Second-year Hull chemistry student left frustrated over plans to axe department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Hull
-Credit: (Image: Jake Jarram)


A former Hull student was left frustrated after it was announced the university's chemistry department could close and now travels to York each day after transferring his studies there.

Charlie Foster, 20, was among a group of second-year students at the University of Hull who was told via an email in August it was considering closing its chemistry department. The email reassured students there would be "no disruption to the 2024/2025 academic year".

Charlie says he was told the university needs to save £23 million over two years but was left unsure about his future at Hull. He said he was later told by a senior department figure that "under the current proposals, the chemistry department would remain open for one more academic year. After this it would be the 'responsibility of the University to make alternative arrangements...', but full details were not communicated as these 'remain to be confirmed.'"

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Unsure what to do, Charlie scheduled a meeting with his personal supervisor who told him it might not be possible to change courses in year three - meaning he had to move this year if he didn't want to repeat it.

Charlie said: "He confirmed that, if the proposals go through, I will continue my studies at Hull for a year, and that the department would finally close in July of 2025, where I would have to transfer to an alternative university or switch courses.

"My supervisor also suggested I contact other universities, as some chemistry departments will not accept transfer students after the first two years of the degree. I contacted The University of York who confirmed this, stating that it would not be possible to go there in my third year. I then started the application process to transfer there."

Charlie now has a three-hour daily commute to and from York, having already accepted accommodation in Hull for the year, but feels "lucky I got out when I did".

He added: "I know of someone on the same course who has moved back to his home in Liverpool and dropped off completely. It was difficult to decide whether or not I should move, and without the advice from my supervisor, I think I would be in a worse position."

Charlie said the University of York "has been very welcoming" but there are things he misses about Hull. "There are some very competent lecturers at Hull, delivering chemistry in an exciting and interesting way and there was always a ton of support from all staff," he said.

He added: "I would also like to add that Dr Chris Welch and Dr Tim Prior were extremely helpful with the entire process, providing any documents I needed and answering any questions I had as well as being extremely kind and understanding."

On Tuesday, October 22, it was communicated to the remaining students at a meeting that there are plans to transfer them to other universities and provide compensation.

A spokesperson for the University of Hull said: "We appreciate this is an unsettling time. The small number of Chemistry students affected by the closure are being supported individually throughout the next steps.

"The students who are due to graduate in summer 2025 will complete their studies in Hull. For those students due to graduate in 2026 or 2027, including students currently in their second year of the MChem programme, we are in discussion with other providers of Chemistry programmes, and have identified those willing to accept our students.

"In addition, the University is implementing its Student Protection Plan. The plan entitles students to certain compensation packages, which will be shared with students once finalised."