Universities of Greenwich and Kent to merge creating UK's first "super-university"
New merged institution will be one of the largest in the UK offering students enhanced resources
Last updated 2 hours ago
The universities of Greenwich and Kent have announced formal approval for their merger, creating the UK’s first "super-university".
The new institution, which is set to officially merge on 1st August 2026, will be named the London and South East University Group following consultations. It is set to become the UK’s third-largest higher education institution, the universities confirmed.
Greenwich’s current vice-chancellor, Professor Jane Harrington, will take on the role of designate vice-chancellor for the new university group. Senior executive positions, including the role of acting Kent vice-chancellor Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, are expected to be confirmed in April 2024.
Approval and structure of the super-university
Legal documentation for the merger has been signed, and approval from both the Department for Education and the Office for Students has been secured, the universities confirmed on Wednesday.
Although the two institutions will merge into a single university group, they will retain their identities as distinct academic divisions. Students will continue to apply to and graduate from the university they select, with all staff employed under the unified entity.
The merged university will be governed under one board of governors and executive team, spearheaded by a single vice-chancellor. According to Professor Harrington, the merger promises to enhance teaching capacity, tackle real-world research challenges, and develop opportunities for students and staff through the expanded resources of the university group.
Addressing financial challenges
The decision to merge comes amid financial pressures faced by universities nationwide. In November, the Office for Students cautioned that nearly half of education providers could be facing deficits for 2024/25.
The universities say the merger will allow greater financial resilience to cope with economic challenges. University of Greenwich governing body chairman Craig McWilliam highlighted the necessity for the move as a response to pressures within higher education, grounded in strong governance and shared values.
University and College Union general secretary Jo Grady commented in September that the merger reflects the severe financial pressures universities in the UK are experiencing.
Despite the challenges, the universities have called the merger a "blueprint for others to follow", with hopes of creating a supportive and collaborative academic environment upon combining resources.