Kingston University

At Kingston, contemporary thinking meets a riverside setting. The university is pioneering the Future Skills model of education, which embeds careers-focused training across all undergraduate courses. This programme, which is designed to teach skills like empathy and resilience, aims to prepare students for an increasingly AI-influenced job market. 

Students are based at four campuses in southwest London, with a focus on recent investment at its Penrhyn Road site. The striking new Town House building and upgraded social spaces have enhanced the campus. The Kingston School of Art, located at the Knights Park campus, has been transformed by a £29 million project that added a significant amount of creative teaching space. 

Kingston is a draw for students who enjoy its small town atmosphere and River Thames views within a 30-minute commute to central London. 

What is Kingston University’s reputation? 

A university since 1992, Kingston traces its roots to the Kingston Technical Institute, which was founded in 1899 and offered courses ranging from dressmaking and clay modelling to electric wiring, nursing and chemistry. Creative courses are among its most successful, with strong results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), where Kingston now ranks 70th.

The university also performed well in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), earning triple gold ratings (up from bronze). Assessors praised the "supportive learning environment" and the Future Skills framework for preparing students for their future ambitions. Kingston's students are in the upper half nationally for satisfaction with teaching quality (61=) and do slightly better for overall experience (51=) in our National Student Survey analysis.

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What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?

Nine new degrees will be available from September 2025, including interaction design, historic building conservation, and nursing. Kingston is closing its humanities department, with no new admissions to degrees in English or philosophy. The Kingston Language Scheme's short courses in modern languages are also being withdrawn.

What are Kingston University’s entry requirements — and my chances of getting in?

Offers typically range from 96 to 144 Ucas tariff points. Last year, nearly 6,000 new undergraduates were accepted, the highest number in a decade, with about a quarter of admissions coming through clearing.

What are the graduate prospects?

The Future Skills program works with partners like John Lewis and the Civil Aviation Authority. Other career initiatives include the "Beyond Barriers" mentoring scheme and the "Elevate" accelerator program for UK-based black students. The university is also expanding its portfolio of degree apprenticeships in healthcare. Despite these efforts, Kingston is ranked 114th for graduate prospects, based on the proportion of graduates in highly skilled work or further study after 15 months.

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What is Kingston University’s campus like?

The university has four campuses: Penrhyn Road and Knights Park near the town centre, Kingston Hill and Roehampton Vale. Recent investments include the £50 million Town House, which won the 2021 Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling prize. It has an auditorium, informal learning spaces, a studio theatre and a library. Its special collections include Iris Murdoch and Stephen Sondheim archives.

The Penrhyn Road main building has upgraded social spaces, a kitchen for commuting students and a careers hub. 

The Kingston School of Art has benefited from a £29 million transformation adding 9,000 sq m of creative teaching space and workshops.

Roehampton Vale's aerospace degrees benefit from the university's own Learjet and flight simulator.

When can I visit?

kingston.ac.uk

Everything you need to know about Kingston University’s student life and wellbeing support

Tolworth Court, three miles from the main campus, provides outdoor sports facilities including 12 football pitches, two rugby pitches, and three tennis courts. The university also offers access to local facilities like Kingston Rowing Club and the White Spider climbing centre.

The Stanley Picker Gallery at the Knights Park campus works with artists, designers and students to display a broad programme of exhibitions and events. 

The Visconti Studio is a standout music facility with a live room stocked with instruments and rare recording equipment.

A weekly in-person social group is available to help combat feelings of isolation. Students can access both remote and in-person appointments with the disability and mental health service and counselling team.

What do the students say?

“The integrated Future Skills programme has reignited my passion for forensic psychology and has given me a deeper insight into the career I want in the future.”
Paulina Lipiec, first-year forensic psychology student

What about student accommodation at Kingston University?

There are just less than 2,300 spaces available in halls, and first-year full-time students are given priority. The university's halls at Seething Wells and Kingston Hill have undergone a £55 million refurbishment.

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How diverse and inclusive is Kingston University?

The student population is one of the most ethnically diverse (70.8 per cent, ranked 10th) and more than half of its recruits are the first in their family to go to university (51.6 per cent, 46=). An inclusive curriculum framework has been designed to make all students feel that they belong.

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at Kingston University

Financial support includes the £2,000 Kingston Bursary for at least 500 entrants from low-income households. Students who are care leavers or estranged from their families are eligible for a bursary of £1,500 a year. The university also provides a bursary of £500 to £1,000 a year to young adult carers.