History
King's College London was founded in 1828-9 by a group of eminent politicians, churchmen and others. They wanted a Church of England alternative to what later became University College London (UCL, founded in 1826), known as 'the godless college in Gower Street'. King's was granted a royal charter by King George IV on 14 August 1829.
Education
King’s offers world-class teaching across a variety of subjects and is ranked in the Top 10 for Business & Management Studies, Food Science, French, History, Law, Philosophy and Physiotherapy by The Complete University Guide.
King’s is particularly distinguished in a wide range of health areas including psychiatry, medicine, nursing and dentistry and works with teaching hospitals and comprehensive mental health services to give students a thorough education experience.
Research
King’s world-leading research has enabled groundbreaking discoveries and advances which continue to shape modern live. We have 12 Nobel Prize winners amongst our alumni and former staff and are the largest provider of professional healthcare training in Europe, with five Medical Research Council centres.
Studying at King’s gives students access to essential technology and equipment to facilitate and enhance research conducted by King’s scientists and external researchers.
Career
King’s students benefit from a variety of local and global connections with employers, universities and organisations. We host guest speakers, have multiple careers fairs and provide opportunities for internships and active recruitment. 94 per cent of master’s graduates are in full time work within six months of graduation and we are ranked in the UK’s top 5 universities for graduate employability.
Each faculty at King's is supported by a Careers Consultant who focuses on employment within that area and can offer targeted support throughout your time at King’s and for up to two years after graduation.
Students can book one-on-one appointments with a Careers Consultant to discuss possible career options.
University Ranking
Student services
Student Advice available at King’s includes:
- Advice on student funding, banking, credit and debt, as well as guidance on other financial issues.
- Help and advice with your student visa extension or working visas after study. We also provide support to international students.
- Advice and assistance with housing problems including a contract checking service.
- Help is on hand for settling into life in the UK, and for all the transitions from visas to looking for somewhere to live
- Practical advice and support for balancing studies with other commitments at home
- Useful information guides on services in your local area.
Housing services
While many students choose to live in a house or flat share with other students or young professionals, King’s has a number of different accommodation options available depending on your personal preferences, budgets and the length of contract you require.
We have a number of halls of residence in central London, near to our campuses, with great facilities and communal break-out spaces.
Library services
King’s has a number of libraries across the campuses.
Library Services is a key department within the Directorate of Students and Education Support and supports the university’s teaching, learning, research and administrative activity. Library Services has four divisions: Customer Engagement, Collections & Research Support, Learning & Skills and Business & Systems Support.
ICT services
IT support is available 24/7 at King’s. The support portfolio includes:
- Computing, data storage, network and wireless infrastructure
- Enterprise applications and business systems
- King’s website and portal services
- Research and learning systems
- AV and video-conferencing services
- Campus-based desktop support services
- Telephone services
- Student computing facilities and service
Medical services
You can register at the King's NHS Health Centre located in the Strand campus or, if you prefer you can register with a practice closer to you using the NHS website and use the GP finder.
Campus life
King’s is London’s most central university, with five campuses in the heart of the capital:
- Strand
On the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses arts and sciences. King's Business School is located in the iconic Bush House building.
- Guy's
The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Dental Institute are based here, next to the Shard.
- St Thomas'
Continuing medical and dental teaching at St Thomas' hospital overlooking the Thames.
- Waterloo
Home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery & Palliative Care and facilities for other faculties.
- Denmark Hill
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and facilities for the Dental Institute.
Sports facilities
The King’s Sport Health and Fitness Centre welcomes students, staff, alumni and members of the public into a welcoming gym environment boasting high quality equipment, exciting classes and great facilities.
Our Centre features a spin studio, Fitness on Demand and Smart Centre technology and state-of-the art Pulse cardio and strength equipment. Come in and take a look for yourself!
Student clubs
Whether you’ve feel like trying something new or continuing a hobby you’ve been doing for years, there are an enormous variety of opportunities to get involved, make new friends, have fun and be part of the student community. These include:
- sports clubs
- societies
- volunteering opportunities
- student media
- campaigning groups.
King's College London Students' Union (KCLSU) provides both financial and logistical support to help activities run smoothly, but it is up to you how these activities are organised.
KCLSU can also help you get your own student activity group up and running.
King’s College London is regulated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.