Study at the Kingston University
Kingston University is a public research university located in Kingston upon Thames, South West London. The university first opened as Kingston Technical Institute in 1899, offering a wide range of courses for its students such as dressmaking, clay modelling and electric wiring. By 1970 the institute had become Kingston Polytechnic and was home to 34 leading courses. It wasn’t until 1992, almost 100 years after it was first established, that Kingston Polytechnic turned into the Kingston University it is today. Located in a historic riverside town between the borders of London and Surrey, the university is surrounded by shops, bars, pubs and restaurants. Kingston upon Thames also has easy access to the countryside and city: it is close to both Richmond Park and Hampton Court Palace and Central London is just a 25-minute train journey away.
Possessing over 2,500 staff and an annual budget of around £203 million, the university is one of the town’s biggest employers, adding £500 million to the local economy each year. Furthermore, its researchers and academics assist local organisations, using their specialised skill-sets in support of the community. The university also offers a host of public lectures, exhibitions and performances, and opens its sports and health facilities to local residents and businesses. As well as contributing to the community, Kingston University prides itself on its sustainable development and ranks near the top of the People and Planet’s Green League Table. Moreover, it collaborates with the local community on environmental projects, such as recycling.
Quick Summary
- Established: 1992
- Students: 14,285 (2021)
- Intl. Student Ratio: 37%
- Location: Kingston upon Thames, London
- Campus: Five ( Penrhyn Road campus, Kingston Hill campus, Knights Park campus, Roehampton Vale campus )
- TEF Ranking: Bronze
- THE Ranking: 81st in the UK (801 – 1000 in the World)
University Details
Subjects Offered
The Kingston University covers a broad range of subjects at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level. Find out more about what they offer and why it’s great to study at Kingston University.
- Architecture and Landscape
- Art and Design
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Science and Biochemistry
- Building and Construction
- Business
- Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical sciences
- Computing
- Construction and Surveying
- Creative Industries
- Creative Writing
- Criminology
- Drama, Dance and Music
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- English
- Environment
- Film and Media
- Forensic Science
- Geography
- Health and Social Care Sciences
- Humanities
- Journalism and Publishing
- Language and Literature
- Law
- Life Sciences
- Management, Marketing and Advertising
- Mathematics and Data Science
- Music
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Politics, Human Rights and International Relations
- Psychology
- Social Work and Social Care
- Sociology
- Sports Science and Nutrition
University Ranking (Worldwide)
According to Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2021, Kingston University is ranking at 801- 1000 in the world.
- Overall: n/a
- Teaching: 17.4
- Research: 17.7
- Citations: 36.1
- Industry Income: 33.6
- International Outlook: 85.3
University Campuses
Kingston is home to five faculties and four campuses: Penrhyn Road (the centre of student activity), Kingston Hill (set in landscaped gardens), Knights Park (home to a riverside setting) and Roehampton Vale (modern and within close proximity to Richmond Park). All of these campuses are connected by the university’s free inter-site bus service.
Additional to the four main campuses is an administration building: Hind Court on London Road which is home to the office of the Vice-Chancellor. Furthermore, art and design study students from Kingston School of Art are based at River House, on the High Street in Kingston town centre.
- Kingston University Campus 53–57 High Street Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1LQ
- Penrhyn Road Campus Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE
- Kingston Hill Campus Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7LB
- Knights Park Campus Grange Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2QJ
- Roehampton Vale Campus Friars Avenue, London, SW15 3DW