City University London is to join the University of London next year.

The announcement follows a meeting of the University of London¡¯s board of trustees on 15 July, which agreed to the positive recommendation made by its collegiate council.

The council took its decision based on a working group led by David Latchman, master of Birkbeck College, London. City intends to join the federal university of 17 self-governing colleges and 10 other smaller specialist research institutes in August 2016.

Paul Curran, City¡¯s vice-chancellor, said he was ¡°exceptionally pleased¡± by the decision ?¡°as are my colleagues and our students¡±.?

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¡°Joining the University of London marks a significant new chapter in City¡¯s history,¡± said Professor Curran. ¡°It is a major opportunity but also a signal of how far we have come as an institution.¡±

Professor Curran has previously spoken about his desire to improve City¡¯s research record, partly by recruiting highly regarded researchers, which would enable it to apply to join the federal university. He said its improved results in last year¡¯s research excellence framework would make an application possible.

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On joining London, Professor Curran said, City would retain its ¡°historic strengths, professional credibility and deep-rooted City of London heritage, while we strengthen our international profile and expand our research and education capabilities¡±.

Sir Richard Dearlove, chair of the University of London¡¯s board of trustees, said City would bring ¡°unique links with many of the institutions in the City of London including the Lord Mayor¡¯s Office, the livery companies and businesses in the Square Mile¡±.

¡°City joining the federation demonstrates that the University of London continues to be a focus for academic excellence in this global capital of higher education,¡± said the former head of MI6.

Joining the?, founded by royal charter in 1836, is also likely to strengthen City¡¯s international profile, potentially helping to recruit more international students.

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¡°Membership will also strengthen the currency of our degrees both at home and abroad,¡± said Rob Woodward, chair of City¡¯s council.

Sir Adrian Smith, vice-chancellor of the University of London, said:? ¡°I am delighted that City is to join the University of London. City brings a distinctive business and professional academic profile that will enrich the offering of the federal University.¡±

jack.grove@tesglobal.com