Nottingham Trent to absorb University of Nottingham in bid to cut costs

A joint university committee has voted in favour of the University of Nottingham becoming part of Nottingham Trent University, according to a leaked document.

The document, seen by The Nottingham Tab, shows members saying the similar student culture made it “wasteful” for the city to have two universities, with the move framed as a way to reduce duplication and cut overall running costs.

Minutes also reveal members hope this will reduce rivalry between the two universities, as they become “one united student body”.

It also claims the absorption will create a “better student environment” by allowing access to more “specialist teachers and equipment” across courses, whilst also improving efficiency by sharing resources.

Rebranding for the University of Nottingham will begin next academic year, with completion expected by September 2027.

The Joint Organisation Committee for Excellence (JOCE) is made up of senior members from both universities, including lecturers and Students’ Union representatives.

It was created after research by Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU) found only 32 per cent of people in Nottinghamshire can tell the difference between the two universities.

A spokesperson for Nottingham Trent University said: “The idea that people in Nottinghamshire cannot tell the difference between the two universities showed us how similar our cultures are. We know we should come together under one name to provide a better education, rather than continue to fuel rivalry between our institutions.”

One member of the committee, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Nottingham Tab: “Despite the University of Nottingham’s Russell Group status, Nottingham Trent has been chosen to absorb the university due to having more courses.”

Most Read

Leaked emails show Brook sent MAFS Australia a cease-and-desist after *that* dinner party

‘I’d end up on the no-fly list’: Choir goes viral for ‘nightmare’ behaviour on delayed flight

This detail in the book explains exactly why Grace’s crew members died in Project Hail Mary

According to UCAS, Nottingham Trent University offers 385 undergraduate courses, while the University of Nottingham offers 226.

Nottingham Trent University will keep the University of Nottingham’s Russell Group status, the document reveals.

April Fool, a Nottingham Trent student said: “I mean, no one outside Nottingham knows the difference anyway, so this was probably inevitable.

“If we get to keep the Russell Group status as well, I’m fully on board.”

A University of Nottingham spokesperson said: “Although the University of Nottingham has been around since 1881, we are looking forward to this new chapter. We hope all of our students, both current and future, will support the committee’s decision. All staff will continue to work during the transition, and we will work closely with Nottingham Trent University to ensure a smooth integration.”

A spokesperson for JOCE said: “We are excited about the unification of our two universities and are pleased to announce that this process will begin at the start of the next academic year.

“One of the main reasons for the change is our research, which found that people in Nottinghamshire cannot easily identify the two universities. Student culture is so similar that we believe working under one organisation will provide better services for future students.”

Despite the changes costing a total of £3 million, a JOCE spokesperson said: “It will be worth it in the long run and will help address recent financial struggles at the University of Nottingham.”

Featured image via Unsplash