4 February, 11 am to 12 pm 2029.ref.ac.uk/about/how-to...

thepienews.comDuolingo Language Challenge: Westminster x The Academy – who will win?Starting January 6, parliamentarians and vice chancellors in the UK are going head to head to win the most Duolingo XP. But who will be victorious?

30 Jan

Have you signed up ❓ thepienews.com/duolingo-lan...

22 Jan

The UCFL Small Grants call is out. ❗ Deadline: 20 Febrary 2026 ❗ More information here: university-council-for-languages.org/our-research...

21 Jan

Have you heard the recent House of Lords debate led by Baroness Coussins (Chair of the APPG for Modern Languages), which addresses language education across schools and universities in the UK? Baroness Coussins’ intervention is at 15:37 and can be viewed here: parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...

20 Jan

Watch the videos by Professor Emma Cayley and Darren Paffey MP on why to take part. 💰 Universities can win money for their Modern Languages Departments. Anyone with a ac.uk address can take part. You can find a link in the article to sign up for the challenge: thepienews.com/duolingo-lan...

19 Jan

It’s time to celebrate the German language in the UK! This is your chance to share your language learning highlights with the world. #ShoutOutForGerman bsky.app/profile/uk.d...

German Embassy London@uk.diplo.de

👉 How has learning German enriched your life? 👉 What's your favourite German word or expression? 👉 What do you love about the German language? It's Shout Out For German Week! If you're passionate about German, use #ShoutOutForGerman and join our week-long celebration of German!

19 Jan

Join the REF 2029 Town Halls. They are free and open to all: 2029.ref.ac.uk/about/how-to...

18 Jan

A big thank you to Professor Jane Stuart-Smith, chair, and Professor Susan Harrow, deputy chair of Sub‑panel 26 (Modern Languages and Linguistics) who delivered an inspiring presentation at UCFL Winter Plenary on the work in preparation for REF 2029. Check out: 2029.ref.ac.uk/about/how-to...

ilcs.sas.ac.ukUCFL Winter Plenary 2026

13 Jan

Don't forget that UCFL winter plenary is this coming Friday, 16 January. Check the details here: ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...

23 Dec 2025

22 Dec 2025

UCFL is seeking nominations for six roles. Deadline: 16 January. More information here: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/12/ucfl... ➡️ Chair of Wales ➡️ Early Career Academic Rep ➡️ French Studies Rep ➡️ Linguistics Rep ➡️ Lusophone Studies Rep ➡️ Slavonic and Eastern European Studies Rep