The UK is set to see its first “super-university” as the universities of as two universities prepare to merge into one institution covering campuses across London and the South East.
The new body, due to begin operating in autumn 2026 under the name London and South East University Groupwill bring together almost 50,000 students, making it one of the country’s largest higher education providers.
Kent and Greenwich university merge into UK’s first “super-university”
Kent and Greenwich University will merge under one vice-chancellor, with Greenwich’s current leader, Prof Jane Harringtonconfirmed as the head of the new institution.
Kent’s interim vice-chancellor, Prof Georgina Randsley de Mourawill remain in post until the transition is complete. The universities insist the arrangement will not affect current or incoming students, with applications, courses, and degree certificates still issued under the names of Kent or Greenwich.
Both universities argue the merger is a way to future-proof their finances and create a stronger foundation to withstand the mounting pressures facing the higher education sector.
The two already share facilities at the Medway campus in Kentand this collaboration will now be extended across Kent’s Canterbury site and Greenwich’s London campuses at Avery Hill and on the banks of the River Thames.
Financial pressures on higher education institutions
The move comes as nearly 40% of universities in England are thought to be running deficitswith cuts already widespread.
Tuition fees, now at £9,535 a yearhave failed to keep pace with rising costs, while international student numbers – long a vital source of revenue, have fallen below expectations following new visa restrictions introduced last year. Sector leaders, including Universities UK, have warned that “slow erosion” of university finances needs urgent attention from government.
The regulator, the Office for Studentshas backed the merger as an innovative step, while the Department for Education said it “welcomes strong partnerships” that preserve teaching and research quality. Ministers are expected to unveil longer-term funding reforms later this autumn, including a planned tax on income from international students.
However, staff unions have raised serious concerns. The University and College Union (UCU) warned redundancies are “almost certain,” describing the merger as a “takeover by Greenwich” and arguing Kent is effectively being rescued from insolvency. UCU’s general secretary, Jo Grady, criticised the government for failing to provide early intervention and said the move does little to reassure staff or students.
While university leaders stress there are no immediate plans for job losses, both institutions have already begun cutting posts in recent years. Greenwich confirmed 15 redundancies last summer, and Kent wound down courses to balance its books. Staff in Canterbury expressed unease at the announcement, describing it as rushed and unclear, though some researchers acknowledged potential benefits in sharing facilities and expertise.
With the London and South East University Group billed as a “trailblazing model” for the UK, the merger will be closely watched as other institutions explore similar options to stabilise their futures.
