University of Northampton leather course to close
The Uni say Brexit and falling student numbers are behind the decision
It may be know for it's shoe making as a town but the University of Northampton has decided to end it's leather courses.
It's after falling student numbers at the ÂŁ5.5 million pound leather education facility which opened in 2019.
Earlier this year, the university announced it would enter a consultation period to decide the future of the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT), originally planning to reveal its plans in October.
The decision came down to the ICLT’s inability to attract sufficient income, having been cross subsidised for several years. It's reported only six students are on the course.
When the consultation opened earlier this year the University said in recent years, recruitment has been heavily impacted by Brexit and the loss of a regular flow of students from Italy.
University of Northampton Vice Chancellor Anne-Marie Kilday said: “There are strong and long-lasting associations between Northampton and leathercraft, and our research is world-leading. However, the costs of teaching declining student numbers can no longer justify cross-subsidy from other areas of the University, especially at a time that the whole sector is struggling financially.
“Fashion and footwear courses at UON will remain and adapt to any changes in leather provision, and the students currently enrolled on courses specific to leathercraft will be able to complete their studies.”
Leather courses will end after the 2024/25 academic year. Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.