The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent will merge to create the United Kingdom’s first ‘super-university’ next year.
This new multi-university group will be called the London and South East University Group, and will allow both institutions to operate under the same structure while retaining their individual names and identities.
Once the universities have merged, the ‘super-university’ will immediately become of the biggest higher educational institutions in the UK, and it will be the biggest recruiter of students in London and the South East.
The new ‘super university’ will operate under a single unified governing body, academic board, and executive team, and one vice-chancellor.
Importantly, students will still apply to and study at the university of their choice—Greenwich or Kent—while benefitting from the scale of the new ‘super-university’ structure.
The campuses will also continue to operate as before, although the group will consider opportunities for opening joint campuses under the ‘super-university’ structure.
This new structure aims to provide wider access to higher education across the area, improve economic resilience, and increase research capacity in shared priority areas.
Work on merging the two universities under a single structure is expected to conclude by the end of the year, after which an implementation date will be confirmed.
If the due diligence and contracts are approved, the universities expect the London and South East University Group to be established for the 2026/2027 academic year.
They noted that the name of this new ‘super-university’, the London and South East University Group, is currently a working name and subject to consultation.
“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,” said University of Greenwich Vice Chancellor Professor Jane Harrington, who will be the first Vice Chancellor of the London and South East University Group.
“As a civic university group, we will be a powerful force for our region – energising communities, upskilling local people and partnering with business to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
University of Kent President and Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura said the collaboration between the two universities aims to enhance the impact of each institution on its communities.
“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,” she said.
“From supporting health and wellbeing to driving innovation in food, sustainability and the creative industries, our work will have impact locally, nationally and globally. Importantly, we will foster a culture where staff and students thrive, collaborate and succeed together.”
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