A total of 191 donors have contributed over £55,800 for pre-sessional bridging courses in medieval and modern languages at Oxford, aimed especially at students from the state school sector. The first £10,000 also benefited from pound-for-pound matched funding.
The study of modern and medieval languages in the UK is facing an unprecedented crisis as student numbers drop across all age groups. There are fewer teachers and university departments are closing every year. Oxford's commitment to the study of languages is stronger than ever though, and the new Living Languages Fund has been created to encourage students from all backgrounds to think about studying languages, to apply to Oxford and to take up the places they are offered.
The donations received will go towards the costs of the courses, including teaching, accommodation, meals and travel expenses for the students. It is hoped donors will contribute on an annual basis and the faculty can host this valuable course every year.
Professor Ian Watson, Faculty Board Chair for Medieval and Modern Languages, says: 'Language provision cuts in UK schools have been particularly damaging to students from less affluent backgrounds who wish to pursue their aspirations for higher education. Oxford is committed to ensuring that we can continue to teach languages to the most talented and enthusiastic students, regardless of their financial background or any lack of resources in the schools they attended.'