Aerospace Engineering, Engineering & Technology
Europe, United Kingdom (UK) (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales)
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Kingston University is known for its career-focused courses, excellent teaching quality and entrepreneurial graduates*. In fact, the University is one of the top universities in the country for graduate start-ups. Based in an attractive riverside area of south-west London, Kingston University offers all the excitement of central London in a relaxed town environment.
Kingston University is much more than a place of education; it will prepare you for employment and life in the future. It is ranked within the top 40 universities in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2021), and is one of most diverse and multicultural university in the country (The Guardian, 2015).
Offering career-focused courses and excellent teaching, the University is the perfect place for ambitious students with big plans in business. This is why the institution is proud to be considered the number 2 university for graduate start-ups in the UK (Higher Education Statistics Agency figures, 2017).
The University is based in the beautiful riverside town of Kingston upon Thames. It is a safe, student-friendly town and just 25 minutes from the centre of London, presenting students with easy access to the world capital for business, finance and culture.
Become successful at Kingston
Kingston upon Thames is a great place for international students to experience life in the UK. A small English town with easy access to bustling central London, Kingston is a place for ambitious students to excel in their careers, whilst enjoying a vibrant student life.
You will start your journey at the International Study Centre, studying with other international students from all over the world. Here, you can discover life in the UK, as well as gaining the necessary skills for a career.
Upon successful completion of your studies at the International Study Centre, you can progress to a degree at Kingston University London.
Living in Kingston
Experience the excitement of London whilst living in one of its safest boroughs (Metropolitan Police Service). A beautiful riverside town only a 25-minute train journey from central London – living here is the best of both worlds.
Entrepreneurship
Study at one of the top universities in the UK for producing graduate start-ups. At Kingston, you can look forward to specialist classes, clubs and societies and staff support to help you become experienced entrepreneurs upon graduation.
International Study Centre
Kingston University London International Study Centre is much more than a place of education, it will prepare you for employment and your life in the future.
Get ready for an exciting future
Kingston University will prepare you for career success. Whether you want to be an employee or a business owner, we will help you achieve your ambitions.
Preparing you for your career We pride ourselves on the unique approach we take to produce the most prepared graduates for the workplace. Creating an entrepreneurial environment with a focus on professional skills, we maximise our students’ employability potential.
Top-quality teaching Our Business School was rated ‘excellent’ for teaching by the Higher Education Funding Council and was the first in the world to be awarded triple accreditation by the Association of MBAs.
Award-winning careers advice The Careers and Employability department offers practical career support, workshops and expert advice, including CV writing, interview preparation and starting your own business. The Careers and Employability department has won several awards including the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) Development Awards for Best Preparation for Work Strategy in 2017.
Essential workplace experience Kingston offers a number of degrees which offer practical work experience. In a marketplace where you need to be better than the competition, work experience with a relevant employer gives a distinct edge to your employability. Placements give you the chance to:
• gain relevant practical experience;
• learn what the working world is like;
• better understand your career options;
• improve your employment prospects;
• earn a salary while you learn;
• work for companies such as Disney, Royal Mail and BT.
Real-life learning Regular visiting speakers from commerce and industry ensure that your studies are lively, up-to-date and relevant. Speakers have included Levi Roots, the successful Dragon’s Den contestant and sauce maker, and Jamal Edwards, YouTube millionaire.
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 |
18 students in total
(as of 1 December 2020)
4,995 non-UK students
from 140+ countries, ranging from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe
(,949 as of 1 December 2020)
4 faculties
divided into schools
4 campuses
in and around Kingston upon Thames
3,000 student-facing PCs across 4 campuses
plus:
1,912 members of staff
(average full-time equivalents in 2018/19)
£191.7 million in annual income
(in 2018/19)
£2.375 million in bursaries
awarded to our students in 2015/16
Over 120 years of history
going back to 1899 when Kingston Technical Institute opened
The International Study Centre
The Kingston International Study Centre (KULISC) provides a range of degree preparation programmes for international students. These include academic modules, English language training and study skills, so you are ready to join your chosen degree programme on completion.
Progression to your degree
Once you complete a degree preparation programme and achieve the required grades, you can enter your chosen degree programme
at the University.
Access to University facilities
As a student at the International Study Centre, based on the Kingston Hill campus, you will be part of the University from the day you start your course. As well as benefiting from resources at the International Study Centre, you will have access to all facilities at the University. For those with business ideas, Kingston also offers support through entrepreneur societies and career guidance from the University’s Careers and Employability department.
University-style teaching
The International Study Centre programmes will introduce you to the style of teaching that you will experience when you progress onto your degree. This includes: tutorials, seminarstyle classes and large group lectures.
