Kingston University London - Kingston Hill

At Kingston University, we are passionate about enhancing our students' life chances by helping them make the most of their learning opportunity and equipping them with the future skills and knowledge needed in the 21st Century's demanding workplace.

We take great pride in the difference we make to the lives of our 16,499 students and the wider community we serve. We are constantly striving to provide excellent services and to continue to make a positive contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of the borough.

Over the last 10 years we have achieved a lot by investing in our estate and over the next 10 years we hope to continue to improve and transform our campuses by providing an even better teaching and learning experience, and upgraded facilities for students, staff and the local community.

Kingston University timeline:

1899: Kingston Technical Institute opens, offering courses ranging from Chemistry, Electric Wiring and Building Construction to Nursing, Dressmaking and Clay Modelling

1917: Gipsy Hill College for teacher training opens

1926: The Board of Education formally recognises the Institute as a Technical College

1930: The Kingston School of Art separates from the Technical College (moving to Knights Park in 1939 and becoming a College of Art in 1945)

1946: Gipsy Hill College moves to Kingston Hill

1951: The first Penrhyn Road campus buildings open (by 1963 they are housing 955 full-time students; 2,259 part-time students and 2,629 evening students)

1953: The Technical College opens its first library (with lending services starting in 1954)

1957: The Ministry of Education recognises Kingston as a Regional College of Technology

1963: Gipsy Hill College gains College of Education status

1965: The College of Technology establishes its own orchestra

1966: The College of Technology purchases its first computer, costing £50,000

1970: The College of Technology and the College of Art merge to form Kingston Polytechnic; it offers 34 major courses, 17 of which at degree level

1975: Gipsy Hill College merges with Kingston Polytechnic

1992: Kingston Polytechnic becomes Kingston University

1993: Roehampton Vale campus building opens

1995: The University acquires Dorich House

1999: The University celebrates its centenary

How the University works?

• Kingston University is a corporate body created by statute.
• The Board of Governors is responsible for the strategic direction of the University. It is chaired by Francis Small.
• The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steven Spier, is responsible for all aspects of the operation of the University. He is assisted in the discharge of his duties by the Senior Leadership Team, which meets regularly to discuss and advise on key issues.
• The Academic Council is the University's senior consultative committee for all academic matters, and has authority to act via the University's Instrument and Articles of Government. It is responsible for providing assurance to the Board of Governors and for guiding and providing advice to the Vice-Chancellor on academic matters.
• The four faculties of academic staff are divided into schools.
• The central and support departments help staff and students.
• The academic year is divided into three terms.

The University's mission:

• Our mission is to promote participation in higher education and the University's Strategic Plan assesses our progress and looks to the future.
• The campus development plan is a multi-million pound investment in our estate to benefit students, staff and the local community.
• The University policies and regulations ensure we maintain high standards.

Other bodies the University works with:

Through these networks, we aim to widen access to education and collaborate with key stakeholders.

• Our partner institutions include further education colleges.
• Our business and industry links provide a bridge between education and commerce.
• Our local community involvement ranges from cultural events to sporting facilities.

Did you know?

• Kingston University is ranked a top 5 university in London in 21 subjects in the 2023 Guardian University Guide*
• Top in London for interior design
• Top in London and second in the UK for fashion and textiles and mental health nursing
• Top in London and fifth in the UK for children's nursing
• Top in London for graphic design and midwifery
• Second in London for architecture, forensic science, general nursing, media and film studies
• Kingston is ranked No.9 in the UK overall for Forensic Science, with the second-highest graduate outcomes nationally (Complete University Guide 2023)
• Kingston School of Art's fashion degree among best in the world in Business of Fashion listings
• We have 13,105 home/European students, and 3,680 overseas students from more than 140 countries
• 95% of our graduates are in work or further study six months after graduating**
• 70% of the University's research submission was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2022

* Guardian League Table 2023

** Higher Education – Business and Community Interaction Survey

Admission requirements vary from country to country. Kindly contact our admissions counsellor for more information!