City University London to merge with University of London in order to 'strengthen student experience in the UK'

Merger will bring greater social interaction, access to additional library facilities, and greater accommodation options

Professor Sir Adrian Smith of UOL, left, and Professor Paul Curran of City, right, are 'delighted' their institutions will be merging together in August 2016 (UOL Media Office)

City University London (City) is to join the University of London (UOL) in a move that will see a strengthening of the student experience in the UK.

Established by Royal Charter in 1836, UOL brought together, in federation, University College London and King’s College London.

Now that City is on board too, both institutions say they are looking forward to improving the student experience through opportunities for greater social interaction, extension of the student community, access to additional library facilities, and greater accommodation options.

UOL’s vice-chancellor, Professor Sir Adrian Smith, said he was delighted to be joining City and added: “City brings a distinctive business and professional academic profile that will enrich the offering of the federal university.”

City’s strong-points are that it has unique links with many of the institutions through London – including the Lord Mayor’s Office, the Livery Companies and businesses in the Square Mile – whereas UOL will bring opportunities to participate in doctoral training centres and distance learning programmes to the table.

City said that joining the federation demonstrated that the UOL continued to be a focus for academic excellence in this global capital of higher education.

City’s vice-chancellor, Professor Paul Curran, acknowledged that joining UOL marked a significant new chapter in City’s history and said it would be a major but a signal of how far it have come as an institution.

He added: “We will retain our historic strengths, professional credibility and deep-rooted City of London heritage while we strengthen our international profile and expand our research and education capabilities.”

Although City will officially join UOL in August 2016, the university will continue to self-govern by continuing to set its entrance criteria and examinations, award its own degrees and offer independent services to students.