Kingston University is a leading London university, ranked among the top 60 in the UK and is well known for its progressive approach to education. 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.
Through our visionary Town House Strategy we are transforming students’ education by embedding the future skills sought after by businesses and professional organisations across our curriculum. Central to our Town House Strategy is our sector-leading Future Skills campaign, which has been highlighting the economic imperative of skills for innovation since its creation in 2021. Backed by parliamentarians, peers, government policymakers and leading businesses, it seeks to drive a thriving national economy by preparing students for careers in a rapidly evolving workplace. The roll out of a new model of education across the University since September 2023 has seen all new undergraduates become the first to benefit from Future Skills modules being embedded in their course programmes to prepare them for career success.
Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold rating. As well as receiving an overall rating of Gold, we also secured a Gold award in the framework’s two new student experience and student outcomes categories.
As of 1 December 2024, Kingston University London had 20,871 students:
- 14,982 undergraduate/foundation level students
- 5,889 postgraduate level students
- Over 16,632 full-time students
- Over 4,239 part-time students
- 16,508 home/EU students and 4,363 overseas students (based on domicile)
Over half of our students identify as Black and minority ethnic and our student population is further diversified by gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, faith and age – almost 50 per cent are mature students.
With a burgeoning national and international reputation, the University leads the capital in fashion and textiles, graphic design, children’s nursing, midwifery and geography in the 2025 Guardian University Guide. It is also widely acclaimed for its work boosting social mobility, ensuring graduates emerge from their degree programmes ready to make an important contribution to their own communities and the wider workforce.
The University additionally places strong emphasis on fostering collaboration and partnerships with businesses and other organisations to support the region’s economic, cultural and educational vitality. We are consistently ranked one of the top higher education institutions nationally for graduate start-ups. We are also highly regarded for our research. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 70% of the University’s research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Our Vision
Our vision is for Kingston University London to be sought after by students and staff as a place to further their ambitions and to have impact on our communities. Our students and staff will be sought after for their skills, knowledge and ability to innovate.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance students’ life chances, support staff ambitions and strengthen Kingston University’s impact on industry, policy and the professions to enable a sustainable future socially, economically and environmentally.
Our Values
We strive to be:
Inclusive: To value the diversity of students and staff, treating all our community with respect.
Innovative: To apply new methods or ideas to drive progress.
Ambitious: To pursue excellence for individuals, the University and our communities.
Enterprising: To recognise and act on opportunities.
Our Governance Structure
Role of the Board of Governors
The Board of Governors is the University’s strategic decision-making body and is responsible for its strategic direction, which includes determining its educational character and mission; overseeing its financial viability; and making key policy decisions.
The Board of Governors has up to 20 members, comprising external governors; staff and student governors; and the University’s Vice-Chancellor. Further details can be found at: Board of Governors – How the University works – Kingston University London
Role of Board Committees
The Board of Governors has established five standing committees to support its work. These are: Academic Governance Committee; Audit and Risk Assurance Committee; Finance Committee; Nominations and Governance Committee; and Remuneration Committee.
Role of the Senior Leadership Team
Governors work closely with the University’sSenior Leadership Team (SLT), which is the University’s most senior executive decision-making body. It is responsible for designing and delivering the University strategy, and the efficient and effective management of the University. Further details can be found at: Senior Leadership Team – Kingston University London
Our Organisational Structure
The University has the following structure:
Four faculties: (i) Business and Social Science; (ii) Engineering, Computing and the Environment (iii) Kingston School of Art; and (iv) Health, Science, Social Care and Education.
Four directorates: (i) Academic Services; (ii) Corporate Services; (iii) Finance, Human Resources and Infrastructure; and (iv) Student Services.
We have four campuses in or close to Kingston-upon-Thames: (i) Penrhyn Road; (ii) Knights Park; (iii) Kingston Hill; and (iv) Roehampton Vale.