Imperial College London to begin negotiations to withdraw from the University of London

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-Imperial College London Court and Council

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For immediate use
Friday 9 December 2005

Imperial College London to begin negotiations to withdraw from the University of London

The governing Council of Imperial College London today agreed that the College will take the first steps towards withdrawal from the University of London.

The College will now meet with the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Sir Graeme Davies, and his team to discuss the terms of its withdrawal.

Imperial is an entirely self-governing institution and the University of London plays no role in its decision-making processes.

The College also has a direct relationship with funding councils and collaborates with other London institutions without the involvement of the central University.

Sir Richard Sykes, Rector of Imperial College London, said: "Imperial has an international reputation that is independent of the University of London. It is absolutely right that we should promote our own identity and award our own degrees.

"We value our many collaborative relationships with colleagues in other London institutions, which were formed independently of the central University and will certainly continue to flourish regardless of our decision today."

Imperial applied for and received degree-awarding powers from the Privy Council in 2003, which are as yet unused. It estimates that the first undergraduate students who would receive Imperial College degrees would be the 2008 intake. All current students would receive University of London degrees or be given the choice of converting to an Imperial degree.

The College will now seek an amendment to its Charter from the Privy Council to remove a clause requiring it to observe the Statutes of the University of London.

For further information contact:

Abigail Smith
Imperial College London Press Office
Tel: 020 7594 6701
Email: abigail.smith@imperial.ac.uk

Notes to editors:

About Imperial College London

Consistently rated in the top three UK university institutions, Imperial College London is a world leading science-based university whose reputation for excellence in teaching and research attracts students (11,000) and staff (6,000) of the highest international quality.
Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and management and delivers practical solutions that enhance the quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.
Website: www.imperial.ac.uk