The University of Leicester has decided to stop admitting new students to its film studies and modern languages degree programs, a strategic choice leaders say followed a review of the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities. The University and College Union says up to 300 incoming students could lose offers and that 17 academic jobs may be cut. University management framed the move as financial consolidation to strengthen sustainability; the UCU called the decision a blow to civic mission and said it would trigger further industrial action. The university has pledged to let currently enrolled students complete their programs through 2029 and to support affected staff. The case highlights the tensions between mid‑tier research universities’ program portfolios and fiscal pressures. Admissions rescissions mid‑cycle and threatened strikes also create reputational and operational risks at a time when undergraduate markets are tightening.