Merger talks for college and university amid funds fears

EDINBURGH University and Edinburgh College of Art are in talks about a potential merger amid fears over future funding levels.

The move – which could be put in motion by 2012 – would see facilities, services and accommodation merged and potentially result in large savings.

Professor Ian Howard, the principal of Edinburgh College of Art, revealed the merger talks to staff in an e-mail, which said they were necessary because of the "uncertain" financial climate.

He said: "The strong likelihood of significant cuts in public spending, restrictions on international student visas and pressure on pension and other costs require that we be prudent in seeking to put the college on the strongest possible footing."

Confirming plans to investigate the merger, Prof Howard said: "Throughout its 250-year history, Edinburgh College of Art has always evolved to meet the challenges of the contemporary and to look to the future.

"We already partner the university in a highly successful academic federation, and the potential offered by closer collaboration is well worth exploring and may result in very exciting possibilities for enhanced teaching, research and creative endeavour."

The talks come amid growing concern over long-term funding cuts for universities. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has urged principals to maintain financial and institutional sustainability.

Edinburgh University said both its and the art college's governing bodies have agreed a mandate for the principals to "explore ways of strengthening collaboration between the institutions, including the possibility of a merger".

The university's principal, Prof Timothy O'Shea, said: "The university and college, by working more closely together, could create a collective range of expertise and excellence that would offer an exciting range of opportunities not only for staff and students but also the creative arts in Scotland."

But any merger would have to be ratified by the SFC and the Scottish Government.

It is understood discussions are at a very early stage and issues such as potential job losses have not yet been fully investigated.

However, both the college and university have promised widespread consultation before any changes are made, meaning any merger would be unlikely before 2012.

A spokeswoman for the SFC said: "We welcome any institutions working closely together for mutual benefit to enhance their teaching and research."

Teaching union the Educational Institute of Scotland said it will be looking to avoid compulsory redundancies as a result of the potential merger.