Closure of Birmingham City University black studies MA ‘blindsides’ staff

University staff say they have been "blindsided" over a "callous" plan to drop a black studies master’s degree, eight months after it was first launched. The move at Birmingham City University (BCU) has prompted more than 100 academics, writers and activists to sign an open letter condemning it. "They sat us down and told us straight away... we've closed the masters... and all your jobs are at risk," said Prof Kehinde Andrews, who leads the university's black studies department. The university, which made the decision in February, has blamed low student recruitment for the closure - eight students are currently on the MA course. However, Andrews said it was the first time he had been made aware by university chiefs the degree was even under threat. The decision to close it was taken despite the faculty continuing to plan high-profile campus events, including the booking this month of US civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw. "We didn't know the masters was in danger - we were told if the MA goes, jobs would be safe," Andrews said. "I have research bids in, we're planning events and it honestly feels like they've pulled the rug out from under us." The move follows the closure of B