Kingston University
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom • Founded 1970 • World Rank #1462
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1992, the Kingston University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Kingston upon Thames (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), London.
Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, Kingston University (KUL) is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. Kingston University (KUL) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 32-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
KUL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Kingston University. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.
Academic Details
The numbers below cover the academic side of Kingston University. Academic calendar conventions vary — semester, trimester, or quarter systems each carry different teaching rhythms.
Academic Structures
The academic-side structure of Kingston University, broken down by unit type. International branch campuses, where they exist, are sometimes organised as separate units with their own structure.
Unit 5 items
- Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Business and Law
- Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing
Degrees
Also Professional Doctorate 2-3 yrs postgraduate
Doctoral 22 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Biochemistry
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Cinema and Television
- Design
- Economics
- Engineering
- Film
- Fine Arts
- History
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Linguistics
- Media Studies
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Writing
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Art, Design and Architecture (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
- Art History
- Design
- Fashion Design
- Fine Arts
- Surveying and Mapping
- Town Planning
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts and Social Sciences (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Acting
- Arts and Humanities
- Economics
- History
- International Studies
- Mass Communication
- Modern Languages
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
- Writing
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business and Law (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business and Commerce
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Management
- Law
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health, Social Care and Education (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Radiology
- Social Work
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science, Engineering and Computing (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Applied Chemistry
- Automotive Engineering
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Kingston University's teaching programmes are listed below — search or scan by level. International student eligibility varies by programme — some require additional language or visa-pathway checks.
201 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Honours Degree 94 programmes
Showing 10 of 94.
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 90 programmes
Showing 10 of 90.
Doctorate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 10 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 2 programmes
How to apply to Kingston University
The standard application path for Kingston University, broken into five practical steps with the documents and channels you will need at each stage.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Kingston University offers 201 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Kingston University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit your application
Apply directly via Kingston University's online portal at www.kingston.ac.uk. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (20) 8417 9000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kingston University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Kingston University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
When did Kingston University open?
Kingston University traces its founding to 1970 (approximately 56 years ago).
What city is Kingston University in?
Kingston University operates from Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom.
What is Kingston University's control type?
Kingston University operates as a public institution.
How big is Kingston University's student body?
Kingston University serves approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
Where does Kingston University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #1462 globally and #93 in United Kingdom.
What degrees does Kingston University offer?
Kingston University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Kingston University organised academically?
The institution comprises 5 academic units.
Who recognises Kingston University?
Yes, Kingston University is recognised by Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about Kingston University?
Kingston University's official website is www.kingston.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
When shortlisting in the United Kingdom, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Kingston University, helpful for calibrating where Kingston University sits in the broader landscape.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Fellow European University Association (EUA) members alongside Kingston University are gathered below — useful if institutional networks matter to your decision. Networks shape exchange opportunities, joint degrees, and credential recognition across borders.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near Kingston University. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Beyond Kingston University, several other universities in the United Kingdom deliver focused Business & Management programmes worth exploring before you commit to a single application. Programme depth and elective range vary significantly between institutions.
Universities Compared with Kingston University
International branch campuses are common among universities at Kingston University's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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