Reshaping Modern languages at Cardiff University - a Case Study

Dr Catherine Chabertchabertc@cardiff.ac.uk

Reshaping Modern languages at Cardiff University - a Case Study

Main objectives of this presentation and our following discussion

- To identify what we need, as providers of Modern Languages in HE, to grow and develop

- To better understand how policy-making works in HE

- To share ideas and experience

Reshaping Modern languages at Cardiff University - a Case Study

Some key notions- Case study- Governance- Policy cycle- Policy network- Policy community

Reshaping Modern languages at Cardiff University - a Case Study

Context of influenceMacro level: new fee regime; increased competition; shrinking of pool of applicants; raising awareness of politicians.

Micro level: new Vice-Chancellor; new governance structure; fragmented provision.

Reshaping Modern languages at Cardiff University - a Case Study

Context of Policy Text Production

November 2012: Review of Foreign Modern Languages

January/February 2013: Consultation

April 2013: UEB approves Language Strategy and creation of a new multi-functional language school

October 2013: Senate endorses above

Reshaping Modern languages at Cardiff University - a Case Study

Context of Practice to-date

Between October 2013 and July 2014:

New School of Modern Languages: a new community of scholars; new ambitions.

New Languages for All programme: ‘Cardiff Offer’; international mobility.

Reshaping Modern languages at Cardiff University - a Case Study

To identify what we need, as providers of Modern Languages in HE, to continue to develop and grow

• Internationalisation strategy (truly international!)

• Address fragmentation • Institution-wide language strategy• ‘Distinctive offer’

Reshaping Modern languages at Cardiff University - a Case Study

To better understand how policy-making works in HE

To share ideas and experience

Thank you!