About Kingston University
Kingston University is a modern university in south-west London, known for exceptional creative programmes in art, design, fashion, and architecture. With strong industry connections in London's creative sector, beautiful riverside campuses, and excellent graduate employability in design fields, Kingston offers a practical, career-focused education.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 18,000 total students
- • 5,000 international students
- • 80 student societies
Location
- • Located in Kingston upon Thames
- • Public university
- • Established 1899
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation, MPharm
Popular Subjects
FashionGraphic DesignArchitectureInterior DesignBusiness ManagementFilm MakingPharmacyNursingAnimation
Student-Staff Ratio
17 : 1
Faculties & Departments
Kingston School of Art
Architecture and Landscape, Design, Fashion, Fine Art and Photography, Film and Media
Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
Kingston Business School, Law, Politics, Economics and International Relations, Criminology and Sociology
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing
Civil Engineering and Construction, Computer Science, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education
Nursing and Midwifery, Pharmacy, Social Work, Education, Rehabilitation Sciences
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: AAB - CCC depending on programme
Alternatives: IB: 26-34 points depending on programme, BTEC: DDD-MMM depending on programme, UAL Diploma accepted for creative courses
IELTS: 6
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 72
Portfolio for all creative programmes • Interview for Art, Design, and Fashion • DBS check for health and education programmes
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK Honours degree (2:1 or 2:2 depending on programme)
GPA: 2.7
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 85
Portfolio for creative programmes • Two references • Research proposal for PhD
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £15,000
- Postgraduate: £15,000
- Foundation: £14,000
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £7,500
- Food: £2,800
- Transport: £1,200
- Entertainment: £1,100
- Other: £800
- Total: £13,400
Scholarships
Kingston International Scholarship
MeritMerit-based scholarship for international students.
Value: £4,000 (Partial)
International students • Strong academic achievement
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship
MeritPremium scholarship for top international applicants.
Value: £6,000 (Partial)
Exceptional academic record • Outstanding applicants
Kingston Bursary
Need-basedFinancial support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Value: £1,000 (Partial)
UK students • Household income below £25,000
Campus & Facilities
Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2EE
Main campus in Kingston town centre with business, science, and general facilities. Beautiful location next to the River Thames with easy access to central London.
Size: 15 acres
Facilities
Academic
Kingston School of Art studios, Fashion workshops, Architecture design studios, Engineering labs, TV and film studios
Research
Centre for Fashion Business and Research, Sustainable Design Research Centre, Science Research Centre, Creative Economy Research Centre
Student Life
Kingston Students' Union, The Venue (student bar), Student Hub, Multiple cafes
Libraries
Penrhyn Road Learning Resources Centre
Main library with extensive collections, digital resources, and study spaces.
24/7 during term
Knights Park Library
Art and design specialist collections and resources.
09:00-21:00
Sports Facilities
Tolworth Court Sports Ground
Outdoor sports pitches and facilities.
University Gym
Fitness facilities across campuses.
Student Services
Student Services
Academic support, financial advice, and welfare services.
studentservices@kingston.ac.uk
Wellbeing
Mental health support, counselling, and disability services.
wellbeing@kingston.ac.uk
Careers
Career guidance with strong creative industry connections.
careers@kingston.ac.uk
Accommodation
Seething Wells
University-managedModern riverside accommodation.
Cost: £160 - £200 (per week)
En-suite rooms • River views • Social spaces • Laundry
Distance: 10-minute walk
Contract: 42-51 weeks
Chancellors Hall
University-managedPopular accommodation close to Penrhyn Road campus.
Cost: £145 - £175 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Kitchens • Common rooms • 24/7 support
Distance: 5-minute walk
Contract: 42 weeks
Various private halls
Private partnerPartnerships with private accommodation providers.
Cost: £150 - £220 (per week)
Various room types • Modern amenities • Town centre locations
Distance: 5-20 minutes
Contract: 42-51 weeks
First-year undergraduates guaranteed accommodation if applying by deadline. Apply through Kingston accommodation portal after receiving offer.
International welcome programme, airport pickup, peer mentoring.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 80
Teams: 30
Cultural Activities
- Graduate Fashion Week — Annually
- Degree Shows — Annually
- London Fashion Week — Twice yearly
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@kingston.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: No
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)20 8417 3000
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
250
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 82%
Further study: 10%
Unemployed: 5%
Average Salary
£26,000
per year (graduate)
Top Employers
Fashion houses (Burberry, Alexander McQueen)Design agenciesArchitecture firmsBBCNHSFilm production companiesGaming studiosEngineering companiesRetail brands
Career Services
- Careers and Employability: Strong creative industry connections and career support.
- Industry Placements: Placement opportunities with London's creative businesses.
- Enterprise: Support for creative entrepreneurs and start-ups.
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
London Heathrow Airport
15 km • 40 minutes by public transport
Public Transport
- Train: Kingston station with trains to London Waterloo (25 minutes). • £5.80 single to Waterloo (Oyster)
- Bus: Multiple bus routes including to central London and Heathrow. • £1.75 single
Local Area
Kingston upon Thames is an affluent London borough with excellent shopping, beautiful riverside location, and easy access to central London while maintaining a suburban feel.
Cost of Living: Medium-High
Attractions: Kingston riverside, Hampton Court Palace (nearby), Richmond Park (nearby), Kingston market, Rose Theatre
Shopping: Kingston town centre, Bentall Centre, John Lewis, Independent boutiques
Entertainment: Riverside pubs, Rose Theatre, Odeon cinema, London nightlife (accessible), Local restaurants
Additional Information
Accreditation
Royal Charter, RIBA (Architecture), ARB (Architecture), General Pharmaceutical Council (Pharmacy), NMC (Nursing)
Partnerships
- Creative: London Fashion Week — Strong alumni presence and student involvement.
- Industry: Major fashion brands — Partnerships with Burberry, Alexander McQueen, and others.
- NHS: Local NHS trusts — Clinical training for nursing and pharmacy students.
Research Highlights
- Sustainable Fashion — Research on sustainable and ethical fashion practices. (2024)
- Design Innovation — Research in product design and creative technologies. (2024)
- Space Science — Research on satellite technology and aerospace. (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Helen Storey — Fashion designer and artist (1981)
- John Richmond — Fashion designer (1982)
- Eric Underwood — Royal Ballet principal dancer (2006)
Metadata
Source: Kingston University official website, QS Rankings 2025, HESA data 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: profiles@ukuni.io