The How, The When, and The Why?
On 1 August 2024, City, University of London and St George's, University of London merged to form City St. George’s, University of London. The merger will officially commence in March 2025, with the respective universities’ School of Health & Psychological Sciences and School of Health & Medical Sciences integrating.

The merger will add St George’s specialized expertise in health education to City’s reputable multi-faculty education, likely improving the university’s reputation on the league table. While this does not directly influence the learnings and experiences of students in other faculties, an improved university reputation will support the job prospects for City St George’s graduates.

Trailblazer or Trail follower: What Are Some Past Examples?
50% of all mergers fail, hence raising concerns among City St George’s students. Potential drawbacks regarding this deal include rebranding issues which could impact students’ job prospects and integration issues which could affect the delivery of education.

However, this City-St George’s merger is not unprecedented. A notable example includes the merger between the Institute of Education (IOE) and UCL. In 2014, IOE was ranked the number one institution in Education and joined UCL as a faculty to form the largest higher education provider in London. As of 2024, the faculty has been ranked the number one place to study education for the 11th straight year according to the QS ranking, a symbol of success in the merger.

Having a successful precedent of a similar merger between two reputable universities: a multi-disciplinary university and a specialized university, City St George’s students should be optimistic.

Could this be the moment City St George’s finally ascends to join the prestigious Russell Group?











References:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2014/nov/ucl-and-institute-education-confirm-merger
https://www.city.ac.uk/about/merger-st-georges
https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/expect-more-uk-university-mergers#:~:text=%E2%80%9CMergers%20will%20only%20materialise%20if,geographic%20location%2C%20for%20example.%E2%80%9D
https://www.mailplus.co.uk/university/2025/360453/city-university-of-london?collection=19295