About UCML

What is UCML?

UCML is the overarching national organisation which represents the interests of modern languages, linguistics and cultural and area studies in higher education throughout the United Kingdom, and works with corresponding bodies in other countries.

The UCML:

• represents the views and opinions of scholars and professionals in modern languages to Government, the funding councils and other bodies at national level;
• collects and disseminates information about the state of study, research and teaching of modern languages in the United Kingdom;
• provides a forum for debate on issues of concern to its members through meetings, working parties, discussions, conferences, seminars and publications;
• presents the case for languages in the media.

How does UCML work?

Plenary meetings are held twice a year when issues of interest to members are discussed. There is also normally an address by a representative of spokesperson for one of the organisations or public agencies with which the UCML has contacts, followed by discussion and debate.

The UCML is run by an Executive Committee whose membership reflects the main areas of modern languages. UCML’s Executive Committee is made up of elected representatives of the various language interests, professional and scholarly associations, and other organisations concerned with the research and teaching of languages and their associated cultures.

The UCML plenary meetings are open to all those colleagues interested in the issues affecting Languages and related areas in Higher Education. When a vote from the membership is required at a plenary (or indeed outside plenary meetings) only the official representative (or nominee, if applicable) of each paid up member institution can exercise the right to vote.