Article
Here’s my opinionated take on the top ten UK universities most likely to be merged or subsumed in the next 2–3 years.
Originally posted on LinkedIn on September 12, 2025.
Here’s my opinionated take on the top ten UK universities most likely to be merged or subsumed in the next 2–3 years. Kent–Greenwich shows consolidation isn’t hypothetical any more; the question is who’s next. 10) Birkbeck → Queen Mary (QMUL) or City (both UoL) Likelihood: Low–moderate (2/5) Why/Suitor: Evening–teaching mission with shrinking headroom; deeper University of London integration could strip out overheads via a larger anchor (QMUL/City). Biggest brake is identity and alumni pride. 9) Brunel → Royal Holloway (UoL) (outside bet: a West London group with UWL) Likelihood: Low–moderate (2/5) Why/Suitor: Proximity and UoL membership make shared-services plausible with RHUL; STEM ↔ arts/social sciences complement. Execution risk is high after a bruising year; a group model with UWL is plausible if framed as “one West London system”. 8) University of Brighton → University of Sussex Likelihood: Low–moderate (2.5/5) Why/Suitor: Same-city duplication in admin/estates; scope to rationalise across Health/Arts/IT. Cultural politics and brand identity are the friction. 7) Bangor → Aberystwyth (or a Welsh federation) Likelihood: Moderate (3/5) Why/Suitor: Parallel savings drives and compatible scale suggest a North & Mid Wales consolidation. Government-brokered federation could ease identity concerns. 6) University of Wolverhampton → Birmingham City University (BCU) Likelihood: Moderate (3/5) Why/Suitor: West Midlands rationalisation: similar polytechnic heritage, clear back-office synergies, short travel times. Needs debt comfort and strong joint governance. 5) University of Bedfordshire → University of Hertfordshire Likelihood: Moderate (3/5) Why/Suitor: A1(M) corridor logic; big wins in IT/HR/student services; vocational portfolio overlap. Politics manageable with a dual-campus model. 4) University of Bradford → University of Huddersfield (alt: Leeds Beckett) Likelihood: Moderately high (3.5/5) Why/Suitor: Neighbouring civic missions and commuter catchments; obvious administrative efficiencies. Civic pride is the principal obstacle. 3) University of East Anglia (UEA) → University of Essex (alt: Anglia Ruskin) Likelihood: Moderately high (3.5/5) Why/Suitor: A12 axis: complementary strengths (science ↔ data/social sciences). Would likely start with a partnership, needing transition funding to land a legal merge. 2) London South Bank University (LSBU) → University of East London (UEL) Likelihood: High (4/5) Why/Suitor: Catchment and portfolio alignment, short distance, and scope to consolidate duplicated courses/labs/services. Leadership choreography and branding are the make-or-break. 1) Abertay → University of Dundee Likelihood: Very high (4.5/5) Why/Suitor: Same-city integration delivers fastest synergies; Games/Computing blends with Dundee’s wider science/health. Scottish Funding Council facilitation feels likely. Agree or disagree? I’d love to hear your take.