Merger with Edinburgh College of Art, 2011
On 1 August 2011, the Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) merged with the University of Edinburgh.
Previous collaboration
A jointly taught MA (Honours) in Fine Art had been continuously offered by the University and ECA since 1946. Collaboration, however, dated back to the 19th century when the university established academic links with ECA's predecessor body, the Trustees Academy School of Art. These links were strengthened in 2003, when the University became the accrediting body for ECA, validating its programme of study and awarding its degrees. In the following years, the University and ECA partnered each other in a range of collaborative teaching, research, and cultural projects. These culminated in the merger of the two bodies' Architecture departments to form the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA).
Reasons for Merger
As collaboration intensified, a consensus emerged that a combined institution would offer the greatest range of opportunity and security for both the University and ECA in an increasingly challenging economic climate. Merger could lead to the development of innovative interdisciplinary programmes of study and research projects, offering a richer experience for both staff and students, providing a greater breadth of facilities and services, and generating new income streams. In February 2010, following initial discussions, the University Court and the Board of Governors of ECA authorized their respective Principals to enter negotiations with a view to drawing up a plan of merger.
Timetable for Merger
The two Principals, Sir Timothy O'Shea for the University of Edinburgh and
Principals of two bodies given permission to discuss merger by their governing boards in Feb 2010
ECA Board of Governors agree to plan 21 Sept 2010
University Court agreed 21 Sept 2010
The proposals have also received the backing of the student and staff representatives at Edinburgh College of Art as well as the Edinburgh University Students' Association. The merger will now go before the Scottish Parliament and if final approval is granted, it is hoped to take place on 1 August. Proposal then submitted to Scottish Government which launched a twelve week public consultation
Approved by Scottish Government in January 2011. The move will be backed by £13.8m of new investment from the Scottish Funding Council. The decision follows a 12-week public consultation.
, reconstituted as a school of the same name within the College of Humanities and Social Science.
Sources
- 'Edinburgh College of Art: Report on Research Centres', November 2013 [[1], accessed 29 September 2014]
- 'Edinburgh College of Art/University of Edinburgh Merger Discussions:Frequently Asked Questions' [[2], accessed 29 September 2014]
- 'Edinburgh College of Art/University of Edinburgh Merger Discussions and Employment: Frequently Asked Questions for Staff' [[3], accessed 29 September 2014]