Two universities in Britain, University of Kent and Greenwich, are merging to form the UK’s first “super-university” and it is expected to start operations in autumn 2026.
The merged institution will have a single vice chancellor and the name being suggested for it is London and South East University Group.
The education institutes are taking these decisions amid economic challenges. According to the BBC, 40 per cent of the English universities are believed to be in financial deficit.
While this is the first merger between entire universities, three colleges within the University of the Highlands and Islands network have merged previously.
England’s higher education regulator also known as The Office for Students, welcomed the decision urging other educational institutions to explore similar options.
The Department of Education (DfE) said, “Ministers welcome innovative approaches such as this one.”
However, despite being welcomed by DfE and higher education later, the move drew criticism from the University and College Union (UCU).
Jo Grady, the UCU general secretary said, “What is being described as a merger is takeover by Greenwich as Kent was on the brink of insolvency.”
Professor Jane Harrington, who currently runs Greenwich, is set to become the vice chancellor of the merged institute and Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura will continue her duties at University of Kent until the merger is finalised.
