About the Cranfield University and King's College London Merger

Will Cranfield University's name change?

On merger Cranfield will no longer be an independent university. However, our unique heritage, longstanding specialisms and globally recognised name and brand will be safeguarded by becoming a part of King's College London.

How will the Cranfield name continue?

Following the merger, our Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences will become King's new and tenth faculty and its original title, the Cranfield Institute of Technology, will be restored, preserving its history and heritage.

The Cranfield Defence and Security brand name will be retained within the Cranfield Institute of Technology at its Shrivenham base, which will continue its success in applied research and collaborate with colleagues in King's world-leading School of Security Studies.

The Cranfield campus will be known as the Cranfield campus of King's College London.

What will happen to Cranfield School of Management?

The Cranfield School of Management will become part of King's Business School, retaining its external brand name as the Cranfield School of Management and its presence on the Cranfield campus.

Will the Cranfield campus stay open?

Yes, the Cranfield campus will remain open and active in its current location. We will also continue to operate from the Defence Academy at Shrivenham, COTEC on Salisbury Plain and MK:U in Milton Keynes.

What's the timeline to merger?

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in May was the first stage in a detailed process of collaboration between Cranfield and King's to merge the two universities.

This was followed by formal due diligence, the development of detailed academic and business plans, and the drafting of the legally binding merger agreement. Following approval by both universities' Councils, we have now formally agreed to merge on 1 August 2027.

There will now be a detailed process of preparation, integration planning and obtaining the necessary consents and approvals for the completion of the merger.

How do I apply for a Cranfield course?

Prospective students should apply for courses at Cranfield for entry in 2027/28 and 2028/29 via the normal application route.

Is my application and/or offer affected?

No. If you are joining Cranfield in Autumn 2027, your application and any offer you have received remain unaffected. Courses will continue as planned and there is no impact on your campus location. All conditions of entry, interview processes and admissions criteria outlined in offer letters will remain the same.

Will the courses currently advertised still run as planned?

We anticipate that courses being advertised for entry in 2027 will run as planned. In exceptional circumstances where a programme does not have the required number of students to run, we will contact offer holders to discuss alternative Cranfield study options, as part of our normal processes.

Are there any changes for international applicants when applying for visas?

There is no change for Cranfield students joining in Autumn 2027. Prospective students should apply via the normal application route.

Will there be any changes to English language requirements or admissions procedures for overseas applicants?

There is no change for Cranfield students joining in Autumn 2027.

Will the cost of courses change?

There is no change for Cranfield students joining in Autumn 2027. Fees will be as set out in offer letters and will not change for the 2027-28 academic year.

Will qualifications already awarded remain unchanged and fully recognised?

All previously awarded Cranfield University qualifications will remain unchanged. Existing Cranfield degrees will remain fully recognised. UK degree verification processes, including services such as HEDD (Higher Education Degree Datacheck), routinely maintain records for recognised institutions that have merged or changed name.

Is my degree certificate still valid from Cranfield University?

All degrees conferred from Cranfield University are still valid and will remain valid after the merger is completed. UK degree verification processes, including services such as HEDD (Higher Education Degree Datacheck), routinely maintain records for recognised institutions that have merged or changed name.

Where can I get a replacement degree certificate?

You can continue to request replacement degree certificates from the Registry department at Cranfield.

From 1 August 2027, King's will hold and maintain Cranfield student records. Graduates will continue to be able to obtain transcripts, verification letters and other official documentation.

Standard wording will be available, if needed, to explain the institutional arrangements to employers, professional bodies and other organisations.

Will I still receive a Cranfield degree if I complete my studies after merger?

From the point the merger takes place, anticipated in August 2027, Cranfield will become part of King's and all Cranfield students will become King's students. On successful completion of your degree, those of you completing your course before 1 August 2027 will receive a Cranfield University degree certificate. Those of you who complete your course from 1 August 2027 will have the option of receiving either a King's degree certificate or Cranfield University certificate. Cranfield's heritage and reputation remain important. Cranfield will continue to be recognised as an institution with a long history of awarding degrees.

How does this development affect alumni?

On merger Cranfield alumni would continue to be supported by King's, which itself is made up of several predecessor colleges. Our Cranfield alumni will remain a distinct and valued part of the wider King's alumni community, which is itself made up of many different alumni groups, including for the former Guy's, King's and St Thomas' medical schools, and this will ensure that the independent identity of Cranfield alumni is also preserved.

Cranfield alumni would also gain access to the full range of King's alumni benefits.

Will I have access to King's College London alumni benefits?

Our alumni benefits and services are currently being reviewed, and our ambition is that alumni from both universities can enjoy the benefits of a new, strengthened institution after the merger is completed.

Can I attend King's College London alumni events?

After the merger completes in August 2027, we will share with alumni details of services and benefits, including alumni events they will be able to access.

Will I still have access to the alumni portal?

Cranfield alumni will continue to access their alumni benefits and services through the alumni portal.

Will our international communities continue?

Our Cranfield alumni will remain a distinct and valued part of the wider King's alumni community, which is made up of many different alumni groups, including for the former Guy's, King's and St Thomas' medical schools, and this will ensure that the independent identity of Cranfield alumni is also preserved.

King's will continue to support Cranfield alumni groups. Our alumni benefits and services are being reviewed as a combined institution, and we will be in touch with our alumni volunteers regarding the alumni programmes going forward.

Will my donations still go to Cranfield?

All donations will continue to support the cause for which they were initially raised.

Do I need to change my direct debit?

There is nothing for you to action right now. We will be in touch with all regular donors in advance of the merger in August 2027.