ECA merger with University of Edinburgh takes effect

The University of Edinburgh's merger with Edinburgh College of Art has formally taken effect, two years earlier than originally proposed.

The two institutions legally merged on 1 August 2011, meaning that ECA is now part of the university’s School of Arts, Culture and Environment. The new ECA will offer courses in art, history of art, design, music and architecture.

The Scottish Funding Council have invested £13.8 million despite education secretary Michael Russell's harsh criticism in January of ECA's prior financial management.

With some 1,600 students currently studying at ECA, there are also concerns that university facilities will be stretched and that ECA students may lose control of their existing spaces - most notably the Wee Red Bar, which is to be taken under the management of the university's Acccommodation Services department.

But Edinburgh University Students' Association president Matt McPherson told The Journal: "EUSA is one of the best student associations in the world, so when we get more members, that’s nothing but a good thing; we are broadening our horizons on what we can actually deliver.

"We’re now not only one of the best academic institutions in the world, we’re now also one of the best art colleges too. Now that the two have combined the students will feel the full benefit of that."

Mr McPherson was confident that instead of becoming a financial burden, ECA students would actually benefit the existing student body:

“Edinburgh University is a much bigger organisation than ECA and they certainly wouldn’t have taken it on if they thought it was a sinking ship. The real outcome here is the student experience and the strength of a degree from Edinburgh University, and is enhanced by the partnership with ECA.”

The University has recently increased EUSA’s grant and invested £15,000 into the refurbishment of ECA’s Wee Red Bar which Mr McPherson is determined he will be keeping “a close eye on” to make sure it continues to be student-led.

He went on to say: “This has been an institutionally-led merger but it’s now our responsibility as a student union to make sure it becomes a student-led merger.”

Abigail Barr, ECA's student president, told The Journal that "The art college has always been an exciting and vibrant place and I want to help this ethos continue now we have merged with Edinburgh University."

It is understood that Ms Barr will be the final president of ECA's independent Student Representative Council. At this stage, however, it is unclear what steps will be taken to incorporate the ECA student body into EUSA's representative structure.