University of Hull to Discontinue Chemistry Department

The University of Hull has announced the closure of its chemistry department. The institution stated that student enrollment figures were “so low that these courses are no longer financially or educationally sustainable.” It further clarified that chemistry instruction would persist in contexts where it forms a component of other disciplines, such as medicine. Additionally, the university plans to decrease the total number of schools from 17 to 11, involving the merger of the faculty of arts, cultures and education with the faculty of business, law and politics. In an official statement, the university indicated that these measures are intended to “contribute to maintaining our financial sustainability, and enable us to grow and develop.” The university also noted, “In common with most universities, we are not exempt from the significant challenges faced by the higher education sector.” It emphasized the necessity to “ensure we have the right programmes, the right course design and the right teaching methods in place in line with student demand.” The chemistry department had been ranked as the fourth best in the UK by The Guardian’s University Guide 2024. An online petition opposing the closure quoted opponents stating that “the department has long been a cornerstone of Hull’s educational and research heritage.” The petition further asserted: “The move threatens the livelihood of our staff, compromises the education of our students, and sends an unnerving signal to local employers, as one of the largest chemical sectors in the United Kingdom, and our alumni.” Over 4,800 individuals have signed this petition.