The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) and CIOL have jointly published a new report urging UK universities to protect and strengthen their language provision. The three professional bodies are calling on universities to recognise language provision as a strategic investment, drive innovation in course design, and build stronger partnerships with employers and professional associations.

Making the case for languages in UK higher education sets out the strategic, economic and cultural arguments for maintaining language degrees and translation and interpreting programmes in the light of the worrying trend that has seen 28 universities close modern languages courses since 2014.

The report highlights the economic cost of the UK's language deficit, drawing on research that indicates that poor language skills cost the economy approximately 3.5% of GDP annually in lost export trade. It also points to evidence that SMEs with language capabilities are 30% more successful in exporting, and that removing language barriers could increase UK exports by £19 billion a year.

With only 2.97% of A-levels taken in languages in 2024 and language teacher recruitment meeting just 43% of the Government’s target, the report warns that university closures are exacerbating a vicious circle of declining provision. Regional closures particularly affect students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are more likely to study locally.

The report also challenges the assumption that the rise of generative AI has made language skills obsolete. Universities teaching both translation theory and AI literacy have a vital tole to play in preparing graduates for the hybrid professional reality of the modern language services sector.

Executive summary

The UK is at a critical juncture in language education. Only 2.97% of A-levels taken in 2024 were in languages, teacher recruitment met just 43% of its target, and 28 universities have closed modern languages degrees since 2014. This decline threatens UK economic competitiveness, international engagement, and social cohesion at precisely the moment when these capabilities are most needed.

This report sets out the strategic case for maintaining and strengthening language provision in UK universities, supported by evidence from government reports, economic research, and professional bodies. It demonstrates that:

• Language deficiencies cost the UK economy approximately 3.5% of GDP annually in lost export trade.
• SMEs with language capabilities are 30% more successful in exporting.
• Removing language barriers could increase UK exports by £19 billion annually.
• One-third of UK employers experience recruitment difficulties due to lack of language skills.
• The closure of language degrees at 28 universities risks has created a vicious circle of decline

The report concludes with a call to action, setting out six steps that universities can take to reverse the decline and build the linguistic capabilities essential for the UK’s future prosperity.

Download the report here