The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have today, 4 February 2026, 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. That has now successfully concluded, and both universities have now formally signed the legal documentation and exchanged contracts.
The universities have worked with the Office for Students and the Department for Education to gain approval for the first-of-its-kind model – a significant move that enables the establishment of the new multi-university group as a legal entity whilst allowing the two universities to continue trading under their individual names.
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 trailblazing 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.
As part of the announcement today, further details have been confirmed:
- Current University of Greenwich Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Harrington, is the new designate Vice-Chancellor of the new LASEUG
- Mark Preston, current chair of the Council (Governing Body) of the University of Kent, will be the designate chair of the new, single board of governors for the Group
- Craig McWilliam, chair of the Governing Body, University of Greenwich, will be the designate deputy chair
- A new designate executive team for the Group and a full new board of governors will be recruited in the Spring, ready for 1 August.
Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Acting Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Kent, said: “This is a key milestone that should give our staff, students and partners confidence that this trailblazing new multi-university model is the right one to deliver a bold new approach for universities working together to deliver for the future needs of our communities.
“It’s testament to the innovative thinking and detailed work that has been done in the development of this model that we have the backing of the Department for Education and Office for Students to proceed.
“Our new multi-university group will become around the third largest higher education institution in the UK. Students will remain at the heart of everything we do, and we will be a powerful force for our region – playing a vital role in upskilling local people, supporting communities and partnering with business.”
Professor Jane Harrington said: “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.
“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.
“This is a truly significant moment for the sector, which we 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.”
For the two universities to form the new multi-university group, the legal process requires the University of Greenwich initially to change its name to the London and South East University Group*, which will be a company limited by guarantee. The University of Kent will then join the group to complete the formal process, which will complete by 1 August 2026. The new group will retain the same charitable objectives as the two universities have now.
The new super-university will have one unified board of governors, one executive team, and one vice-chancellor. Beyond this, no decisions have been made on future structural changes. Integration teams are being established at Greenwich and Kent who will lead on the project of integrating the two institutions over the next couple of years.
The combined entity will provide a strong financial foundation to weather current and future economic challenges, widen access to higher education, address skills gaps and inequalities, and increase research capacity, particularly in shared priority areas, such as food security 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.
Craig McWilliam, chair of the Governing Body, University of Greenwich, said: “This is a landmark moment for our two universities. The new multi-university group represents a bold and responsible response to the pressures facing higher education, rooted in strong governance, shared values and a clear civic purpose. It enables us to protect the integrity of both Greenwich and Kent while unlocking new opportunities to collaborate and deliver even greater impact to students and across the region we serve.”
Mark Preston, chair of the Council (Governing Body) University of Kent, said: “As we mark the 60th anniversary of the University of Kent, founded to widen access to higher education and support a growing sector, it is fitting that we continue to evolve with purpose. Together with the University of Greenwich, we are building a bold and future focused institution that expands opportunity for students and strengthens our region. This new chapter brings the scale and expertise needed to deliver exceptional value for learners, drive impactful research and provide employers and communities with the talent and innovation essential for the future prosperity of London and the South East.”