Kingston University is superbly placed for students to take advantage of London's many activities and attractions, as well as being close to one of the largest employment centres in the world. Students at Kingston University will be able to benefit from award-winning teaching quality during their studies and go onto join a global network of alumni across different industries and sectors upon graduation.
There's always a lot happening at Kingston University. The Town House building, located in the Penrhyn Road campus, took the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2021 for Britain's Best New Building. Not only that, but it won the Mies Van der Rohe Award in 2022, too. This innovative facility offers a range of excellent study facilities and spaces for students, including a brand-new library containing more than a thousand study spaces. That's in addition to flexible areas for private or collaborative learning, a covered courtyard area and rooftop gardens, dance studios and a number of cafes.
Kingston School of Art's Knights Park has purpose-built studios and extensively refurbished workshops that replicate professional creative environments. The facilities are designed to support the development of industry-ready skills and prepare graduates for seamless entry into the creative sector.
Kingston University is located across four teaching campuses in and around Kingston upon Thames. The campuses are not only welcoming and supportive environments for students, but are also home to incredible learning facilities. With modern classrooms and lecture theatres, dedicated postgraduate study centres, virtual learning tools, 24/7 online learning support and group and quiet study spaces, the university provides everything students need to succeed in their studies.
The university continues to make major investments in their campuses to enhance the teaching and learning experience for students. At the forefront of this transformation is the new RIBA award-winning facility, Town House, which comprises a library with over 1,000 individual study spaces, specific learning spaces with the latest technology, two cafes and outdoor areas including a scenic rooftop garden overlooking Kingston upon Thames.
University accommodation
Kingston University reserves a number of places in their halls of residence specifically for full-time postgraduate students designed to meet a range of lifestyle and academic needs. With an easy online application process, all-inclusive rent, and a variety of room types – including en-suite and studio options—students benefit from comfort, convenience, and community. Facilities include shared kitchens, on-site laundry, 24/7 security, and accessible rooms.
Renting privately
Many of Kingston University's postgraduate students choose to live in private accommodation which they find in and around Kingston upon Thames.
Living independently offers flexibility and a greater choice of facilities, locations and budgets.
The university supports students in their search for accommodation, offering students help in finding flatmates and providing assistance and advice with housing issues such as understanding contracts.
Kingston University's entry requirements can be found on the course-specific pages on its website.
Postgraduate applications for both taught and research programmes are made directly to the university. The online application form can be found on each individual course page online.
There are some exceptions which include:
Certain courses may require additional material such as a cover letter or portfolio of work. There is also an English language proficiency requirement for all postgraduate courses if the applicant doesn't speak English as their first language.
Prospective students are encouraged to consult the university website for full information.
Kingston University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries which can help students cover the cost of postgraduate tuition fees, with course-specific funding also available. There are financial awards granted to both UK and international students, redeemable as either a discount on tuition fees or as a non-repayable grant. They also offer a reduction in course fees (in the form of the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship) for any student who previously completed their undergraduate studies at Kingston University.
For more information and up-to-date details of scholarships and bursaries, prospective students are encouraged to visit the university website.
Kingston University understands the financial commitment of studying at university and works hard to ensure that course fees remain accessible to students from all backgrounds. Tuition fees contribute to the cost of running the course, while the fees payable by students depends on the specific course they are studying and the country they are from.
Students can find full details of Kingston University's tuition fees on the website under the fees and funding section of the postgraduate course fees pages. The university reserves the right to amend its fees at any time.
Postgraduate courses have a range of flexibility, allowing students to organise their studies around work and personal commitments. Many of the teaching staff regularly conduct world-leading research and several faculty members have received prestigious National Teaching Fellowships for their achievements.
Postgraduate study spans four academic facilities, which are:
The University designs its postgraduate programmes in collaboration with local, national and international businesses, which ensures that course curricula are continually updated and relevant to the demands of industry and business sectors. Many courses offer an optional year-long work placement or internship, giving Kingston University students a competitive advantage in the job market upon graduation.
Kingston offers courses in the following subject areas:
Kingston University offers a range of full- and part-time taught courses in a wide range of subject areas.
Master's degree
Typically taken over one or two years. Students gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of their subject through tailored modules. During their studies students will produce a dissertation or project.
Postgraduate diploma (PgDip)
Similar to a taught master's degree, students study taught modules for a postgraduate diploma. However, usually a dissertation or project will not be required as part of their studies. Students usually progress to a master's degree from a PgDip by accruing credits.