Personal monitoring and support
Your progress will be monitored at all times to make sure you remain on track to successfully complete the programme. You will also benefit from regular assessment through examination and marked coursework.
Professional support with CareerAhead
The International Study Centre offers a variety of CareerAhead activities designed to give you a head start to becoming a highly skilled, self-aware and confident graduate. You will develop key employability skills, such as teamwork, problem solving and communication; as well as assessing your individual strengths and areas for improvement. With help from your tutors, you will create a personal development plan to help set goals for your future success.
Research vision
Research is the life-blood of any University. The ability to produce original knowledge and to contribute to the good of society through its dissemination is what distinguishes a university from other providers of tertiary training. Kingston University has established itself as an important voice in the research landscape of UK higher education. In REF 2014, 60% of our research was considered either world leading or internationally excellent. Every day researchers at Kingston are working at the frontiers of their disciplines to address fundamental questions of real significance and are also seeking applications of their research in order to change the world.
Kingston has a commitment to a comprehensive span of research throughout its disciplines, contributing to the international research agenda across the spectrum of the sciences, the social sciences, and the arts and humanities. As a core strategy of the University, Kingston is currently making a multi-million pound investment in research, informed by our new research strategy that places research at the heart of our mission to educate and develop the next generation of thinkers and doers.
In the coming years we will be building on our existing strengths, while supporting emerging areas of research, and sharing the knowledge we create with the wider world. We have significant ambitions in research and this is reflected in our wide range of sponsors and partners, from the Research Councils and charities in the UK to the European Union and global foundations.
Whether it is through our research in public health or the human mind, cutting edge design or automotive engineering, new digital technologies or the creative industries, the global economy or contemporary philosophy, Kingston is committed to sustaining a space for critical inquiry and intellectual curiosity that benefits the whole of society.
Our researchers are working with key industry partners across the full range of our disciplines, from Jaguar Land Rover and BAe Systems to the British Film Institute and the Venice Biennale. Kingston research has helped shape government policy in the United Kingdom and is making important contributions to public life across the globe, responding to the major scientific and intellectual challenges of today. In REF 2014, our submission in English was rated as 100% world leading for the impact of its research.
Kingston is committed to both fundamental and applied research, blue skies criticality and innovative contributions to social needs. This work is nurtured in a diverse and supportive environment that seeks to realize the research potential of every member of staff and to develop outstanding graduate researchers. As a university we are ready to push the frontiers of disciplinary knowledge and to address the horizons of worldwide inquiry, from the position of the contribution we make to the economic and cultural life of London as global city of ideas and talent.
Kingston University will ensure that you have the right skills and experience to forge a successful career. You will receive top quality teaching, expert advice and exciting opportunities to work with some of the biggest businesses in London and beyond.
The International Study Centre integrates CareerAhead advice and activities into its programmes. These are designed to give you a head start by helping you become a highly skilled, self-aware, confident and employable graduate.
You will develop key employability skills, such as teamwork, problem solving and communication, and familiarise yourself with the world of work. You will also assess your strengths and areas for improvement. With help from your tutors, you will create a personal development plan to help set goals for future success.
You’ll also have the opportunity to build up work experience by taking up part-time employment or a work placement during your studies. Find out more about working rights as part your visa.
KU Talent, Kingston University’s careers service offers practical career support, workshops and expert advice on CV writing, interview preparation and starting your own business.
Careers and Employability can help you when it comes to finding a job. Its careers advisors also offer support if you’re looking for placement opportunities or part-time work during your studies.
Services include:
DID YOU KNOW
Excellent facilities
More than 3,000 networked computers are available across the University with free Wi-Fi and access to library resources. The University recently invested £12 million in refurbishing our studios. We provide industrystandard equipment in our 3D workshop, digital media workshops, photography suite and
filming studio so you will gain skills you can adapt to the workplace.
English language development
Free English language courses are available to degree students throughout the academic year to help you to develop your academic English skills and improve your confidence.
Arts and culture
If you enjoy arts and culture, Lancaster Arts brings UK and international artists to Lancaster every year for theatre, dance, exhibitions and concerts. Three Lancaster Arts venues are right here on campus: the Great Hall, the Peter Scott Gallery and the Nuffield Theatre.
Canteen
The canteen at Penrhyn Road, known as the Marketplace, has a wide selection of food and soft drinks. It’s a good place for a group discussion over a slice of pizza or a coffee. The Marketplace is open throughout the day. There’s a hot breakfast service, followed by a choice of hot and cold lunches. Either sit down to a cooked meal or grab a quick salad or baguette. Plus healthy snacks, speciality Fairtrade coffee, juices and soft drinks, and freshly baked products are on offer all day. These are available to take away if you’re eating on the go.
Clubs and societies
Joining one of our Students’ Union societies is a great way to meet new people, pursue your interests or try something new. With more than 250 different groups ranging from ballroom dancing to hiking and photography, there’s something for everyone.
