The move will include future investment in medical training in the region.

Both universities’ governing Councils have approved the relocation of the School from Durham University’s Stockton campus to Newcastle University. The earliest any changes will take effect will be for the start of the 2017/18 academic year.

The transfer of the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health to Newcastle University will ensure a coherent and sustainable regional medical education provision for the future. It positions Newcastle as one of the few Universities in the leading Russell Group which will be able to offer programmes and research in medicine, dentistry, biomedical sciences, psychology and pharmacy with synergies across all three of its Faculties. 

Currently, the School’s Pharmacy programme is delivered solely by Durham University.  However, the undergraduate medical programme is delivered through a partnership between Durham and Newcastle. Each year, 99 medical students are trained for the first two years at Durham University’s Queen’s Campus, Stockton, while the remaining 244 are wholly trained in Newcastle.  All students spend their final three years placed in hospitals, GP practices and community settings under the management of Newcastle University.

Under the new arrangements, all students will undertake their entire undergraduate degree programme as Newcastle University students.

Newcastle University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Brink said: “We work closely with Durham University in many areas, building collaborations that facilitate world-class research and ensuring the highest quality education for students.

“The transfer of the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health will ensure a sustainable, coherent and effective regional medical education provision for the future.

“As part of this, Newcastle University will be making a long-term commitment to healthcare training on Teesside by investing in facilities in the area. We look forward to welcoming staff and students and building on the relationships that already exist.”

Read here the joint statement from both Universities on the move.