The University of Dundee UCU branch says it is taking 25 days of industrial action from 21 September to 23 October 2026, seeking a commitment to rule out compulsory redundancies. On 21 September, students' association DUSA confirmed that the action covers the first five weeks of Semester One. This does not mean every class has been cancelled.
Background and what has changed
DUSA says the University Court approved the use of compulsory redundancy on 8 September if voluntary measures do not achieve the staff reduction target. The strike went ahead after no agreement was reached to rule this out. This article does not present either side's assessments of finances or teaching quality as established findings.
What students should check
DUSA advises students to attend scheduled classes and submit assignments unless their school or lecturer tells them otherwise. It relays the University's assurance that strike-related class cancellations will not adversely affect attendance records, including those monitored for visa purposes. This does not authorise students to miss classes that are going ahead.
Assessment mitigation is not an automatic mark increase
The University's No Detriment guidance, updated on 15 September, explains how examination boards can consider significant, unavoidable disruption when assessing module and degree outcomes. Measures depend on the impact, academic judgement and professional requirements. They do not guarantee higher marks, exemption from assessment or a pass for every student.
Implications for Taiwanese students and families
Editorial analysis: Current Dundee students can retain cancellation notices and assignment instructions, and ask their school or DUSA about individual attendance or assessment questions. Prospective applicants should check teaching and support arrangements for their chosen course. Industrial action alone does not establish that all departments have stopped admissions or that degrees are unrecognised.
Sources & Image Credits
- Dundee UCU: strike information for students
- DUSA: student notice dated 21 September
- University of Dundee: No Detriment assessment guidance
Picture: John Lord / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Archive photograph from 2006; may be cropped. ； CC BY 2.0 licence . This archive photograph shows a campus building, not the 2026 strike.
