The Education Minister says UCM has reduced sessional lecturer use due to falling demand and course viability.
Responding to a written question from MHK for Glenfaba and Peel, Kate Lord‑Brennan, Minister Daphne Caine said sessional lecturers continued to play an important role at UCM, particularly in delivering leisure and part‑time courses and providing specialist subject expertise.
However, she acknowledged that their overall use had declined.
Reduction in Lecturers
According to the Minister, the reduction stems from two key factors. First, several part‑time courses have seen falling enrolment numbers, prompting UCM to reduce how frequently they are offered.
This, she said, helps improve class sizes, strengthens the student experience and ensures the courses remain financially viable.
Second, some courses with persistently low demand have been discontinued altogether, resulting in fewer sessional teaching hours being required across the institution.
The Minister noted that sessional lecturers remain an important resource for delivering specialist modules where needed, despite the recent adjustments.
The full written answer can be found here.
