Our history
Want to know more about the story of Kingston University? Watch and learn to discover how our rich history brought us to where we are today.
Kingston University's history dates back 120 years
The History of Kingston University
For over 120 years, Kingston University has been driving innovation in education and community impact. From our beginnings as Kingston Technical Institute in 1899 to our evolution into a modern institution, Kingston University has continually shaped the futures of students through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching.
Over the decades, we have expanded across multiple campuses, embraced cutting-edge technology, and remained committed to providing high-quality education.
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Sculpture studio at Knights Park campus, 1950s
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Sculpture studio at Knights Park campus, 1950s
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Knights Park campus, 1967
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Student artwork, 1967
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Graphic Design student Lynn Breeze, 1968
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Graphic Design students at Knights Park campus, 1969
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Glass workshop at Knights Park campus, 1973
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Fine Art course leaflet, 1973
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Canbury Park Road printmaking studio, 1980s
Discover the Kingston University timeline
Explore our journey through the years and discover the milestones that have defined Kingston University.
1890s
- 1899: Kingston Technical Institute opens, offering courses like Chemistry, Electric Wiring, Building Construction, Nursing, Dressmaking and Clay Modelling.
1910s
- 1917: Gipsy Hill College opens for teacher training.
1920s
- 1926: the Board of Education formally recognises the Institute as a Technical College.
1930s
- 1930: the Kingston School of Art separates from the Technical College
1940s
- 1946: Gipsy Hill College moves to Kingston Hill.
1950s
- 1951: the first Penrhyn Road campus buildings open.
- 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.
1960s
- 1963: the Penrhyn Road campus buildings house 5,843 full-time, part-time and evening students.
- 1963: Gipsy Hill College gains College of Education status.
- 1965: the College of Technology establishes an orchestra.
- 1966: the College of Technology buys its first computer for £50,000.
1970s
- 1970: the College of Technology and the College of Art merge to form Kingston Polytechnic, offering 34 major courses with 17 at degree level.
- 1975: Gipsy Hill College merges with Kingston Polytechnic.
1990s
- 1992: Kingston Polytechnic becomes Kingston University.
- 1993: the Roehampton Vale campus building opens.
- 1995: the University acquires Dorich House.
- 1999: the University celebrates its centenary.
Find out more
Professor Michael Gibson’s book, A History of Kingston University tells a more detailed story of how our University came to be.