The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have today, 10th September 2025, announced the intention to formally collaborate.
The partnership will lead to the creation of a new “super-university”, the London and South East University Group* – a new model bringing both institutions under one structure whilst enabling each university to retain its name, identity, and local presence.
The collaboration will be a trailblazing model, establishing a first-of-its-kind multi university group, which will create a blueprint for other institutions to follow. The new university group will become one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK and the largest in the South of England. It will be the biggest recruiter of students in London and the South East.
Professor Jane Harrington, Vice Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, said: “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.
“Students will remain at the heart of everything we do, as we continue to provide innovative teaching, personalised support, and a culture that celebrates individuality. 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.”
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Acting Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Kent, said: “This exciting collaboration is about harnessing the combined power of two ambitious universities looking to the future, to ensure we are sustainable, impactful and can make a bigger difference to the communities we serve.
“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. 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.”
The new ‘super university’ will have one unified governing body, academic board, and executive team, and one vice-chancellor. The first vice-chancellor will be Professor Jane Harrington. Students will continue to apply to, study at, and graduate from their chosen university, preserving each institution’s identity whilst benefitting from the scale and opportunities of the new group.
The combined entity will provide a strong financial foundation to weather current and future economic challenges, widen access to higher education across South East London and Kent, address skills gaps and inequalities, and increase research capacity, particularly in shared priority areas, such as food and sustainability, health and wellbeing, and the creative industries. Its collective power will enable it to tackle real world issues with greater impact locally, nationally, and globally.
The two universities are working closely with the Department for Education and Office for Students, both of whom support the sector’s need to evolve to ensure future sustainability and impact and deliver positive outcomes for students.
Professor Harrington added: “This is the start of an important journey and we are now entering a period of due diligence. Our aim is to be as transparent, open, and inclusive as we can throughout the process, which is why we are sharing our plans at this stage.”
The detailed work is expected to conclude by the end of the year, with a decision on the implementation timescale shortly after. If approved, it is anticipated the London and South East University Group will be established for the 2026/2027 academic year.
* The name ‘London and South East University Group’ is subject to consultation and is a working name at this stage.
FAQs
What is happening?
The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have announced our intention to formally collaborate. We have a unique opportunity to create a first-of-its-kind multi-university model that will bring both of our institutions under one structure to create a ‘super-university’, whilst enabling each of us to retain our name, identity and local presence.
What will happen to the two individual university brands?
The two universities will retain their name, identity and local presence.
What will happen to your campuses?
We will continue to maintain our presence at our current campuses. We will look at opportunities where we can strengthen our provision through the creation of a joint offer, such as at Medway.
What will happen next?
We have signed a memorandum of understanding and over the next few months, we’ll be doing detailed financial and legal due diligence. We expect that to be completed with contracts exchanged by Christmas, and a decision on the implementation timescale given shortly after that. If approved, we anticipate the new multi university group will be established ready for the 2026/27 academic year.
