Published on : Wednesday, February 5, 2014
The BA (Hons) Furniture and FDA Furniture: Conservation, Restoration and Decorative Arts are among a number of courses that have been axed by Buckinghamshire New University following a review into student numbers, cost and investment.
A statement released by the University said:
“This follows a comprehensive review of the University’s course portfolio which took into consideration student number trends in recent years alongside the costs and investment required to deliver the programmes. The students who are already studying will continue to be taught until the end of their courses.”
The University statement goes on to make clear that their decision had not been taken lightly, but by ceasing to recruit to these courses they can refocus efforts on areas which meet the demands of students and employers and on further improvements to its campuses.
“These Furniture courses have been and continue to be critical in supporting future generations of crafts men and women coming into the furniture sector. It is a shame these have been axed and with seemingly no consultation with employer led organisations like ours which may have been able to help drive up participation numbers to help make these more viable” said Jonathan Ledger, Managing Director NSA MPS.
Students have launched a social media campaign against the closure of two undergraduate furniture degree courses and in a short space of time have gained a lot of support. Campaigners hope that it might bring to bear enough pressure to prompt university decision-makers to reverse their plans.
The National School of Furniture will continue at the University – indeed the University claim to be recruiting to specialist work-related foundation degrees and continue to teach furniture at postgraduate level.
Proskills UK and its National Skills Academy (NSA MPS) will be working with the National School of Furniture, furniture industry trade and industry organisations such as the British Furniture Confederation, British Furniture Manufacturers, The Furniture Makers and other interested bodies to ensure that this much needed provision continues.
Buckinghamshire New University makes it clear that:
“…there are 261 first, second and third year students currently studying on the affected courses. The current cohorts will all be taught out until the end of their programmes and the quality of their tuition and student experience will be a priority for the University. The heads of academic department and student recruitment team will contact the applicants and they will be offered alternative routes of study where appropriate.”
The National School of Furniture will continue at Buckinghamshire New University through the master’s programme and in line with its strategy when it was formed in 2010. The three main objectives of the strategy remain as: delivery of furniture education from level 1 to 8 through our partners and us; to exist as a network of supporting businesses, institutions and the Furniture Makers Company, many of whom sit on the Industry Board; and through the profile and contacts assist students in securing employment on graduation.
Tags: Buckinghamshire New University, Jonathan Ledger, The BA (Hons) Furniture and FDA, The National School of Furniture, University, University statement
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