City University London is to join the University of London next year.

The announcement follows a meeting of the University of London’s board of trustees on 15 July, which agreed to the positive recommendation made by its collegiate council.

The council took its decision based on a working group led by David Latchman, master of Birkbeck College, London. City intends to join the federal university of 17 self-governing colleges and 10 other smaller specialist research institutes in August 2016.

Paul Curran, City’s vice-chancellor, said he was “exceptionally pleased” by the decision  “as are my colleagues and our students”. 

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“Joining the University of London marks a significant new chapter in City’s history,” said Professor Curran. “It is a major opportunity but also a signal of how far we have come as an institution.”

Professor Curran has previously spoken about his desire to improve City’s research record, partly by recruiting highly regarded researchers, which would enable it to apply to join the federal university. He said its improved results in last year’s research excellence framework would make an application possible.

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On joining London, Professor Curran said, City would retain its “historic strengths, professional credibility and deep-rooted City of London heritage, while we strengthen our international profile and expand our research and education capabilities”.

Sir Richard Dearlove, chair of the University of London’s board of trustees, said City would bring “unique links with many of the institutions in the City of London including the Lord Mayor’s Office, the livery companies and businesses in the Square Mile”.

“City joining the federation demonstrates that the University of London continues to be a focus for academic excellence in this global capital of higher education,” said the former head of MI6.

Joining the , founded by royal charter in 1836, is also likely to strengthen City’s international profile, potentially helping to recruit more international students.

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“Membership will also strengthen the currency of our degrees both at home and abroad,” said Rob Woodward, chair of City’s council.

Sir Adrian Smith, vice-chancellor of the University of London, said:  “I am delighted that City is to join the University of London. City brings a distinctive business and professional academic profile that will enrich the offering of the federal University.”

jack.grove@tesglobal.com