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Kingston University

Kingston University

Kingston University

Introduction

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

Kingston University timeline

Key landmarks in our history include:

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 Penryhn 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

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Proud to celebrate and support our vibrant Kingston University communities

Welcome to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages at Kingston. Find out how we are striving to challenge ourselves to think and act differently in order that everyone in our university feels like they belong, can be their authentic selves, and are empowered to reach their full potential.

We know that our diversity brings only benefits for our students, our staff and our work. The greater variety of perspectives and experiences we have, the better we can create innovative ways of learning and teaching while developing ideas and solutions to create and foster equity and social justice.

Kingston has a long history of challenging inequality in all its forms and works hard to ensure it fulfils and exceeds its legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty. We are proud of the journey so far but recognise that there is still much work to be done. See below how we're making a difference, one step at a time.

EDI objectives and commitments

At Kingston, we see diversity as a strength and value the rich variety of backgrounds, identities and experiences our staff and students bring to the university.

We are committed to strengthening our ethos around equity for every student and member of staff and pledge to embed equality in all that we do and to reject racism in all its forms.

We are actively listening to and engaging with our staff and student community and setting new objectives and commitments that will promote a culture of acceptance without exception.

Inclusive curriculum

At Kingston, we believe that in a global and diverse world, our degree courses should reflect the experiences of a diverse range of people, with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Creating an inclusive curriculum is part of our drive to close the Degree Awarding Gap for students by making our courses more inclusive and accessible to everyone, whatever their background.

Campus Features

If you're looking for the bustle of city life without the hustle, beautiful Kingston upon Thames is the place for you. On the doorstep of the capital, Kingston is one of London's safest boroughs and offers all the highlights of city living in a leafy, riverside location.

The University's four campuses can be found in and around the town centre, with a free intersite bus connecting them. It's a lively, student-friendly location on the Thames, neighbouring historic Hampton Court Palace and two royal parks. Better still, the heart of the capital is just 30 minutes away by train.

As well as being a fantastic place to make your home, Kingston's excellent transport links make commuting simple from further afield too. With two mainline train stations, a network of bus routes, and major motorways close by, there are so many ways to reach Kingston from London and the rest of the country. And if you're travelling by air, both Gatwick and Heathrow international airports are easily accessible from Kingston by both road and public transport.

    Alumni Statistics

    Rankings

    Did you know?

    • Kingston University is ranked in the UK's top 60 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 for children's nursing, graphic design and midwifery
    • Second in London for architecture, forensic science, general nursing, media and film studies
    • Kingston School of Art's fashion degree among the best in the world in the 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

    *** HESA 2018/19

    Locations

    • Kingston upon Thames

      Penrhyn Road,55-59, KT1 2EE, Kingston upon Thames

    • Kingston upon Thames

      Kingston Hill, Surrey KT2 7LB, Kingston upon Thames

      • Kingston upon Thames

        Grange Road, KT1 2QJ, Kingston upon Thames

        • London

          Friars Avenue, SW15 3DW, London

          • Kingston upon Thames

            53–57 High Street, KT1 1LQ, Kingston upon Thames

            Questions