Two of the South East’s most established institutions are preparing to redraw the UK’s higher-education landscape. The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have announced plans to form a pioneering alliance that would bring both universities under a single structure while preserving their distinct identities and local presence.

If approved, the new entity, provisionally titled the London and South East University Group, would become one of the country’s largest higher-education organisations and the biggest recruiter of students in London and the South East. With a unified governing body, academic board, and executive team led by Professor Jane Harrington, the collaboration signals a bold response to the financial and competitive pressures facing the sector.

‘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.’ Professor Jane Harrington, Vice Chancellor, University of Greenwich

The proposed super-university aims to leverage collective scale to strengthen research capacity and widen access to higher education. Priority areas include food sustainability, health and wellbeing, and the creative industries. The combined infrastructure will also allow for new interdisciplinary programmes, broader industry partnerships, and more robust support for entrepreneurs and start-ups emerging from both campuses. Students will continue to apply to, study at, and graduate from their chosen institution, but benefit from the expanded resources and opportunities of a single, integrated group.

For students, the collaboration promises expanded course options, richer learning environments, and access to a wider network of mentors and employers, while preserving each university’s distinct culture and brand. For the region, it signals a concerted effort to address critical skills gaps and widen participation, ensuring that higher education remains both accessible and economically relevant.

The Road Ahead

The universities have entered a formal due-diligence phase, aiming to complete legal and financial reviews by year-end. A final decision on implementation is expected shortly after, positioning the London and South East University Group to welcome its first cohort in the 2026/27 academic year.

‘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.’ Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, VC and President of the University of Kent

Throughout the process, both institutions have pledged open communication with students, staff and regional partners, emphasising that transparency and collaboration will guide every stage. With support from the Department for Education and the Office for Students, the initiative stands as a potential national model, demonstrating how universities can preserve local identity while building the scale and resilience required for a rapidly evolving higher-education landscape.