King’s College London to merge with Cranfield University "to support UK capability and resilience"

Two British universities, King’s College London and Cranfield University, have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger to bring the two institutions together from August 2027.

The agreement was signed by Karen Holford, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor at Cranfield University, and Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President of King's College London, on 14/05/2026.

"The proposed merger will create a UK university especially equipped for the changing world, with enhanced opportunities and resources for students, a synergy in its disciplinary mix and a distinctive offer for the UK’s future," King's stated.

The goal is to "build on the existing individual strengths of each institution" and increase national capability and resilience across engineering and technology, environment and resources, energy, economy, industry and leadership, society and policy, security, and defence.

With this merger, Cranfield will become part of King’s College London. The government has already approved the merger, with Patrick Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation, Research and…