Postgraduate certificate (PgCert)
A postgraduate certificate is similar to a postgraduate diploma but takes half the time to complete. A typical PGCert includes three modules and can be completed in just 15 weeks of full-time study. A dissertation or project is not required. Students can usually progress to a master's degree from a PgCert by accruing credits.
Postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)
A postgraduate certificate in education provides a route into teaching. The one-year course blends academic and practical learning through a combination of school placements and university-based learning.
Short courses
Short courses can be studied for personal interest, continued professional development or as a pathway to postgraduate study.
Kingston University's research responds to global challenges in areas such as health and well-being, sustainable development, economic and cultural prosperity and the future of work and learning. This is underpinned by their commitment to realising social justice, human rights, equality, diversity and inclusion.
Students benefit from quality academic supervision and mentoring, career guidance and their faculty's well-established collaborative relationships with industry.
In the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), 70% of Kingston's research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
Kingston University is where postgraduate ambition meets real-world opportunity. Whether students are advancing their career, changing direction, or pursuing research, the university's global community, expert teaching, and strong industry connections will help them achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact.
State-of-the-art facilities are offered across four specialist campuses and students study in environments designed to replicate the professional world – featuring Bloomberg trading rooms, simulation suites, and creative studios.
The university maintains strong links with employers across London and beyond and their courses are informed by industry and developed in collaboration with employers – giving students the insights, networks, and confidence to progress in their chosen field.
Alongside the university's teaching and research credentials, it is known for offering a supportive and inclusive community where students can meet and be inspired by students from all backgrounds and from all around the world.
The university has invested in many facilities exclusively for postgraduate use. It also provides a range of course-specific groups and societies to foster a dynamic community of scholars and student researchers, who together drive Kingston University's world-renowned research output.
The university is situated in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, just 30 minutes by train to central London. The riverside town offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience. London serves as a global hub for many industries, including finance, with headquarters of major banks in the City of London. This status as a key financial centre and investment destination means that London offers opportunities for everyone who chooses to make it their home.
Excellent transport links in and out of central London allow students to easily commute to university, maintain a job or work placement whilst studying or simply explore the capital. Kingston's ideal location makes domestic and international travel easy, given its proximity to London's Gatwick, Heathrow and City airports.
There are over 80 societies and sports clubs provided by Kingston Students' Union. Students are encouraged to start their own clubs and societies if they have a particular interest not already covered by an existing club or society.
Alongside these clubs and societies, there are extensive volunteering opportunities at the University, while each faculty also hosts a number of networking events throughout the year.
The Union of Kingston Students is the student-run organisation that represents more than 20,000 students enrolled at the University including the 4,000 postgraduate students. It organises a varied timetable of events and activities throughout the year as well as running the various clubs and societies that students can join.
The primary aim of the union is to offer a voice to all students, ensuring that they feel connected to the University and supported if they have any issues or concerns. Between the social and networking opportunities and the help offered, the union serves as a way of bringing students together to feel safe, comfortable and to meet new people.
Kingston University maintains a wide-ranging support network for students to assist them with various parts of postgraduate student life, including financial guidance, help with research and general wellbeing support.
Information centres
There is a single point of contact for all student services, by phone, online chat, logging calls, or visiting a dedicated information centre in each of the campus libraries. This team can help with various aspects of student life including accommodation support, general advice on money, wellbeing support, disability support, student funding and many other aspects of student life.
Personal tutors
Each student is assigned a personal tutor that acts as their first point of contact for any academic help needed, with regular opportunities to meet them and discuss any problems.
Academic Skills Centres
The University employs student advisors who offer help and guidance on a one-to-one basis. Each campus also has a skills centre for wider study support.
Language support for international students
Any student who needs support with English language skills can enrol in one of the many free courses provided throughout the academic year.
International students can use this service for anything from visas and travel guidance to help acclimating to the local culture and lifestyle.
At the heart of Kingston University's career-focused curriculum is a focus on employability and related skills. Many courses at the institution have been developed in consultation with industry-leading organisations and carry professional accreditation, reflecting current sector demands and future trends.
Alongside this, the university offers students support in developing other skills related to their future career, helping them to build confidence, improve decision making and develop commercial awareness so that they can develop both short and long-term career prospects.
Many of the lecturers employed by the University work in their respective industries and remain highly respected in their fields, ensuring students receive the most up-to-date and relevant information as part of their course. Work experience opportunities are also often provided as part of the curriculum.
