Kingston University
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Kingston University London
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Founded
1899
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
20,000+
International Students
140+ Countries
Discover Kingston University London: A Legacy of Innovation Since 1899
Discover Kingston University London: A Legacy of Innovation Since 1899
Kingston University London is a public research university located within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in South West London, England. Its roots trace back to the Kingston Technical Institute, founded in 1899, and it received full university status in 1992 after operating as Kingston Polytechnic. Today the university is home to a diverse community of more than 20,000 students from over 140 countries.
The university specialises in arts, design, fashion, science, engineering, and business, and holds a Gold rating in the UK Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Kingston is ranked number one in London for six subjects in the 2025 Guardian University Guide, including fashion and textiles, graphic design, children's nursing, and midwifery. It is also consistently recognised as one of the top UK universities for graduate start-ups.
Kingston University operates across four campuses — Penrhyn Road, Kingston Hill, Knights Park, and Roehampton Vale — all connected by a free inter-site bus service. The university's landmark Town House building, opened in 2020, won the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize in 2021 and the EU Mies van der Rohe Award in 2022, cementing Kingston's reputation for architectural and educational innovation.
Key Milestones
- 1899: Kingston Technical Institute founded, offering courses in chemistry, electric wiring, building construction, and nursing.
- 1970: College of Technology and College of Art merge to form Kingston Polytechnic, offering 34 major courses.
- 1992: Kingston Polytechnic receives full university status and becomes Kingston University.
- 2021: The Town House building wins the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best new building in the UK.
Academic Structure and Faculties at Kingston University
Academic Structure and Faculties at Kingston University
Kingston University is organised into four faculties offering over 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The university's Future Skills programme, developed through research with leading businesses, embeds nine graduate attributes into every course to ensure students develop the skills most valued by employers alongside their subject-specific learning.
Kingston School of Art
One of the UK's leading art schools with a heritage dating back to 1899. Kingston School of Art is renowned for its fashion, design, architecture, and fine art programmes, with fashion ranked among the best in the world by Business of Fashion.
- Fashion BA (Hons)
- Architecture BA (Hons)
- Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
Combines Kingston Business School and the School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences. Kingston Business School holds EPAS accreditation and offers professionally recognised programmes in international business and marketing.
- Business Management BSc (Hons)
- International Business Management MSc
- Law LLB (Hons)
Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
Established in 2022, this faculty delivers programmes in nursing, midwifery, social work, teacher training, life sciences, chemistry, and pharmacy. It is based across the Kingston Hill and Penrhyn Road campuses.
- Nursing (Adult) BSc (Hons)
- Midwifery BSc (Hons)
- Pharmacy MPharm
Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
Also established in 2022, this faculty covers mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering, computing, geography, and environmental science. It maintains specialist facilities including a Scene of Crime House and aerospace laboratories.
- Aerospace Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Computer Science BSc (Hons)
- Civil Engineering BEng (Hons)
Kingston Business School
Part of the Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Kingston Business School operates from a dedicated GBP 26 million building on the Kingston Hill campus. Its full-time MBA has been ranked in the top 50 in Europe by QS.
- MBA (Full-Time)
- Marketing and Advertising BSc (Hons)
- Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)
International Study Centre
Kingston's International Study Centre provides foundation and pre-sessional English programmes designed to prepare international students for direct entry into undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses at the university.
- International Foundation Year
- Pre-Sessional English Programme
- International Year One in Business
Admission Requirements for Kingston University
Admission Requirements for Kingston University
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application MethodApply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- Entry RequirementsUCAS Tariff points vary by course; typically A-levels or equivalent qualifications required
- English Language (IELTS)IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component); some programmes require higher
- Application FeeGBP 28.95 via UCAS
- Documents RequiredAcademic transcripts, personal statement, and references
Postgraduate Admissions
- Application MethodApply directly through the Kingston University online application system
- Entry RequirementsA relevant bachelor's degree; specific grade requirements vary by programme
- English Language (IELTS)IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component); some programmes require higher
- Application FeeNo application fee for postgraduate applications
- Documents RequiredAcademic transcripts, degree certificates, personal statement, CV, and references
Submit undergraduate applications by mid-January for equal consideration across all UK universities.
Late undergraduate applications accepted until the end of June, subject to course availability.
Postgraduate applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply early as courses close when places are filled.
International students applying for September intake should submit applications by mid-August to allow time for visa processing.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Kingston University
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Kingston University
Tuition fees at Kingston University vary by programme and student status. Home (UK) students benefit from government-regulated fees, while international students should budget for higher tuition rates. The university offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help ease the financial burden of studying.
| Fee Category | Home (UK) Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,250 | GBP 15,000 – GBP 19,500 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | GBP 8,700 – GBP 17,900 | GBP 15,000 – GBP 25,000 |
| Accommodation (per week) | GBP 150 – GBP 200 | GBP 150 – GBP 200 |
| Living Expenses (per month, London) | Approx. GBP 1,334 | Approx. GBP 1,334 |
| Total | Contact the university for current total cost estimates | Contact the university for current total cost estimates |
International Merit-Based Scholarship
A limited number of GBP 5,000 scholarships for international students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate taught courses. The award is applied toward first-year tuition fees.
