Overview

Kingston University is a diverse and exciting school with a reputation for excellent teaching that puts it near the top of lists of the world’s young universities and among the best in the UK for a number of academic fields. Students from all over the world flock to Kingston University, which is located just outside of London and provides easy access to all the world’s finest city has to offer.

Kingston offers various undergraduate and graduate programmes, including several recognised as among the best in the country by The Guardian University Guide 2021. The Fashion degree at Kingston University is one of just two in the United Kingdom to have been awarded the highest possible “Badges of Excellence” by the leading influencer website Business of Fashion, making it one of the best places in the world to study fashion.

History

Kingston University London was established in 1889 in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, the United Kingdom and aims to develop students’ potential, bring a transformative change into their life, and improves society. The university, which attracts students from across the globe, provides students with numerous degree programmes. Students can select a programme that reflects their interests and can help them meet the demands of working in a modern workplace setting. The UK university has four campuses, which are situated in and around the city of the Thames.

The Thames is London’s student-friendly borough with a train ride just half an hour or 30 minutes away from the capital. Other interesting facts include the university ranked in the United Kingdom’s top 40 Universities in the 2021 Guardian University Guide. Kingston University London is the top UK university for designs and crafts, covering creative and cultural sectors, interior design, graphic design, animation, product design, furniture design, and illustration. The university ranks third in the United Kingdom and first in London for fashion, textiles, and education.

It ranks seventh in the United Kingdom and first in London for pharmacology and pharmacy, journalism, sports science, publishing, and public relations. It ranks in first place in London for biosciences and midwifery and nursing, which it runs with the St. George’s University of London. The Business of Fashion listings has ranked the university’s fashion programme as one of the best in the world. Kingston University London is one of the top universities in London and is one of the top 200 young universities around the world. Since its establishment, Kingston University London has earned a stellar reputation among both national and international students.

Ranking and Achievements

  • 92nd in the Times University Guide 2023
  • 55th in the Guardian University Guide 2023
  • Top 10 London University (Guardian University Guide 2023)
  • Ranked top 5 for Fashion (Guardian University Guide 2023)
  • Ranked top 10 for Design & Crafts, Nursing & Midwifery, Film Production & Photography (Guardian University Guide 2022)
  • Ranked top 20 for Art, Architecture, Biosciences, Media & Film Studies, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Politics (Guardian University Guide 2022)
  • Top 250 young universities in the world (THE Young University Rankings 2020)
  • Number One in the world for MBA graduate start-ups (QS TopMBA.com)
  • 95% of graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduating (HESA 2015/16)

In REF2021, 23% of Kingston’s research was rated the highest international quality (4*), up from 16% in REF2014. Kingston also came in fifth of the 14 universities that comprise the University Alliance.

More than seventy per cent of all research was scored either a 4 or a 3 in five different Assessment Units. They were Art and Design, Allied Health, the Performing Arts, Computer Science, and Language. Most of the submitted works in art and design were considered to be of the highest possible calibre.

Faculties

  • Kingston School of Art
  • Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education
  • Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing

Courses

Students Statistics

  • Undergraduate – 71%
  • Postgraduate – 29%
  • Full-time students –87%
  • Part-time students –13%
  • UK students– 74%
  • EU students-4%
  • International students –22%
  • Female – 57%
  • Male – 43%

Breakdown of the Fees Structure

International students will have to pay around £14,000 – £17,000.

Scholarships

Kingston University London provides international scholarships to students from abroad worth up to £2,000 for the first year. The scholarship is for the September intake and is offered to students enrolled in their undergraduate or postgraduate programme.

The university also offers an alumni discount of 10% on the tuition fee for a graduated undergrad taking a postgraduate programme at the university. Postgraduate progression scholarship provides students with 15% off on their tuition fee for undergraduates starting their postgraduate programme immediately from the university, but it can’t be combined with the alumni discount.

Kingston School of Art Sino-British Fellowship Trust bursary offers students doing their Masters in Curating Contemporary Design £10,000 in research funds for students carrying out their research projects in the United Kingdom or China.

Do you want to study here? If you’re an international student confused with the application process to enrol in Kingston University London, we can help you and make the process easier. Contact us today to set up a consultation.

Facilities & Services

Kingston University London provides students with an ambassadorship programme with 600 roles available for students to fill. The student ambassador programme offers training, competitive pay, and flexibility.

The university also offers numerous local part-time jobs from social care to sports coaching through the job affairs they host. The university assigns each student a personal tutor to help them manage their work. You can visit the Academic Success Centre, which each faculty provides to its students, for confidential advice.

Students who need to improve their language and academic skills can choose from several tutorials and courses. Kingston University London provides tutoring and drop-in sessions for students with learning differences.

