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UCFL - University Council For Languages

@ucflangs.bsky.social
3.2K followers 1.5K following 133 posts

The University Council For Languages: the national voice of research & teaching in languages, cultures, societies, and related disciplines in UK HE.

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Reposted by UCFL - University Council For Languages
IfG Academy @ifgacademy.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
📣 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...
ukri.org
Engaging with government course 2027
This course will:
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
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.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
It's A-level results day today. Read about the key takeaways for language learning from Professor Sascha Stollhans. theconversation.com/a-level-resu...
theconversation.com
A-level results: key takeaways for language learning
Combined A-level entries in French, German and Spanish rose slightly in absolute terms in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Apply here: university-council-for-languages.org/our-research...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Have a languages project in mind? Apply for a UCFL Small Grant! 📢 Deadline 17 July 2026 university-council-for-languages.org/our-research...
university-council-for-languages.org
Small Grants | University Council For Languages
UCFL has made available small-scale grant funding to facilitate projects that support the languages mission and values of the organisation.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
theguardian.com
Cutting language courses puts social mobility at risk, say UK experts
Exclusive: University moves and falling exam entries fuel concerns about opportunities for working-class pupils
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
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/...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
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.
c.org
This campaign needs you now
Stop Redundancies at the University of Exeter
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
🫂 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/...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
❗ The programme is now available ❗ ❓ Have you registered ❓ ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Have you applied❓ university-council-for-languages.org/updates/
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
❗ 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-...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
📖 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...
mhra.org.uk
Policy and Belonging
Interviewing Dr Rob Ley, MHRA Languages and Policy Postdoctoral Researcher, and his Cambridge-based mentors Professor Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Professor Charles Forsdick.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
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...
wonkhe.com
Modern languages has a future – and it’s all about access
Contraction 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...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
📢 Don't miss our Summer Plenary! ✍ Register here: ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
📢 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.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
🔎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...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
💪 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.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
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...
bbc.co.uk
GCSE languages sees rise in Wales after new approach
After a long decline, the number of pupils taking language GCSEs in Wales rises for two years.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Languages are falling into a vicious cycle that will be difficult to break. www.timeshighereducation.com/news/uk-job-...
timeshighereducation.com
UK job cuts hit English and modern languages staff hardest
‘Vicious cycle’ of course closures means system ‘gradually losing breadth and depth of expertise’
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
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...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
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...
bbc.co.uk
University of Leicester to cut film and modern languages courses
A union claims up to 300 students will see offers withdrawn as a result of the decision.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
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...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
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...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
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...
researchprofessionalnews.com
Closure of language courses is ‘national catastrophe’, warns VC - Research Professional News
Birmingham leader Adam Tickell says “institutional mergers” may be needed to protect “national cultural assets”
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
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...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
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Reposted by UCFL - University Council For Languages
UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
The UCFL Small Grants call is out. ❗ Deadline: 20 Febrary 2026 ❗ More information here: university-council-for-languages.org/our-research...
university-council-for-languages.org
Small Grants | University Council For Languages
UCFL has made available small-scale grant funding to facilitate projects that support the languages mission and values of the organisation.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
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...
heriotwatt.web.ucu.org.uk
Save LINCS petition
To 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...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
YOU SIGNATURE MATTERS! Help us save Modern Languages at Leicester. Sign the petition: www.change.org/p/save-moder...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
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...
2029.ref.ac.uk
How to get involved – REF 2029
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Have you signed up ❓ thepienews.com/duolingo-lan...
thepienews.com
Duolingo 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?
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
The UCFL Small Grants call is out. ❗ Deadline: 20 Febrary 2026 ❗ More information here: university-council-for-languages.org/our-research...
university-council-for-languages.org
Small Grants | University Council For Languages
UCFL has made available small-scale grant funding to facilitate projects that support the languages mission and values of the organisation.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
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/...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
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...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
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...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Join the REF 2029 Town Halls. They are free and open to all: 2029.ref.ac.uk/about/how-to...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
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...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Don't forget that UCFL winter plenary is this coming Friday, 16 January. Check the details here: ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
ilcs.sas.ac.uk
UCFL Winter Plenary 2026
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
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
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
We start the New Year with UCFL Winter Plenary. You can join online or in person. 🏃🏻‍♀️Hurry up! In-person registration will close on Monday 5th January 2026. Book now: ilcs.sas.ac.uk/news-events/... 3️⃣interesting panels and many nice people to talk to.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
🎉 Excellent news! Our Languages Research Database is now live! Check it out here: university-council-for-languages.org/research/lan...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
Have you seen the updates and changes of REF 2029? Check it out here: 2029.ref.ac.uk/resources/cl...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Did you know that today is National Linguistics Day? www.ciol.org.uk/national-lin...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
In the East Midlands, the University of Leicester is the only provider of Italian at degree level. An now they are under threat. Please sign the petition: www.change.org/p/save-moder...
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Help the the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham save languages. Links in comments.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
Language cold spots are emerging: the East Midlands provision is vulnerable if threats of closure at Leicester and Nottingham are carried out. Please sign their petitions! Links in comments.
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UCFL - University Council For Languages @ucflangs.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
You might have heard that the University of Nottingham plans to suspend all languages courses. This is very disappointing and heartbreaking. Here you can find their petition aimed at protecting Modern Languages at Nottingham. You can show your support by signing it. www.change.org/p/stop-the-r...
change.org
Sign the Petition
Stop the removal of Modern Languages courses at the University of Nottingham!
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