The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have confirmed that they have legally committed to the merger between their two institutions and the creation of a new ‘super-university’.
The two universities announced their intention to explore the development of a new multi-university group last September. Since then, they have been engaged in months of detailed legal and financial due diligence.
In a statement on Wednesday (4 February), the universities noted that this process has now successfully concluded, and both universities have formally signed the legal documentation and exchanged contracts.
The proposed name of the London and South East University Group (LASEUG) is currently going through a formal consultation by the Office for Students, expected to conclude in the next few months.
The multi-university group will come into effect as a legal entity from 1 August 2026. The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent will continue to operate as two distinct academic divisions within the new structure, whilst retaining their individual names, identity and brands.
Students will continue to apply to, study at and graduate from their chosen university. All staff from both universities will be employed by the university group.
“We are delighted to announce that the University of Greenwich and University of Kent will be establishing the UK’s first ever “super-university” in August this year,” said Professor Jane Harrington, the designate Vice-Chancellor of the new LASEUG.
“Our two mighty institutions have worked side by side for more than 20 years, and this new model enables us to build on this, combining our collective strengths and giving us greater resilience and a stronger foundation to transform lives across London and the South East.”
Harrington added that this is a ‘truly significant moment for the sector’, which hope could provide a blueprint for other institutions in the future.
“We are bringing our institutions together within a unique new group structure whilst being able to retain the strength of our individual trading names and longstanding university identities.
“Together, we can continue to provide world-class teaching, grow our research tackling real-world challenges, and ultimately foster a culture where staff, students and communities thrive, collaborate and succeed together. For current and future students, they can be reassured that nothing changes for them, apart from the reassurance of the greater resilience and new opportunities that will come from the collective resources of being part of this new multi-university group.”
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