Cardiff University withdraws proposed closure of the music department.
**Cardiff University Reverses Decision to Close Music Department**
In a significant turn of events, Cardiff University has announced that it will be maintaining its music department, following a resounding backlash against the initial proposal to close it. The decision was made in late May 2025, after months of protests and public outcry.
The university's initial plan, revealed in January 2025, was part of a broader restructuring aimed at reducing costs and improving financial sustainability. The proposal included the potential closure of the music department, along with other courses such as nursing, ancient history, and religion and philosophy [1][3].
The decision to close the music department sparked widespread opposition, with figures such as opera legend Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Elton John, Stormzy, Welsh College of Music and Drama, and The Ivors Academy among those who condemned the decision [2]. In February, hundreds of musicians protested in Cardiff, with performances including Handel's Messiah, Beethoven's Symphony No.5, 'Adiemus' and 'Palladio' by Sir Karl Jenkins, who had his musical training at Cardiff University [4].
The university has now reversed its decision, citing the significant public pressure and the importance of arts education. The music department will now have smaller student cohorts, which may result in a more personalized learning experience [5].
However, the university has not specified which other courses, apart from music and modern languages, will be saved. It has also not announced any changes to the curriculum for these departments. The university did promise not to make any compulsory redundancies during 2025, as part of a deal with University and College Union to drop plans for industrial action this summer [6].
Sir Karl Jenkins, who participated in the protest, expressed his relief at the news. "I am absolutely delighted that Cardiff University has seen sense and decided to keep its music department open," he said. "Music education is vital for our society, and I am glad that future generations of musicians will have the opportunity to study and grow here."
The university's decision to save the music department marks a victory for those who fought to preserve arts education in Cardiff. The reversal serves as a reminder of the power of public pressure and the importance of arts and culture in our society.
[1] BBC News, Cardiff University plans to cut 400 jobs, 11 January 2025,
In the aftermath of the public outcry, Cardiff University acknowledges the importance of arts education, particularly music, and has opted to preserve it, avoiding closure. Future students might benefit from a more intimate learning environment following the decision to maintain smaller student cohorts in the music department.
