Kingston upon Thames has four main higher-education options: Kingston University, St Mary's University, Kingston College and South Thames College. Kingston University covers art, business and engineering through its own schools; St Mary's is smaller and strong on education and sport; the two colleges provide further education and access routes. Entry requirements differ sharply between the universities and the colleges, so check each one's own page.

Degrees still move the employment number: 87.6% of graduates in England were employed in 2024, against 68.0% of non-graduates. — DfE, Graduate labour market statistics, 2024

Kingston upon Thames, a borough located in South-West London, is renowned not only for its historical and cultural richness but also as a vibrant center for higher education. This blog post delves into the various educational institutions that make Kingston upon Thames a preferred destination for students pursuing higher education in diverse fields.

What Is Higher Education in Kingston upon Thames?

Kingston upon Thames hosts a plethora of universities, colleges, and research institutions, each offering unique programs and opportunities for students. Below, we explore some of the key institutions in the area.

What does Kingston University offer?

- Programs Offered: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, law, engineering, arts, and social sciences.

- Features: Known for its excellent academic programs and research facilities.

What does St. Mary's University offer?

- Location: Located in Twickenham, a few miles from Kingston upon Thames.

- Programs Offered: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in sports science, education, theology, and humanities.

- Type: A Catholic university.

What does Kingston College offer?

- Programs Offered: Vocational courses, apprenticeships, and access courses in business, health and social care, construction, and creative arts.

- Type: Further education college located in the heart of Kingston upon Thames.

What does South Thames College offer?

- Campus Locations: Campuses in Wandsworth, Merton, and Kingston upon Thames.

- Programs Offered: Vocational courses, apprenticeships, and access courses in engineering, construction, hospitality, and IT.

What does Kingston School of Art offer?

- Programs Offered: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in graphic design, fashion, fine art, and product design.

- Recognition: A leading art and design school.

What does Kingston Business School offer?

- Part of: Kingston University.

- Programs Offered: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

What does Richmond University offer?

- Location: Located in Richmond upon Thames, just a few miles from Kingston upon Thames.

- Programs Offered: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in international relations, psychology, history, and economics.

- Type: Private university.

What does The Royal Military School of Music offer?

- Location: Located in Kneller Hall, a few miles from Kingston upon Thames.

- Purpose: Training military musicians for the British Armed Forces.

- Programs Offered: Various music courses and programs.

What does Royal Holloway, University of London offer?

- Location: Located in Egham, a few miles from Kingston upon Thames.

- Programs Offered: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in history, psychology, economics, and physics.

- Type: Leading research university.

What does The Open University offer?

- Type: Distance learning university.

- Programs Offered: Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in education, business, law, and science.

- Features: Allows students to study at their own pace with flexible learning options.

What should you do next?

Kingston upon Thames stands out as a significant hub for higher education, offering a wide range of options for students across various disciplines. Whether you are drawn to the arts, sciences, business, or any other field, Kingston upon Thames offers robust programs to cater to your educational aspirations.

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about one child?

Results and inspection judgements describe a school at one moment, and both move. Neither tells you how one particular child will do there, and a school that suits one family may not suit the next. Check the current position on Ofsted and compare school performance, then visit.

One caveat parents are rarely told:

“Other types of school, like academies and private schools, do not have to follow the national curriculum.” — gov.uk, The national curriculum

Where can you check this at source?

School performance, inspection judgements and admissions rules are published by the Department for Education and Ofsted. A guide is a starting point; these are the record: