Merger of institutions enters next phase

The prospective merger of the Northern College of Education with Aberdeen and Dundee universities has taken a further step forward with the formal draft merger document being issued for widespread consultation.

A statement from the three institutions says they have fully considered the financial implications, and no resources will be diverted from existing university work to support the two new faculties of education. It is hoped that the governing bodies will back the proposals by the end of June.

Scottish Office approval would then be sought, with the mergers taking place by August 2000.