Student Life

Kingston University London’s unique location offers students the benefit of living in a thriving and flourishing city situated by the beautiful Thames River. The city’s nightlife scene and numerous stores are some of the reasons why students enrol in the UK university. Students can take in the breath-taking beauty of exotic and calming nature before them. Students can visit Richmond Park and the Bushy Park, including a stunning riverside location near the Hampton Court Palace.

The city’s lively arts scene with several museums and music venues will keep students entertained on the weekends. Students can also visit the University of London’s Stanley Picker Gallery. Students can either partake in performances as a performer or an audience at the Rose Theatre. On the weekends, students can grab a bite at the various bars, cafes, and restaurants around the city. They can visit the cinema with a 15-inch screen or try their luck at bowling. They can also travel by train to visit all the major and popular attractions in London.

The city has over 500 stores and an active marketplace, hence making it a popular centre for shopping. Students can also check out Kingston University London’s sports facilities at the Tolworth Court. The university’s ideal location places it near several top venues such as the Wimbledon tennis and the rugby union stadium in Twickenham.

Student Statistics

  • 75% Undergraduates
  • 25% Postgraduates
  • 85% Full-time students
  • 15% Part-time students
  • 80% from the UK
  • 5% from the EU
  • 15% from around the world
  • 41% Male
  • 59% Female
  • Over 10,000 to 25,000 Student Population

Accommodations

Self-catered accommodation costs £4,960 to £16,500 each year.

All first-year undergraduate students studying full-time at the KingstonUniversity London received guaranteed living accommodation for the September enrolment period. There are 2,440 rooms in the halls of residence with most rooms featuring en-suite facilities. Flats can accommodate up to eight students.

The halls are on or near the main campuses of the university. Students can take inter-site bus service for free to roam around the town of Kingston. Students searching for rental living accommodation out of the university can consult with the university to aid them in their search. The university also manages local properties in the area. International or EU students enrolled at the UK university for less than one year and for the first time can reserve a room in lodgings.

Transport

Students can take the inter-site bus service free of charge to travel around the university easily. The bus service is environmentally-friendly and has a mobile tracker and disabled access. Students can rent an electronic bike to travel between Kingston Hills and Penrhyn Road. The university’s transport links feature two train stations, motorways, and a network of busses that make the commute easier. The Heathrow and Gatwick international airports are easily accessible from the university via public transport and road.

Location

Kingston University is located in the vibrant riverfront town of Kingston-upon-Thames, only 25 minutes by rail from the heart of London. From the historic district, it’s easy to get to both Gatwick and Heathrow airports. The historic district also has a lot of shops, bars, and clubs. Hampton Court Palace, the River Thames, and the beautiful Richmond Royal Park are all within easy walking distance.

The university has five different campuses, each specialising in a different field of study. The four campuses of Kingston Hill, Penrhyn Road, Knights Park, and Roehampton Vale are all located in or near the heart of Kingston. The medical centre at St. George’s is also in London, and it’s not hard to get to Kingston.

FAQ

What is Kingston University famous for?

According to The Guardian’s 2023 University Rankings, Kingston is one of the top 60 institutions in the United Kingdom. For those interested in fields like interior design, fashion and textiles, mental and health nursing, graphic design, or even midwifery, this is London’s finest educational institution.

Where is Kingston University located?

Kingston University is located in the town of Kingston upon Thames, which is in southwest London.

What are some of the programmes offered at Kingston University?

Kingston University offers a wide range of programmes across its four faculties, including Business and Social Sciences, Science, Engineering and Computing, Arts, Design and Architecture, and Health, Social Care and Education. Some popular programmes include business management, computer science, fashion, nursing, and psychology.

Is Kingston University a good school?

Kingston University is generally well-regarded and has consistently ranked well in various university league tables in the UK. In the 2022 Guardian University Guide, it ranked 56th out of 121 universities in the UK.

Does Kingston University have a good reputation for research?

Kingston University is getting a better name for its research, especially in art and design, engineering, health and social care, and other fields. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) of 2014, 60% of Kingston University’s research was rated as either world-leading or internationally excellent.

What is student life like at Kingston University?

Student life at Kingston University is diverse and lively, with many social and cultural events happening on campus throughout the year. The student union at the university is big and very active. It brings together clubs and societies, sports teams, and student-run media. Kingston upon Thames is also a lively town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore.

What are the entry requirements for Kingston University?

Entry requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study, but generally, undergraduate students will need to have completed high school or an equivalent qualification, while postgraduate students will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Some programmes may also have specific subject requirements or language proficiency requirements. It’s best to check the university’s website for specific entry requirements for the programme you’re interested in.

Does Kingston University offer scholarships?

Yes, Kingston University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help students with the cost of tuition and living expenses. Some scholarships are based on academic merit, while others are based on financial need or other criteria. It’s worth checking the university’s website for information on available scholarships and how to apply.

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