Its current form as a constituent college of the University of London will end in 2018.

But a statement following a governors' meeting noted that the Jesuit-run institution's "mission and work will not [end]".

Heythrop, which specialises in theology and philosophy, has been struggling with a budget shortfall following the rise in student fees and increasing administration costs.

Merger talks with St Mary's University in Twickenham did not reach a formal negotiating stage.

The college has about 650 students and employs 91 people, including 45 academic staff.

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