UEL and Metropolitan College propose new Greek branch campus
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Published
02 April 2025
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The University of East London (UEL) and Metropolitan College (MC) have announced plans to seek approval for a fully accredited international branch campus in Greece. The proposed campus would expand access to high-quality courses for international students and strengthen UEL’s position as the UK’s leading institution for transnational education in Europe.
The plans must be accepted by the Greek government, but follow significant regulatory reform in Greek higher education, which now permits foreign universities to establish fully accredited international branch campuses. This shift is designed to meet a growing demand by Greek students for internationally recognised qualifications and for directly accredited international university degrees.
UEL’s partnership with Metropolitan College of Greece has gone from strength to strength since its establishment in 2011. It currently supports over 5,000 students enrolled in over 60 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across eight locations in Greece.
Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor and President of UEL, said,
The proposal to launch the University of East London, Greece represents a transformative step in our global engagement and ensures we remain at the forefront of transnational education excellence. The international campus would significantly enhance access to a UK-accredited degree and professional qualifications for students, broaden educational horizons and foster international academic collaboration. The University of East London is proud to combine our global outlook and commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and a careers-first education to support educational and economic growth in Greece.
Professor Paul Marshall, UEL Vice-President (Global Campus) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Careers & Enterprise), said, “This international branch campus represents a bold step in our University’s Vision 2028 strategic plan, aligning with our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and global engagement. By transitioning to a fully accredited campus, we can secure our leadership in European transnational education and create unparalleled opportunities for students in Greece and beyond.”
Professor Constantine Arcoumanis, Chair of the Academic Board at Metropolitan College, said,
We are excited to collaborate with UEL on this proposal for a branch campus. It promises to elevate the educational landscape in Greece and offer students even more pathways for success. The development of University of East London, Greece would provide our students with a directly accredited degree from one of the UK’s leading careers-first universities. We are proud to partner with an institution which has been recognised with numerous accolades, including University of the Year for Teaching Quality in 2025 by The Times & The Sunday Times Good University Guide.
Plans for the UEL Greece Campus feature state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty and a multi-site structure designed to serve diverse student needs. It would operate under Greek regulatory requirements and deliver many of its programmes in Greek, increasing accessibility for domestic students.
Courses would incorporate core components of UEL's multi-award-winning Mental Wealth & Professional Fitness curriculum, as well as parts of its Global Experiences programme. The latter initiative enriches students’ educational journeys through opportunities for study abroad, international partnerships, global internships, cultural exchanges, and language learning resources — all aimed at enhancing their personal and professional development while promoting cultural understanding and global citizenship.