Is Kingston University London a public or private institution?

Kingston University London is a public university, established in 1899 and now teaching more than 20,000 students from over 140 countries across four campuses in and around Kingston upon Thames, southwest London.

What is the language of instruction?

All degrees researched here are taught entirely in English, with no transition to another language at any stage. Non-native English speakers must still meet Kingston's IELTS (or equivalent) requirement for their specific course and level.

Can international students get direct undergraduate admission, or is a foundation year required?

Direct entry depends on the applicant's existing qualification meeting Kingston's UCAS Tariff-equivalent entry profile for the specific course. Applicants who fall short of direct entry (including some Indian Class 12 boards) can take a Foundation Year in Business, Computing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Built Environment or Science, or apply through the Kingston University International Study Centre pathway, before progressing to Year 1 of the named degree.

What does it actually cost to study at Kingston, beyond tuition?

Beyond tuition, budget for accommodation (from about £184/week for a standard en suite room at Clayhill, roughly £9,500+/year), an international Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and visa costs, the UK Immigration Health Surcharge, and general living costs (daily living, transport, books) that UK Home Office guidance estimates at roughly £1,300-£1,400/month for London-based students. Confirm current visa and IHS fees directly with UKVI before applying.

How do I apply to Kingston University London?

Undergraduate applicants apply through UCAS using the course's UCAS code. Postgraduate taught and research applicants apply directly through Kingston's own Online Student Information System (OSIS), submitting transcripts, references, a personal statement and, for research degrees, a research proposal.

What English-language test scores does Kingston require?

Undergraduate courses typically require IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall with no element below 5.5. Postgraduate requirements vary by faculty: Kingston School of Art postgraduate courses require IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 minimum per component, while most other postgraduate courses require IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 minimum per component. Approved equivalents to IELTS are also accepted; test results are valid for two years.

Do any programmes have extra admission steps beyond grades and English?

Yes. Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Illustration Animation and Architecture applicants typically submit a portfolio and may be interviewed. Nursing, midwifery and other regulated health courses use a values-based selection process (often including an interview) in line with NHS and NMC requirements, plus an enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance before placements begin.

Is there a paid placement year or other way to earn while studying?

Many BSc/BEng and some business/psychology degrees offer an optional one-year professional placement between the penultimate and final year, charged at a reduced £1,290 (2026/27) tuition rate rather than the full annual fee; students are typically paid a salary by the host employer during that year, though Kingston does not guarantee a minimum amount or that a placement will be secured.

When do courses start, and what is the application deadline?

Most undergraduate and many postgraduate taught courses start in September; a smaller number of postgraduate routes (including some MSc and MA programmes) also offer a January intake. UCAS undergraduate applications for standard courses close in January for equal consideration, though Kingston accepts later applications, including through Clearing, where places remain. Always confirm the live intake and deadline on the specific official course page.

Do STEM postgraduate applicants need an ATAS certificate?

Some postgraduate taught and research courses in sensitive engineering, computing and related technical fields fall under the UK's Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), which requires eligible non-exempt nationals to obtain a certificate before a Student visa can be issued. Confirm ATAS status for the specific programme directly with Kingston's international admissions team, since coverage depends on the exact course content, not just the subject area.

What do Kingston's professional accreditations mean for an international student?

Accreditations verify a specific, named standard rather than general quality. AACSB (Kingston Business School) is a globally recognised business-education accreditor; ARB/RIBA validation lets Architecture graduates progress toward UK architect registration; NMC approval and GPhC accreditation are required for nursing/midwifery and pharmacy graduates respectively to register as UK professionals. None of these guarantee automatic recognition to practise outside the UK; check the equivalent regulator in the country where the student intends to work.

What accommodation does Kingston offer and what does it cost?

Kingston has five halls of residence with 2,000+ rooms: Chancellors Hall and Walkden Hall (Kingston Hill), Clayhill in Surbiton (714 standard en suite rooms from £184/week), Middle Mill (Knights Park) and Seething Wells (the largest, recently refurbished). First-year full-time students get priority through a self-selection booking portal; most students move to private renting in Kingston, Surbiton or New Malden from second year.

How does Kingston's Fashion BA compare with other London fashion schools?

Kingston's Fashion BA (Hons) was ranked No.1 in London for Fashion in the Guardian University Guide 2023 league table and has received Business of Fashion recognition, alongside a lower international tuition rate than several central-London specialist art schools. Applicants comparing options should weigh Kingston's studio facilities and industry links against a central-London campus location, portfolio requirements and total cost of attendance at each institution.

Is Kingston University London a public or private institution?

Kingston University London is a public university, established in 1899 and now teaching more than 20,000 students from over 140 countries across four campuses in and around Kingston upon Thames, southwest London.

What is the language of instruction?

All degrees researched here are taught entirely in English, with no transition to another language at any stage. Non-native English speakers must still meet Kingston's IELTS (or equivalent) requirement for their specific course and level.

Can international students get direct undergraduate admission, or is a foundation year required?

