UK's First "Super-University" Officially Launches as Kent and Greenwich Merge

LONDON — The Universities of Kent and Greenwich officially merged on August 1, 2026, forming the UK's first regional "super-university" under the name London and South East University Group. The new group brings together close to 50,000 students across campuses in Canterbury and London, becoming the third-largest higher education institution in the country after UCL and the Open University.

Both universities keep their individual names and identities, but staff now work under a single vice-chancellor, board of governors, and executive team, led by Professor Jane Harrington. The merger comes amid serious financial strain across UK higher education — the Office for Students has warned nearly half of institutions could run deficits — while union representatives have voiced concern about job cuts even as university leaders say the merger strengthens long-term stability.