University to revert to original name in merger

Cranfield University will revert to being known by its former name as part of a merger with King's College London.

The Bedfordshire institution will once again be the Cranfield Institute of Technology when the merger is completed next August. It has been known by its current name since 1993.

It will become the 10th faculty of King's and will include Cranfield Defence and Security, which will work with the King's School of Security Studies.

Prof Shitij Kapur, vice-chancellor and president of King's, said the merger was intended to "enhance the impact that King's and Cranfield already have on our society".

He said: "I'm confident that welcoming Cranfield with all its unique strengths, world class facilities and deep industry partnerships into our community will help us achieve that and support our Strategy 2030 to build a bigger, better King's."

The merger will involve Cranfield's School of Management joining King's Business School.

Before the agreement was signed, the only information the universities could exchange was that needed for due diligence. Detailed integration planning can now get under way.

Current Cranfield students and those who accept offers before the merger takes place can choose whether their degree certificates are issued by King's or Cranfield. Those accepting offers after the merger will receive King's certificates.

Prof Dame Karen Holford, chief executive and vice-chancellor of Cranfield University, said: "We now embark on a new chapter, joining our specialisms with King's world-class education, research and scale.

"Together, we'll build a nationally significant asset and a global university that will bring even more positive impacts to people's lives."

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