Direct entry depends on the applicant's existing qualification meeting Kingston's UCAS Tariff-equivalent entry profile for the specific course. Applicants who fall short of direct entry (including some Indian Class 12 boards) can take a Foundation Year in Business, Computing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Built Environment or Science, or apply through the Kingston University International Study Centre pathway, before progressing to Year 1 of the named degree.

What does it actually cost to study at Kingston, beyond tuition?

Beyond tuition, budget for accommodation (from about £184/week for a standard en suite room at Clayhill, roughly £9,500+/year), an international Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and visa costs, the UK Immigration Health Surcharge, and general living costs (daily living, transport, books) that UK Home Office guidance estimates at roughly £1,300-£1,400/month for London-based students. Confirm current visa and IHS fees directly with UKVI before applying.

How do I apply to Kingston University London?

Undergraduate applicants apply through UCAS using the course's UCAS code. Postgraduate taught and research applicants apply directly through Kingston's own Online Student Information System (OSIS), submitting transcripts, references, a personal statement and, for research degrees, a research proposal.

What English-language test scores does Kingston require?

Undergraduate courses typically require IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall with no element below 5.5. Postgraduate requirements vary by faculty: Kingston School of Art postgraduate courses require IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 minimum per component, while most other postgraduate courses require IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 minimum per component. Approved equivalents to IELTS are also accepted; test results are valid for two years.

Do any programmes have extra admission steps beyond grades and English?

Yes. Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Illustration Animation and Architecture applicants typically submit a portfolio and may be interviewed. Nursing, midwifery and other regulated health courses use a values-based selection process (often including an interview) in line with NHS and NMC requirements, plus an enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance before placements begin.

Is there a paid placement year or other way to earn while studying?

Many BSc/BEng and some business/psychology degrees offer an optional one-year professional placement between the penultimate and final year, charged at a reduced £1,290 (2026/27) tuition rate rather than the full annual fee; students are typically paid a salary by the host employer during that year, though Kingston does not guarantee a minimum amount or that a placement will be secured.

When do courses start, and what is the application deadline?

Most undergraduate and many postgraduate taught courses start in September; a smaller number of postgraduate routes (including some MSc and MA programmes) also offer a January intake. UCAS undergraduate applications for standard courses close in January for equal consideration, though Kingston accepts later applications, including through Clearing, where places remain. Always confirm the live intake and deadline on the specific official course page.

Do STEM postgraduate applicants need an ATAS certificate?

Some postgraduate taught and research courses in sensitive engineering, computing and related technical fields fall under the UK's Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), which requires eligible non-exempt nationals to obtain a certificate before a Student visa can be issued. Confirm ATAS status for the specific programme directly with Kingston's international admissions team, since coverage depends on the exact course content, not just the subject area.

What do Kingston's professional accreditations mean for an international student?

Accreditations verify a specific, named standard rather than general quality. AACSB (Kingston Business School) is a globally recognised business-education accreditor; ARB/RIBA validation lets Architecture graduates progress toward UK architect registration; NMC approval and GPhC accreditation are required for nursing/midwifery and pharmacy graduates respectively to register as UK professionals. None of these guarantee automatic recognition to practise outside the UK; check the equivalent regulator in the country where the student intends to work.

What accommodation does Kingston offer and what does it cost?

Kingston has five halls of residence with 2,000+ rooms: Chancellors Hall and Walkden Hall (Kingston Hill), Clayhill in Surbiton (714 standard en suite rooms from £184/week), Middle Mill (Knights Park) and Seething Wells (the largest, recently refurbished). First-year full-time students get priority through a self-selection booking portal; most students move to private renting in Kingston, Surbiton or New Malden from second year.

How does Kingston's Fashion BA compare with other London fashion schools?

Kingston's Fashion BA (Hons) was ranked No.1 in London for Fashion in the Guardian University Guide 2023 league table and has received Business of Fashion recognition, alongside a lower international tuition rate than several central-London specialist art schools. Applicants comparing options should weigh Kingston's studio facilities and industry links against a central-London campus location, portfolio requirements and total cost of attendance at each institution.

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M.Des at Kingston University London: Fee Structure

Year-wise M.Des fee breakdown at Kingston University London — annual tuition, hostel costs, and total program cost in USD.

Written by Students Traffic Research Team·Updated On: 12 Jul 2026

Kingston University London campus overview

Kingston University LondonKingston upon Thames, United KingdomM.Des · Public£23,700/yr

Academics eligibility recognition admissions

Fee structure

Kingston University London M.Des fee structure

Tuition and living-cost information for M.Des at Kingston University Londonin Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom. The treatment below reflects the evidence available for each programme.

Confirmed fees retain the university's published currency. Where a current programme fee is not public, request a tailored cost and funding plan instead of relying on a placeholder amount.

Graphic Design MA

1 year · English medium · September intake

Annual tuition

£23,700

GBP 23,700 official

Hostel + food (est.)

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per year

Total program cost

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