Top accolades for Kingston University's fashion and design courses in latest Guardian University Guide rankings

Posted Wednesday 25 May 2016

Work by BA(Hons) Fashion student Lydia Bolton, who will be unveiling her latest collection on the catwalk at Kingston University's Graduate Fashion Week show.

Kingston University has been named one of the top institutions in the United Kingdom for fashion and design education in the latest Guardian University Guide. The newly-released 2017 listings also saw sport science race up the rankings to become the highest rated course in London, alongside nursing which earned another table topping spot in the capital.

The University's internationally-acclaimed fashion programme was placed second overall in the fashion and textiles category – making it the highest ranked university in the country specialising specifically in fashion. Kingston University's creative expertise also secured third spot in the highly-competitive design and crafts subject table, which covers courses ranging from graphic design, illustration and animation to product and furniture design.

The Guardian's annual University Guide ranks universities across 54 subject areas, focusing on those aspects the national newspaper rates most important to students – including quality of teaching, course satisfaction, graduate prospects and entry standards.

The nursing programme delivered by the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education was rated top in London.Kingston University put in a strong performance in a cross-section of categories. Its podium position as the top-rated institution in London for sport science saw the biggest subject ranking improvement for the University, with a climb of 30 places to 15th overall in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, courses in the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, run in partnership with St George's, University of London, also showed why they make such an important contribution to training the professionals who go on to work on the frontline of the NHS. As well as nursing being ranked 10th, health professions – which includes physiotherapy, paramedic science and radiography – came in at 13th place. Social work at 23rd also contributed to the Faculty's strong standing.

The latest accolade for the University's BA(Hons) Fashion course comes after it was named number three in the globe by leading website Business of Fashion in 2015. "The Guardian rankings are very much based on the quality of the student experience as a whole, so they serve as an excellent barometer of the health of the course and the high standard of our teaching," Head of Fashion Elinor Renfrew said.

"Our BA(Hons) Fashion degree is widely regarded as one of the premier degree programmes in the world. This reputation is a reflection of the exceptional experience of our academics, the tremendous talent of the practising designers our students learn from in our studios and the links we have established with some of the biggest names in the business. Every year, the course attracts the best of British and global design talent, with our high-flying graduates going on to work in a range of prestigious positions."

News of the Fashion Department's league table success comes as third year students prepare to showcase their final year projects on the Graduate Fashion Week catwalk on 6 June. The Kingston University show is one of the highlights of the annual fashion extravaganza, attracting an audience packed with media pundits and talent scouts from leading labels. Industry eyes will also be on the abundance of creative talent in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture when it opens the doors on its undergraduate degree show spectacular on 4 June.

Faculty Dean Professor Steven Spier said being recognised as one of the top institutions in the United Kingdom for fashion and design education was a remarkable achievement. "Our position in global and United Kingdom rankings is testament to the dedication, expertise and creativity of all our staff and students," he said. "Together they play a key role in shaping and improving the world around us."

Find out more about courses available in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.
Find out more about studying sport science at Kingston University.
Find out more about courses available at the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, run by Kingston University and St George's, University of London.