- Award Amount: GBP 5,000
- Eligibility: International students holding an offer from Kingston University
- Application: Online form with offer letter, 300-word personal statement, and 1-minute video
Kingston Bursary
At least 500 bursaries worth GBP 2,000 each are available annually to support home students to achieve their full potential. Over GBP 1.7 million in financial support is distributed each year.
- Award Amount: GBP 2,000
- Number Available: At least 500 per year
- Eligibility: Home (UK) students meeting specific financial criteria
Campus and Facilities at Kingston University
Campus and Facilities at Kingston University
Kingston University operates across four distinct campuses in Kingston upon Thames and Roehampton, each offering a unique learning environment. All campuses are connected by a free inter-site bus service, and the university has invested significantly in modern facilities, including the award-winning Town House building.
Winner of the 2021 RIBA Stirling Prize, Town House features a three-floor library with over 1,000 study spaces, dance studios, a studio theatre, cafes, and a rooftop garden.
Set in landscaped gardens three miles from the town centre, Kingston Hill is home to the Business School, nursing, education, music, and social care programmes.
A riverside campus providing a picturesque setting for Kingston School of Art students studying architecture, art and design, and fine art.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
Kingston University has six halls of residence located across its campuses and in nearby Surbiton, offering a range of room types to suit different budgets.
- Chancellors and Walkden halls at Kingston Hill campus
- Middle Mill adjacent to Knights Park campus
- Clayhill, Seething Wells, and Kingston Bridge House in surrounding areas
Dining and Campus Services
Each campus offers cafes and catering facilities, with the Town House building featuring two cafes and a covered courtyard. The Kingston town centre provides additional dining options.
- Multiple cafes across all four campuses
- Over 500 shops and restaurants in Kingston town centre
- Free inter-site bus connecting all campuses
Student Life at Kingston University
Student Life at Kingston University
Kingston University offers a vibrant student experience with over 100 clubs and societies, strong sports programmes, and a lively campus culture. Located in a safe, riverside town just 25 minutes from central London, students enjoy the best of both suburban tranquillity and big-city excitement.
Kingston upon Thames: Your Study Destination
Kingston upon Thames: Your Study Destination
Life in Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames is a historic riverside town in South West London, positioned between the borders of London and Surrey. It offers a unique blend of vibrant urban life and green open spaces, with central London just a 25-minute train ride away. Consistently reported as one of London's safest boroughs, Kingston is an ideal student location with over 500 shops, riverside walks, and a thriving cultural scene.
Proximity to Central London
Just 25 minutes by train to London Waterloo, giving students easy access to world-famous museums, galleries, internships, and nightlife.
Historic Landmarks
Close to Hampton Court Palace, the former home of Henry VIII, and the ancient Coronation Stone where Saxon kings were crowned.
Parks and Green Spaces
Richmond Park, Bushy Park, and the Thames riverside are all within easy reach, offering beautiful natural surroundings for relaxation and recreation.
Shopping and Entertainment
Kingston town centre features over 500 shops, from department stores to independent boutiques, along with a vibrant selection of restaurants, pubs, and a weekly market.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Notable Employers and Industry Links
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Kingston University provides comprehensive guidance on CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letters and Student Route visa applications. The UK student visa costs GBP 525, and the Immigration Health Surcharge is GBP 776 per year after the student discount.
The International Study Centre offers foundation and pre-sessional English programmes to help students meet the academic and language requirements for direct entry into degree courses.
International students must pay a minimum of 50% of tuition fees in advance to complete enrolment. The university accepts payments via its online Payment Portal in local currencies with no additional charges.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Kingston University Worldwide Rankings
Kingston University Worldwide Rankings
Kingston University is recognised in multiple international and national ranking systems. The university demonstrates particular strength in creative disciplines such as art, design, and fashion, and has been consistently ranked among the top young universities globally.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 100 Globally |
| Fashion and Textiles | Guardian University Guide | #2 in UK |
| Mental Health Nursing | Guardian University Guide | #2 in UK |
| Graphic Design | Guardian University Guide | #4 in UK |
Features
Kingston University is a vibrant public research university in southwest London, known for its strong focus on practical learning, innovation, and employability. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs across fields such as arts, business, engineering, health, and social sciences. The university combines modern facilities with a supportive campus environment, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and professional skills. Kingston is recognized for its TEF Gold teaching excellence, strong industry connections, and high graduate employment rates. It also provides flexible learning options, including foundation courses, degree apprenticeships, and short professional programs, making it accessible and career-focused.
Accommodation
Kingston University London offers comprehensive accommodation services for students.
Work While Studying
Kingston University London allows students to work while studying, subject to visa conditions.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Kingston University London offers comprehensive internship services to support students in gaining practical experience and enhancing employability.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
August - January
Location
53-57 High Street Kingston upon Thames, Greater, London KT1 1LQ, United Kingdom
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