Kingston University London stands as a dynamic institution in the heart of southwest London, offering a wealth of career opportunities in higher education. Located in Kingston upon Thames, it attracts professionals passionate about teaching, research, and innovation. Jobs at Kingston University span academic, research, administrative, and support roles, making it an appealing destination for those seeking impactful work in a vibrant academic environment. The university's emphasis on creativity, entrepreneurship, and real-world application draws talent from around the world, particularly in fields like fashion, film, engineering, and health sciences.
With over 17,000 students and a reputation for employability-focused education, Kingston provides roles that contribute to cutting-edge research and student success. Whether you're a seasoned professor or an emerging research assistant, opportunities abound to shape the future of higher education. Salaries are competitive, aligned with UK academic scales, and benefits include generous pensions and professional development support.
Kingston University traces its roots to 1899 when it began as Kingston Technical Institute, evolving into Kingston Polytechnic in 1970 and gaining university status in 1992. This rich history has shaped its commitment to practical, industry-linked education. Today, it operates four campuses: Penrhyn Road (main), Roehampton Vale, Kingston School of Art at Knights Park, and Town House. The university's growth reflects London's diverse needs, with faculties dedicated to arts, business, science, engineering, and health.
This evolution informs its job landscape, prioritizing staff who bridge academia and industry. Historical investments in facilities, like the £26 million Town House building, underscore ongoing opportunities for roles in modern teaching and research environments.
Kingston excels in creative industries, ranking top for fashion and art design (Guardian University Guide). Faculties include Kingston School of Art, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, and Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education. Programs range from undergraduate degrees to PhDs, with strengths in sustainable engineering, mental health research, and digital media.
Jobs often align with these strengths, such as lecturers in animation or researchers in biomedical science. The university's focus on interdisciplinary work creates roles blending art with technology or business with sustainability.
Careers at Kingston University vary widely. Academic positions include lecturers (entry-level teaching roles), senior lecturers, readers, and professors (senior research leads). Research jobs encompass assistants, fellows, and postdocs. Administrative roles cover HR, finance, and student services. Support staff handle IT, libraries, and facilities.
For a deeper dive into types of university jobs, visit our guide. Common openings include part-time adjuncts and full-time faculty in high-demand areas like nursing and computer science.
To help understand key terms in higher education jobs:
📊 For faculty jobs at Kingston University, a PhD in the relevant field is standard for lecturers and above. Research focus varies: creative arts seek portfolios; engineering emphasizes sustainability; health sciences prioritize clinical trials.
Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications (e.g., 5+ for senior roles), grant funding from UKRI or EU, and teaching excellence (e.g., PGCHE certification). Skills encompass subject expertise, communication, and digital tools like Blackboard. Competencies include teamwork, innovation, and student-centered pedagogy. Administrative roles require degrees plus HR or finance quals like CIPD.
The process starts online via the university's portal: submit CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy, and research plan. Shortlisted candidates face interviews, presentations, and references.
Actionable tips:
Expect 4-8 weeks; track via higher ed jobs listings.
🌍 Kingston holds a Silver Athena SWAN award, promoting women in STEM through mentoring and flexible roles. The BAME Progression Framework supports ethnic minorities via scholarships and networks. Stonewall Diversity Champion status aids LGBTQ+ staff with ally training. Disability Confident employer offers adjustments and accessible campuses. Recent initiatives include decolonizing curricula and international staff visas support.
Kingston prioritizes wellbeing with 35-hour weeks, hybrid working, and 30+ holiday days. Gyms, counseling, and childcare vouchers enhance balance. Campuses buzz with events: art exhibitions at Knights Park, sports at Penrhyn Road. Proximity to London offers cultural perks like theaters and parks. Staff forums address workload, fostering a supportive community.
Family policies include shared parental leave; mental health days are encouraged amid research pressures.
Kingston invests in growth via the KU Academy: workshops, leadership programs, and sabbaticals. Funding for conferences and PhD supervision builds profiles. Pathways to professorships reward impact. Explore higher ed career advice or postdoc jobs.
Jobs at Kingston University offer rewarding careers in a creative, inclusive setting. From lecturing in world-class facilities to pioneering research, opportunities abound. Check higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, and post a job on AcademicJobs.com for more. With London's energy and Kingston's vision, advance your academic journey here.
