UK’s First Regional “Super-University” Announced: Merger of University of Kent and University of Greenwich

In a landmark development for higher education in the UK, the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich have announced plans to merge into a single institution: the London and South East University Group. The new organisation, which will officially launch in Autumn 2026, will be the UK’s first regional “super-university,” serving nearly 50,000 students across London and the South East.

The new group will be led by Professor Jane Harrington, current Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greenwich. Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, interim leader of Kent, will remain in post until the merger is completed.

“This is about taking the best of both universities and building a resilient, future-focused institution that contributes meaningfully to our communities, our economy, and the wider higher education landscape,” said Prof Harrington.

The universities emphasised that the merger is designed to:

• Strengthen financial resilience amid sector-wide economic challenges.
• Expand teaching and research opportunities across four main campuses: Canterbury, Medway, Greenwich, and Avery Hill.
• Enhance regional and international impact while retaining the unique names, identities, and degrees of both Kent and Greenwich.

Continuity for Students
Applications will continue as normal, with students able to complete their courses and graduate with degrees awarded by their original institution. “I can say categorically that all current and incoming students will be able to finish their studies exactly as planned,” Prof Harrington confirmed.

Sector Reaction
The Office for Students (OfS), England’s higher education regulator, has welcomed the move, describing it as a potential model for other universities facing financial pressures.

However, the University and College Union (UCU) has raised concerns about potential job losses, with General Secretary Jo Grady describing the deal as “almost certainly” leading to redundancies.

A Trailblazing Model
Prof Randsley de Moura called the new arrangement a “trailblazing model” that balances financial sustainability with institutional independence:
“This partnership builds on two decades of collaboration at our Medway campus and shows how universities can innovate to protect the student experience while ensuring long-term viability.”

Background

• The merger comes at a time when 40% of English universities are reported to be in financial deficit.
• Tuition fees, capped at £9,535, have not kept pace with inflation, creating significant funding challenges across the sector.
• Recent government visa restrictions have reduced international student demand, adding further financial pressures.

Next Steps
The merger will be subject to formal approval by the OfS. Both universities will continue to operate independently until autumn 2026, when the London and South East University Group will be formally established.