Faith and Spirituality Centre
Our students come from many different backgrounds, cultures and faiths. The University supports this diversity through its team of faith advisers. The Faith and Spirituality Centre at Penrhyn Road opened in July 2015. It is a purpose-built facility which contains spaces for prayer, worship, meditation, reflection, meetings and discussion as well as religious washing rooms and office space. The centre provides a place of reflection for individuals and groups at the University who wish to take time out of their schedules to stop and be still for a while, or to join with others in acts of prayer and worship.
Supporting our students
The International Study Centre has a number of services to help you settle in and adjust to life as a student.
Your personal tutor will provide academic guidance and advice during your time at University.
The Student Life Centre at the Penrhyn Road campus can give you advice on everything from accommodation and student funds, to disability support.
StudySpace is an online learning tool that gives you access to teaching resources, timetables, blogs and discussion boards.
Learn another language
Studying another language could widen your career options and deepen your understanding of other cultures. The Kingston Language Scheme (KLS) ensures that all students can learn another language as part of, or in addition to, their course. We currently offer programmes in Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin (Chinese), Portuguese, Russian and Spanish
Accommodation for international students
Here at Kingston we offer a range of high-quality halls, all located close to the University’s campuses. Each hall consists of single-study bedrooms arranged in flats with self-catering kitchens. Different room types are available within a range of price bands.
At Kingston we guarantee an offer of accommodation for all new full-time undergraduate students and first year international postgraduate students. Booking information will be available from March; once you firmly accept your offer you will be sent an email with further instructions. Please note that we work with a number of approved private providers to ensure alternative accommodation is available, in the unlikely event that our own halls are fully occupied.
If you wish to live independently in a flat or a house there is a strong private-rented sector in Kingston and the surrounding areas, with a good range of properties available.
Our accommodation advisers in the Student Life Centre offer a free and friendly service to help you find the right place to live in private accommodation. There is a student-to-student noticeboard to help you find flatmates, a property vacancy list and a list of local letting agents, as well as help and advice with housing issues.
International student accommodation
Finding the right place to live is an important part of settling in, especially as an international student. At Kingston, we offer a variety of options to suit your needs.
Accommodation options
At Kingston University, you can choose to:
Why live in university-managed accommodation?
Staying in university accommodation, you will benefit from living nearby to your classes. Living with other students makes it easy to meet people and make friends. Furniture is provided and your safety is a priority, with security provided 24/7.
Kingston’s halls include
Adapted accommodation for students with disabilities
How to book
Once it is confirmed that you can return to on-campus learning, and if you have requested accommodation, the Central Student Support team will contact you with the latest information on available options and fees.
Renting privately
You may prefer to live independently in the local area, rather than in the University’s halls of residence. With a good range of properties on offer, you can easily find a flat or house that suits you.
Private accommodation offers more choice and flexibility. You can:
The University and International Study Centre offer support to help find your flatmates and look for your new home.
Arranging your own accommodation privately
If you are booking your own accommodation privately it is important that you let us know where you are staying.
The library on the Penrhyn Road campus provides books, journals, computers and a range of learning environments organised into silent, quiet and group study zones.
There are seven bookable group study rooms for when you need to work together. The large Learning Cafe serves light snacks and drinks.
A large number of books and journals are also available electronically so you can access them on or off campus. The wireless network in the library means you can work from your laptop or mobile device.
The library has long opening hours with 24 hour opening during key teaching weeks (October to June).
The Penrhyn Road library houses the archives and special collections including major collections relating to the author Iris Murdoch and the theatre critic Sheridan Morley.
Help and information is on hand for all students at help desks. The library’s Access Technology Room provides specialist enabling software and equipment.
Kingston University IT Services offers an extensive range of digital technology for staff and students to support learning and teaching.
Please log in to mykingston to access the links below.
We also support research, encourage innovation and make a valuable contribution to sustainability across the University’s activities.
For IT support the IT Service Desk is your first point of contact for all requests, queries and issues (faults or problems) concerning Kingston University’s IT facilities and services.
Health Centre
The Health Centre at Penrhyn Road offers a wide range of wellbeing services including counselling, drop-ins, advice, medical services and complementary therapies.
Students living in halls or within the NHS catchment area can register with the Fairhill Medical Practice to access on-campus GP services during term-time (or at local branch surgeries during vacations). Services include medical and nursing consultations, contraceptive advice, and vaccinations.
There are complementary therapies on offer in the Health Centre including massage, acupuncture, reflexology and nutritional therapy.
Students can access a range of free and confidential counselling and health advice services, including:
All counselling and health advice services (non medical) are available by appointment only, at Penrhyn Road and Kingston Hill. You can view information on daily drop-ins here.
