MEDICAL undergraduates will no longer be trained in Stockton following an agreement between two of the regions leading universities.

The governing Councils of Durham and Newcastle Universities have approved the transfer of Durham’s School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health to Newcastle University.

Durham University’s Queen’s Campus in Stockton is home to around 2,000 full-time students, the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, the John Snow and Stephenson residential colleges and the Wolfson Research Institute.

The campus has been based in Stockton since 1992 after setting up a purpose-built base at Teesdale.

Durham University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart Corbridge said: “We value our close working relationship with Newcastle University and the transfer of the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health will ensure a sustainable and effective regional medical education provision for the region.

“Durham University remains committed to Queen’s Campus and Stockton, where plans for our International Foundation College and other investments are well advanced.”

The development involves a commitment from Newcastle University to long-term investment in medical education and training in Teesside.

The earliest any changes to programmes will take effect will be for the start of the 2017/18 academic year.

Newcastle University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Brink said: “We are making a commitment to healthcare in Teesside by investing in teaching facilities in the region. We look forward to welcoming staff and students and building on the relationships that already exist.”