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ENGINEERING BULLETIN

Publisher: All-Russian public organization "Academy of Engineering Sciences named after A.M. Prokhorov".

WALES: Agreement over university mergers

25.09.2011

Plans to radically overhaul the higher education system in Wales, designed by the body that funds Welsh higher education, the Higher Education funding Council for Wales, have been widely agreed upon by university leaders and other key figures, writes Henry McMorrow for Gair Rhydd.

In response to Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews' statement that universities must "adapt or die", the body has announced plans to merge the University of Glamorgan, the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWiC) and the University of Wales, Newport; while Trinity St David and Swansea Metropolitan Universities should merge as previously planned. Cardiff and Swansea Universities will remain independent but will be encouraged to work in greater collaboration.

While the plans embody the national transition to an education system with frugality at its heart, they are also said to increase the competitiveness of Welsh institutions against their English counterparts. The funding council said that by 2013 higher education distribution should reflect regional needs with no more than two institutions in each region.

Source: Gair Rhydd and University World News

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