Introduction to the Merger
The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have announced plans to merge and become the UK’s first "super-university". This merger is set to create a new institution, known as the London and South East University Group, which will have a single vice chancellor and governing body but will maintain the local presence and names of both universities. The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have announced plans to merge and become the UK’s first ‘super-university’ (Image: University of Greenwich/PA)
The Merger Plans
The universities of Kent and Greenwich are planning to merge next year with the proposed name the London and South East University Group. In the plans, both universities would have the same vice chancellor and governing body but would keep their local presence and names. Students will continue to apply to study at and graduate from the universities separately. The universities said their collaboration is "a trailblazing model" and "will create a blueprint for other institutions to follow". The move comes as universities across the country face financial challenges. More than two in five higher education institutions forecast a deficit for 2024-25 in data released in May. Many universities have announced redundancies and other cost-cutting measures.
Reaction to the Merger
The Department for Education (DfE), which is expected to publish a White Paper soon setting out its plans for higher education reform, said the collaboration "shows how strong partnerships in higher education can help enable delivery of world-class teaching and research whilst maintaining the best interests of students". The new "super-university" will span much of the region, from Greenwich’s main London campus to Canterbury in Kent. 
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, acting vice chancellor of the University of Kent, and Professor Jane Harrington, current vice chancellor of the University of Greenwich, who is set to become the single vice chancellor of the new merger(Image: Strike Communications/PA)
Benefits of the Merger
Professor Jane Harrington, the current vice chancellor of the University of Greenwich, is set to be the first vice chancellor of the merger, and the universities said the combined entity will provide a strong financial foundation to weather current and future economic challenges. Prof Harrington said: "Our vision is to deliver education without boundaries, from city to coast. Combining the strengths of two proud institutions gives us a greater foundation to transform lives and unlock opportunity across London and the South East. Students will remain at the heart of everything we do, as we continue to provide innovative teaching, personalised support and a culture that celebrates individuality." Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, acting vice chancellor and president of the University of Kent, said: "Together, we can deliver world-class teaching, grow research that tackles real-world challenges, and create new opportunities for people and places across our wider region."
Operation of the New University
It will operate across the existing campuses, the BBC reported, including in Medway, where students from both Greenwich and Kent already share facilities. 
If approved, the super-university would be established for the academic year beginning autumn 2026(Image: University of Kent/PA)
Regulatory Approval
The Office for Students (OfS), which regulates higher education in England, said it "welcomes" the announcement. Edward Peck, chairman of the OfS said: "We welcome today’s announcement, which provides an important example of universities working together to ensure future generations of students can enjoy high-quality courses. This initiative demonstrates that higher education providers are continuing to take significant steps to address in a practical manner the challenges that they face. In any merger, effective communication with students will be crucial. Current students will continue to study for the courses they signed up for and should continue to expect excellent teaching and support."
Industry Reaction
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, said Greenwich and Kent’s merger was "a perfect example of creative thinking". "Right across the university system in the UK, leaders are thinking and working differently in response to sustained financial pressures," Ms Stern said. <img src="https://i2-prod.mylondon.news/article32448207.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_01K4SCCVSQPFFMR5EQVM4FW98W.jpg" alt="Undated handout photo issued by the University of Kent of an aerial view of the university’s Canterbury campus. The universities of Kent and Greenwich are planning to merge next year with the proposed name the London and South East University Group. In the plans, both universities would have the same vice chancellor and governing body but would keep their local presence and names" loading="lazy" srcset="https://i2-prod.mylondon.news/article32448207.ece/ALTERNATES/s458b/0_
