Getting Ready
Congratulations on your offer - welcome to Kingston

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

Image of students at a degree showHere you can find out more about getting ready to study an art, design or architecture course (view our full list of art, design, architecture and surveying courses to check whether this applies to you).

Please note that this information only relates to courses taught at Kingston University – if you are attending a partner college, they will get in touch with you with the relevant information.

Induction Before you arrive and induction

What do I need to do before I arrive?

Depending on your course, your tutors may give you a small project to work on and/or present once you have arrived at Kingston and met your studio group. Or they may suggest exhibitions and a reading list for you to look at over the summer. They might also suggest some equipment that would be useful to bring with you.

This information will be sent to you as part of your welcome email – so remember to look out for it from late August. You'll also be able to see everything online on the Faculty pages of this 'Getting Ready' site as part of the pre-enrolment process online. Email and online information is available from August so if you are unclear or don't hear anything do remember to check your junk mail box first, check the Getting Ready faculty pages and check directly with the Faculty Student Office at adastudentoffice@kingston.ac.uk.

What happens when I arrive?

All new students must take part in an art, design, architecture and surveying induction week. This will include a face-to-face enrolment session to complete your enrolment and gain your student ID card and resolve finance issues and confirm you on your course. You will be reminded when this is as part of your welcome letter and the University will also email you reminders closer to the time. It is very important that you arrive for your inductions and start your course on time.

International students will also be able to attend Kingston's international orientation the previous week which includes an early opportunity to enrol online, confirm attendance in order to do things like open a UK bank account and settle into Kingston. The orientation week also includes a bookable airport pick-up service. Read more.

Support How we will support you

In the studio or in the classroom, tutors are on hand to help you so it's easy to get one-to-one time. When you join the course, we assign you a personal tutor to provide support throughout your time here. You can also ask your module leader if you have a subject specific question.

If you need some extra help with your assignments, our site-based Academic Skills Centres can provide support and advice.

Plus read more about what to do if:

  • you need extra English language support before you arrive
    • You can take one of our pre-sessional language courses, which are specifically designed to prepare you for study at University.

    The courses will not only develop your English language skills, but also give you experience of the methods and study skills used at a British university. We offer 15, 10 and five week pre-sessional courses. The course you join will depend on your English language level and the academic programme you will be studying at Kingston.

    Your offer letter should tell you which pre-sessional course to apply for; if not, we recommend that you check with the admissions tutor or course director before applying. We advise allowing as much time as you can to prepare for your course. Read more.
  • you're an international student and need some English language help
    • Our English language development programme offers free English language courses throughout the academic year. These focus on academic writing, communication and seminar skills, study skills and project work, and revision and exam techniques. Read more.
  • you want to find out about disability support
    • The Student Life: Disability Service co-ordinates a range of support arrangements. Read more.

    Remember that you can also record lectures (for your personal use), which is particularly useful for students with disabilities.
  • you want to study a foreign language as part of your course
    • All students have the opportunity to study a foreign language through the Kingston Language Scheme (KLS).

    Depending on the course you are studying, this can be either as an optional module integrated into your degree, or as an additional course. Languages on offer currently include Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin (Chinese) and Spanish. Courses are available at a range of levels to suit your current ability. As a first year student, you must apply within your induction week. Read more.

    You might even want to consider spending some time working or studying abroad as part of your degree. Read more.

The campus The campus and its resources

Art, design, architecture and surveying courses are based at the University's Knights Park campus. Most teaching (other than for surveying) takes place there. More about Knights Park.

    The creative buzz at Knights Park is obvious as soon as you step through the door and see the exhibits of student work. The campus has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and backs onto the Hogsmill River so students can enjoy riverside living. Each subject has its own designated teaching areas, but the small campus size means there are plenty of opportunities to socialise with other students.

    At Knights Park, the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) is central to the campus, based in the Quad courtyard. The LRC contains seminar and bookable spaces as well as quiet study areas and was newly opened last year in a major design project which involved covering the courtyard with a glazed roof and remodelling studios in the School of Architecture and Landscape. Read more.

Teaching for surveying and planning takes place at the Penrhyn Road campus. More about Penrhyn Road.

    Penrhyn Road has a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Students from all campuses converge here as it homes the Students' Union headquarters and central facilities, such as the gym and health centre.

    Surveying and planning students based at Penrhyn Road in the School of Surveying and Planning benefit from the C-SCAIPE study and seminar space and school office with tutors all co-located. Teaching takes place in the heart of the Penrhyn Road campus in the modern John Galsworthy building and students benefit from the large LRC in the building including canteen and plenty of Wi-Fi and group study areas. Read more.

Both campuses are in the heart of Kingston, about a 10-minute walk from the town centre.

What resources are available?

We have a wide range of well-equipped workshops and learning environments. These are designed to provide a modern learning experience that will enable you to gain cutting-edge skills and knowledge. View our new resources.

    New resources include:
    • a large, open-access 3D materials workshop, which includes new equipment and an interdisciplinary construction area;
    • a state-of-the-art filming environment and animation suite;
    • a professional photography suite with two new digital darkrooms;
    • a newly specified, open-access digital workshop; and
    • a student gallery, reception area and art shop.

Find out more about art and design facilities. Remember that you can also access the university-wide study resources, such as the library and IT facilities.

Where can I find out about disabled access?

For more information about access at these campuses and across the University, visit DisabledGo.

How do I get to the campuses?

View our maps of the University and directions to get here. You can also look at our campuses on Google Streetview.

View the Knights Park campus on Google Streetview:



View the Penrhyn Road campus on Google Streetview:



ChloeChloe, Illustration and Animation student Read more about this student

"I found many courses that suited what I wanted to achieve from going to university, but only Kingston University could offer me both illustration and animation within one course."

EllieEllie, Illustration and Animation student Read more about this student

"Having done my foundation here I knew the teaching environment was suitable for me, the studio space my degree gives is ideal and the people are the best I've ever met!"