Two surprising UK unis are actually merging into a ‘financially viable’ ‘super-university’

Everyone, it’s finally happening. Two UK unis are actually merging into a “super-university”.

Unis across the UK keep warning us they are struggling with money. Last year, the Government warned us that some unis might have to merge together to stay open. Two unis have actually announced a merger. This is the first time that two UK unis have joined up in this way.

The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent will form a “super-university”, potentially known as the London and South East University Group.

The vice-chancellors of both unis told the BBC that their plan is not a takeover, or a result of a financial crisis. However, they said the “super-university” system would be “resilient and financially viable”. The website of each university also explains that “the combined entity will provide a strong financial foundation to weather current and future economic challenges.”

The Uni of Kent
(Credit: Cashkid121)

The general secretary of the University College Union (UCU), Jo Grady, called for both unis to assure staff they wouldn’t lose jobs. She claimed that “this isn’t a merger; it is a takeover” as “Kent is an institution under severe financial stress.” She added: “If today’s announcement is indicative of how the government intends to deal with financial instability in the sector, we should all be worried. ”

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Management plans for the unis to operate as the London and South East University Group from the start of the 2026/2027 academic year. Both unis will keep their names, and students will still apply to each one separately. But the institutions will have the same governing body, and one vice-chancellor. The London and South East University Group would have around 50,000 students.

The University of Kent and the University of Greenwich aren’t exactly close to each other. Kent Uni’s main campus is in Canterbury, which is about 54 miles from the main Greenwich campus, and 50 miles from Greenwich’s Avery Hill Campus in south London. Students at both unis, as well as Canterbury Christ Church University, already share another campus in Medway.

Drill Hall Library at Medway is already shared by students from both unis
(Credit: Ash87it)

The Department of Education and the Office for Students (OfS) have been helping the unis find ways to “evolve”. Kent and Greenwich seem to think other unis could imitate their “super-university” system. Their websites explain: “The collaboration will be a trailblazing model, establishing a first-of-its-kind multi university group, which will create a blueprint for other institutions to follow.”

The University of Kent has made many cuts over the last few years to save money. Last year, the uni announced plans to “phase out” several courses: Anthropology, art history, health and social care, journalism, music and audio technology, and philosophy and religious studies. The University of Greenwich cut 15 roles this summer.

No other unis in the UK have announced plans to merge in this way. Although, seven Russell Group unis are considering joining up their language departments, so courses would be cheaper to run.

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