Kingston University (KU) students were informed via email on the 26 February that under the new ‘Town House Strategy’ there were proposals to cut several courses.
One of the courses which admissions have been suspended from is the joint fine art and art history BA (Hons).
Holly Clemence, third year fine art and art history student, said: “This is disappointing as I believe that it is important to study art history alongside practising fine art. Understanding past movements, techniques, and discussions helps an artist understand where they fit within the art world.”
Kingston University is one of many universities in England and Wales who are struggling financially and are having to make cuts despite the tuition fee rise being introduced.
Rising operating costs and declining overseas applications due to government immigration policy were some of the reasons KU gave for the proposals.
Clemence said: “I am not surprised, each year the number of students enrolled in my course has dwindled. I believe it has been difficult for both students and professors to juggle the time and dedication needed to support two courses.”
There are few universities in the UK that offer the opportunity to study both fine art and art history.
Students and staff will both be affected by these cuts with some lecturers employed by the University to solely teach art history.
There is concern that this decision will impact future fine art students of KU who will not be able to learn about art history in as great detail.
Third year fine art and art history student, Izzy Warren, said: “I have discovered and engaged with theory within my practice as a direct result of the Art history module, something that I don’t think I would have done if I had been on just Fine Art.”
You can read more about the proposed cuts and the University’s response here.
Rym Naimi
Denise Meriche