Dundee-Abertay university merger off the table

THE proposed merger of two universities will not go ahead but discussions about greater collaboration will continue, it has been announced.

A plan to merge Dundee and Abertay universities has been the subject of widespread debate in recent months.

It was one option under consideration in a review of post-16 education in the city, which also included a review of the role of Dundee College.

A joint statement by the three establishments and the Scottish Funding Council for Further and Higher Education said the Dundee-Abertay merger will not be going ahead.

The statement read: “Following a very open and positive discussion, Abertay University, Dundee University and Dundee College have agreed that they will remain autonomous and independent bodies with distinctive missions, visions and values.

“The three institutions have further agreed, with the support of the Scottish Funding Council, to engage in detailed discussions on options for closer collaboration that will enhance their contribution to achieving the Scottish Government’s aims and objectives for post-16 education across Scotland.

“These discussions will look at how to align more closely the academic curricula of the three institutions, initially in the areas of life sciences and sports education, with the aim of maximising opportunities for seamless learner progression from further education into higher education.

“In addition, Dundee College will welcome opportunities for closer collaboration with other colleges in the region.

“These discussions will take place in the context of the Scottish Government’s White Paper on reforming post-16 education in Scotland, and the three institutions reaffirm their collective commitment to creating improved life chances for people in the Dundee city region, and thereby helping to create jobs and growth.”