UCML Executive meeting
30 October 1015
VC Languages and Intercultural Education Report
1. Language statistics
A summary of the latest stats on End-of-year applications and acceptances (UCAS) is
available from our website. Also available is the HESA 7-year period stats document. The
UCAS End-of-cycle report will be available in December.
2. Year Abroad Fees Survey
The survey was initiated by Prof Paul Rowlett (ex VC), who also drafted the first general
response and collection of data. I have added the latest figures and would like to write a
report for general dissemination, but would also like to discuss with the Exec the extent of
detail this report should go into and its timescale.
3. Less-Widely Taught Languages Survey
The first call and reminder to take the survey closed in September and yielded 52 responses.
The languages with most responses were Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese.
Another reminded targeted to the Middle Eastern, Russian, and East European languages
ensued in October and an additional 8 responses were obtained, mostly from the Russian
and Slavonic languages.
I am planning to start working on the data collected in the next few weeks and have results
ready for our next meeting in January 2016.
4. Representation on behalf of UCML
a. I was invited to speak at the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIoL) members’ day on
current trends in languages in Higher Education and beyond on 3 October 2015
b. I have been invited to speak at the first language-based meeting of the Society for
Italian Studies in December 2015
c. I have taken part in a series of focus groups organised by the HEA relating to the
creation of a light-touch kite-marking model for language learning certificates (UniLang Framework for Language Learning) with JW and JM
5. Publications of interest
a. Higher Education in England 2015
http://www.ucml.ac.uk/sites/default/files/pages/160/HE_in_England_2015.pdf
This publication offers a very interesting overview of some of the main trends and
changes affecting HE in England. Data on Modern Foreign Languages can be found
on pp. 20-21: the study reports that, whilst student numbers enrolling in our
subjects on a part-time basis have fallen sharply in the last ten years (by some 65%),
the numbers of entrants to full-time degrees seems to have stabilised in the last
couple of years. Notably, a small yet encouraging increase of nearly 5% on last
year’s figures has been recorded.
b. QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Degrees in Languages, Cultures and
Societies (revised for 2015)
http://www.ucml.ac.uk/sites/default/files/pages/160/SBS-Languages-Cultures-andSocieties-15.pdf
This document should be an essential read for all HE practitioners as it refers to
bachelor’s degrees with honours in languages, cultures, and societies (Q, R and T
subjects). The Statement presents the defining principles, nature and extent of
language study at HE, alongside a strong focus on the skills gained by language
learners at the end of their university career.
6. LLAS/ UCML biennial conference 2016
a. Exec members to offer inputs and comments on potential themes for the
conference and discuss UCML financial support for the event.
Dr Elena Polisca
elena.polisca@manchester.ac.uk