ECA and Edinburgh University set to merge

A final decision on proposed plans to merge the Edinburgh College of Art with the University of Edinburgh is likely to be made by the end of the month, three years earlier than expected.

The academic institutions and separate students' associations are currently in ongoing negotiations trying to finalise a deal which they say will best suit the students and staff involved.

The Journal first reported back in February that there were plans for the University and the ECA to merge, the earliest date possible being set in 2013. The speed at which the discussions are now progressing has led to speculation that ECA’s troubling financial position has forced the plans forward. 

A spokesperson from the University of Edinburgh told The Journal: "ECA has provided the University with information about its financial position in order that the University could conduct a due diligence process regarding the proposal to merge."

These details were received under a confidentiality agreement and therefore could not be disclosed. At the time of going to press, ECA was yet tp respond to an FOI request. 

Last week, senior figures linked to ECA sent a strongly worded letter to Scottish Education Secretary Mike Russell urging him to block to proposed plans. The letter, which was leaked to The Scotman, claims the merger plans are "rushed" and "secretive", leading them to believe these are the signs of a "hostile takeover."

The 16 signatories include a senior board member at ECA and the current head of ECA’s alumni association, Barbara Rae. The main fear is that the college, with its small student population of 1600, will lose its traditions and ethos to the much larger university, home to some 25,000 students.

According to The Times, ECA has a deficit of £2 million and debts of up to £13 million. However, with the proposed merger expecting to cost around £40 million, ECA’s student president Francesca Miller was keen to stress other benefits to the students she represents. 

Ms Miller told The Journal: "There is financial trouble, however it is important that people remember that this is not the sole reason the merger talks are happening. There are also a lot of merits. The further expansion means that ECA students will be granted opportunities that would never be possible without the merger.

"The design department could have access to informatics and engineers along with a lot of further opportunities in many fields to assist studies in Art and the already formed and institutionally combined ESALA School. These closer collaborations will ultimately enhance the academic vision of ECA."

The spokesperson from the University of Edinburgh also confirmed this, telling The Journal: "The proposal for merger is based primarily on the academic benefits of merger, though there would also be potential financial benefits."

They continued: "The University of Edinburgh and ECA are in discussions about the option of merging, with August 2011 the earliest likely date for merger. 

"The governing bodies of the two institutions are due to consider proposals during September 2010, and the University will provide further information at the end of September."

ECA’s governors met on 13 September and the University of Edinburgh’s Court is due to convene this week. If both parties agree on the preliminary plans, a formal proposal and business plan will be submitted to the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government to await their approval. The outcome is expected to take several months, with a decision expected in February 2011.