LONDON/KENT – In a historic move for British higher education, the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have officially signed a deal to merge, creating a massive new “multi-university group” that promises to reshape the landscape of the South East.
After months of behind-the-scenes legal work and financial checks, leaders from both institutions exchanged contracts yesterday, February 4, 2026. This trailblazing partnership has already received the green light from the Department for Education and the Office for Students.
While the scale of this merger is massive, the daily experience for students will remain remarkably consistent. Under this “first-of-its-kind” model, both universities will keep their famous names, unique identities, and individual brands. This means that students will continue to apply to, study at, and graduate from their chosen university just as they always have. Rather than one institution disappearing into the other, they will operate as two distinct academic divisions within a single, powerful structure.
The legal engine behind this partnership is the London and South East University Group (LASEUG). While this new name is currently undergoing a final formal consultation, it is set to become the official legal employer for all staff across both campuses starting August 1, 2026.
This structure allows the two universities to share resources and administrative strength while maintaining the local heritage and academic traditions that their students value. By joining forces, Greenwich and Kent are creating a regional heavyweight capable of competing on a global stage. The move effectively pools the expertise of both institutions to create a “super-university” group that remains deeply rooted in its local communities in London and the South East.