University of Nottingham Approves Closure of Historic Music Department

The University of Nottingham has approved plans to close its music department, withdrawing five degree programmes and transferring music-related research to the School of Computer Science. The decision forms part of its Future Nottingham restructuring programme, prompted by financial pressures and declining recruitment.

Staff were informed on October 5 after the university council approved the final business case. The institution said changing demographics, educational preferences and career expectations had reduced demand for music degrees, making its existing provision financially unsustainable. The number of redundancies directly associated with the closure has not been confirmed.

The decision affects a department with deep historical roots. According to its staff campaign, music teaching dates back to the opening of University College Nottingham in 1881, while the department celebrated its centenary as a distinct academic unit in 2024. Generations of students went on to become composers, performers, researchers, teachers and other creative professionals.

University archives record that music belonged to the Faculty of Arts from 1948, when Nottingham gained full university status, and became part of the School of Humanities in 1998. Its academic tradition combined scholarship and performance with a longstanding commitment to community engagement.

Head of music Dr Hannah Robbins described the closure as a tragedy, highlighting the department’s pioneering contribution to university music education. The ISM warned that losing university departments weakens the supply of professional musicians and future music teachers.

The university says extracurricular music will continue through Lakeside Arts, including choirs, orchestras and performances. Its collaboration with the BBC Concert Orchestra will run until 2029.

Meanwhile, up to four new full-time research positions are planned in computer science, focusing on music, technology and innovation. Staff opposition continues, with University and College Union strike action scheduled through December 11.