A spokesman for the University of Galway said it is exploring options for a range of 'new and exciting courses in arts'. A review of arts courses was initiated by the college executive committee in 2024 in response to a “sustained decline” in student numbers. An “already narrowing applicant pool for arts programmes” and demographic changes are also noted as contributory factors, with secondary school enrolments on a downward trajectory. “These pressures are not unique to Galway; students at other major Irish universities are experiencing similar difficulties,” it says. “This is an early stage consultation, in line with best practice in higher education, where we ask our academics to reimagine how arts courses are offered.”

Source: The Irish Times February 27, 2026 15:00 UTC