Fitness Centre
The fully equipped Fitness Centre at Penrhyn Road gives you the flexibility to work out whenever you have some free time. It features a fitness studio and a 65-station gym.
The Centre’s fitness studio provides a full range of aerobics, dance and wellbeing classes. Taught by a team of helpful and energetic instructors, the varied programme is designed to suit people of all abilities and interests. From Bollywood dancing to pilates, there’s something for everyone.
In the gym you’ll be able to take advantage of:
Experienced and friendly staff are available at all times to offer advice and help you improve your fitness level. Fitness services include:
If you’re looking for outdoor sports facilities, you can also make use of Tolworth Court sports ground.
Whether it’s Kingston Hill’s woodland and lawns or the riverside at Kingston School of Art, Knights Park, each campus at Kingston University has its own unique character. Linked together by the University’s free intersite bus service, they combine impressive facilities with a friendly study environment.
Students from all campuses converge on this large central complex which is home to the students’ union headquarters, the main gym and health centre. It is also the site of the University’s new landmark building, Townhouse.
Accessibility: This campus is close to Penrhyn Road and next to Middle Mill halls of residence. There is lift access to the Learning Resource Centre and teaching areas.
Students based here: arts and social sciences; civil engineering and construction; computing and information systems; law; mathematics and statistics; science; and surveying.
Kingston Hill is a modern hillside campus set within landscaped gardens and protected woodland. It lies next to Richmond Park, the largest of London’s eight Royal Parks, yet is only three miles from Kingston town centre. Some students live on campus and so it has a real community feel.
Accessibility: The campus is situated on a hill and has three levels. There are a combination of both internal and external lifts and ramps which allow access to areas on the site. There are accessible parking spaces on all three levels on the campus.
Students based here: business; education; health; music; and social care.
Kingston School of Art, Knights Park has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Its setting next to the Hogsmill River (a tributary of the River Thames) provides a picturesque backdrop and quiet social space while also being within walking distance of Kingston town centre.
Accessibility: The campus is made up of a number of buildings with the LRC based in the Quadrangle building. All buildings have lift access. The campus has a mixture of buildings with lift access in all the main buildings and in the Learning Resource Centre.
Students based here: architecture; and art and design.
Roehampton Vale is a modern building close to Richmond Park. Its top-quality facilities have been designed exclusively for engineering students, providing an important vocational experience.
Accessibility: This campus has two buildings, both with lift access to all floors.
Students based here: aerospace engineering; automotive engineering; motorcycle engineering; and mechanical engineering.
Our health and social care courses are run in partnership with St George’s, University of London (SGUL). Some students are therefore based at SGUL’s campus at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, south-west London.
Students based here: advanced practice (healthcare); clinical practice; healthcare practice; maternal and child health; midwifery; paramedic science; physiotherapy; radiography; and rehabilitation.
At Kingston University, you’ll have lots of space and modern facilities to play, train and get a great workout, off-campus. You’re also welcome to use student-friendly local sports clubs providing coaching, professional equipment and more.
Whether you’re just looking to get active and socialise, or you’re a budding sports star looking for a place to study, stay and play – Kingston can be your new playing field.
Recreational sports
Try something out and enjoy exercise with the University’s active lifestyles programme. The programme offers fun, friendly activities such as football, badminton, swimming, basketball, running group, golf, horse riding and tennis every week. The great news is that thanks to a £30,000 Sport England grant, these are currently free of charge!
Sports clubs
Kingston University is the home of around 40 sports clubs, many run by the Union of Kingston Students. All of the usual favourites are here: rugby, basketball, football (and American football), cheerleading, hockey, boxing and cycling; with many athletes and teams competing at university level. But imagine going gliding, dancing, skydiving, mountaineering or sailing after class too! Take a look at the latest list of sports and recreational clubs on offer.
Sporting and social events
Every year there’s the Sports Tour and Varsity – a mini-Olympics with Kingston University competing against the University of Surrey sports clubs. There is a sports social every month, with some fancy dress thrown in every now and then. Finally, celebrate Kingston University’s sporting achievements with us at the annual Sports Awards.
There are more than 90 student clubs and societies for you to choose from at Kingston University. You can connect with your community, country, faith or political group. You can join up with others in your subject for both educational and entertaining events.
Volunteering opportunities
If you’d like to give back to the community and gain new skills, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities in the local area and abroad.
You can volunteer in your own time: collecting money for charities, assisting local organisations and helping out at events and festivals. You could even contribute creatively by taking pictures, making a documentary or designing a website. There are also opportunities to volunteer in another country, supporting disadvantaged communities by teaching, building and helping children.
If you have a cause you really care about, the Union of Kingston Students will also support you in running your own volunteering project.
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