Bright future predicted for merged institution

The deal between the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (Uwic) would create the biggest university in Wales and one of the largest in the UK.

Governors and senior staff from both - in discussions since December - have decided the merger would benefit the institutions as well as higher education in Wales.

A joint statement by the two universities said they were working to ensure any necessary staff changes arising from the merger would be achieved on a voluntary basis.

'More powerful'

The final decision the merger is expected by the summer, with the target date for the formation of the new institution being August 2004.

Sir Adrian Webb, vice-chancellor of the University of Glamorgan, said: "The creation of the new university does not imply change in the missions of the two institutions.

"Rather, it offers the opportunity to extend the strengths of each across the whole of the new, much larger and more powerful institution."

Professor Antony Chapman, vice-chancellor of Uwic, added: "From two very good and improving universities we shall be developing a new and excellent university, one of the most significant and attractive in the UK, and one that gives top priority to teaching and enterprise."

The news comes after it was announced last week that the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology would join forces from September 2004.

The new university, with about 34,000 students, will be the largest in the UK.