Kingston University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Kingston University London is a public research university located in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in South West London, England. With origins tracing back to the Kingston Technical Institute founded in 1899, the institution has evolved significantly over the years. Initially offering courses in chemistry, electrical wiring, construction, and nursing, it expanded through the 20th century with significant milestones including the separation of the Kingston School of Art in 1930 and the formation of Kingston College of Art in 1945. In 1970, Kingston Polytechnic was created through the merger of the College of Technology and the College of Art, offering a wide range of degree-level courses. The institution further expanded in 1975 when it merged with Gipsy Hill College of Education. Kingston was granted university status in 1992 under the Further and Higher Education Act, becoming Kingston University. It has since continued to grow, opening the Roehampton Vale campus in 1993 and acquiring Dorich House in 1995. Today, Kingston University has approximately 17,000 students and an annual turnover of £192 million. It operates across four campuses located in Kingston and Roehampton. The university is structured into four faculties: Kingston School of Art; Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, which includes Kingston Business School and the School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences; Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education; and Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment. Recognised for its excellence in teaching, Kingston won The Guardian University Award for teaching in 2017. It is also a member of several academic networks including the European University Association, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, and the University Alliance. In 2021, the university launched its Future Skills campaign, emphasizing essential workplace skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability, communication, and creativity—skills highly valued by employers and vital for innovation in the UK economy.