ECA and Edinburgh University discuss possible merger

Talks are at an advanced stage between Edinburgh College of Art and the University of Edinburgh which could see the two institutions join facilities by 2012.

The discussions, aimed at deepening collaborative ties between the two historic institutions, were prompted largely by financial concerns.

Scottish universities have been under mounting pressure amid funding cuts and a rise in student numbers. Earlier this month the Scottish Funding Council said that institutions should focus on maintaining their “financial and institutional sustainability”. 

Ties between the college and university have grown increasingly tight in recent years. Joint initiatives include the long-running MA in Fine Art programme and the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture which launched last year. The university became the accrediting body for the College’s degree qualifications in 2003.

Professor Ian Howard, principal of the Edinburgh College of Art, said in a statement that the college had always evolved to cope with contemporary challenges throughout its 250-year history.

“We already partner the university in a highly successful academic federation and the potential offered by closer collaboration is well worth exploring and may result in very exciting possibilities for enhanced teaching, research and creative endeavour," said Prof Howard.

Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea, principal of the University of Edinburgh, said: “The university and college, by working more closely together, could create a collective range of expertise and excellence that would offer an exciting range of opportunities not only for staff and students but also for the creative arts in Scotland.”

Before the merger could go ahead, the approval of both institutions’ governing bodies, the Scottish Funding Council , Scottish Government and Privy Council would be required.

In a joint statement, the institutions confirmed that such a move would be preceded by widespread consultation and as such is unlikely to happen before 2012.

When asked about the likelihood of a union emerging from the current talks, EUSA's vice president academic affairs, Evan Beswick, told The Journal that there were too many variables involved to do much more than speculate at this stage: “We’re watching as closely as everyone else to see what comes out of these talks. I can’t say it’s not a little bit exciting, though.”

This is not the first time a possible merger has been mooted by the ECA. Similar talks were initiated with Heriot-Watt in 1999, though these fell through a year later amid fears that the college would struggle to compete for resources within a larger institution.

While a merger could see a number of buildings and other assets sold off, there is general consensus that it might be a financial necessity.

Second year fashion student Louise Bennett told The Journal that a union would be a sensible long term move: “From what I’ve heard it sounds promising. The ECA’s in money troubles as it is and merging with the university would certainly be a way of helping that, especially in terms of applying for funding.

“Anything that can help ECA continue as an institution must be a good thing."