The universities of Greenwich and Kent have received formal approval to merge, creating the UK's first 'super-university'. The new entity, which will be the third-largest higher education institution in the country, is consulting on the name London and South East University Group.
Legal documentation has been signed, and approval from the Department for Education and the Office for Students has been obtained. The merger is set to take effect from August, with both institutions retaining their names as distinct academic divisions within the group.
Students will still apply to and graduate from their chosen university, the institutions confirmed. All staff will be employed by the university group, which will have a single vice-chancellor, board of governors, and executive team. Senior executive positions are expected to be confirmed by April.
Professor Jane Harrington, current vice-chancellor of the University of Greenwich, will serve as the designate vice-chancellor of the merged group. Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, acting vice-chancellor of the University of Kent, is also expected to hold a senior role.
The merger comes amid financial challenges in the sector, with the Office for Students warning that about 45% of providers could face a deficit in 2024-25. The universities said the merger would provide a strong financial foundation, though the University and College Union described it as a result of severe financial pressure.
