Kingston University

Kingston University is passionate about inspiring people and transforming lives. Learning, enquiry, professional practice, enriching lives, and respect for individuals, communities and our environment are at the heart of the University.

A vibrant, modern, diverse and supportive university based across four campuses, we offer people from all backgrounds and countries (150 at the last count) the opportunity to make a difference – not only to their own lives, but also to the world around them.

Choose from a wide choice of subjects, with great lecturers, cutting-edge facilities and an emphasis on employment skills. Gain workplace skills and placements in top companies, learn from and network with industry experts, and develop your creative and entrepreneurial spirit – Kingston University is consistently one of the top higher education institutions in the UK for producing graduate start-up companies.

Background

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