A new university for South West Wales
The Governing Bodies of Swansea Metropolitan University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David have agreed in principle to create a
single new university for South West Wales.
The new relationship would be based around a group structure which would unify support functions into one central organisation whilst retaining the current brand identities of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Swansea Metropolitan University. The vision is to establish a regional educational group comprising the two universities and FE colleges in South West Wales to create a dual sector group structure providing meaningful educational pathways, enhancing student choice and developing joint educational provision which responds to the needs of employers.
Dr Medwin Hughes, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David said “Both Governing Bodies have this week taken historic decisions which will have far reaching effects on the higher education sector in Wales.
“This is an important development for the region in that it will have strong university grouping – one focussing on higher level research and the dual sector university which will focus on the social, cultural and economic needs of its communities”.
Professor David Warner, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea Metropolitan University, said: “This exciting new development builds on the excellent track record both universities have of working together.
“It will be based on a partnership of equals and will free-up greater resources for front-line delivery.
“It also meets the Welsh Assembly Government’s priority for greater critical mass building and radical structural change.”
Dr Medwin Hughes added: “This is a radical new model for the higher education sector in Wales and it leads the way by responding to the challenges set down for the sector by the Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning. The inclusion of Swansea Metropolitan University in the creation of a dual sector university group structure with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and its FE partners opens up greater opportunities for learners across South West Wales”.
Further negotiations on the exact structure and constitution of the new university and the involvement of the South West Wales FE colleges will now take place.
Further Information
For further information please contact:
- Swansea Metropolitan University Senior Marketing and Communications Officer, Steven Stokes, 01792 483695/07872 423788 or email pressoffice@smu.ac.uk
- University of Wales Trinity Saint David – Vice Chancellor via Eleri Beynon 01267 676790 / 07968 249335.