On September 10, 2025, the universities unveiled their collaboration, forming a novel multi-university group called the London and South East University Group.
This comes as the first of its kind, uniting both institutions under a shared framework, yet preserving each’s name, identity, and local presence.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, Professor Jane Harrington, 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.”
She assured that students would “remain at the heart of everything we do,” and the group would continue to provide innovative teaching and personalised support.
She 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.”
The “super university” will operate under a single governing body, academic board, executive team, and vice-chancellor, with Professor Harrington the first vice-chancellor.
Students will apply to, attend, and graduate from the university of their choice, maintaining each institution’s unique identity while availing opportunities from the new group.
The newly formed entity will provide a strong financial foundation to withstand economic challenges, expand access to higher education, address skills gaps and inequalities, and boost research capacity, especially in shared key areas like food and sustainability, health and wellbeing, and the creative industries.
Its combined strength will enable it to tackle real world issues with greater impact locally, nationally and globally.
The universities are working closely with the Department for Education and the 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 further 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 expected that the London and South East University Group will be established for the 2026/2027 academic year.
