Kingston University named among UK’s top universities for graduate employability in global rankings

Kingston University is one of just 17 UK institutions to feature in the Global Employability University Ranking 2027 – highlighting its success in preparing graduates for the workplace through its Future Skills approach to education.

The rankings, published by Times Higher Education, identifies 300 universities spanning 47 countries that recruiters at leading companies believe are best at equipping students for the world of work. Kingston University is ranked 233rd globally, 16th in the UK and is also the only University Alliance member to feature in this year’s table.

Other UK institutions that feature in the rankings include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London and UCL. 

Developing skills for career success

The recognition reflects Kingston University's ongoing commitment to ensuring graduates are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work, increasingly being reshaped by emerging technologies.

Through its sector-leading Future Skills approach to education, the University supports students to develop the human-centric skills most valued by employers, including creative problem solving, digital competency, collaboration and adaptability.

Future Skills is embedded as a core, assessed part of every year of every course within the undergraduate curriculum, with students developing these attributes alongside their subject-specific knowledge. Leading employers, including Adobe and Unilever, work directly with students on live briefs and industry projects, helping build the practical experience and confidence needed to make a successful transition into employment.

This latest recognition of the University’s Future Skills approach to education follows the landmark graduations of the first cohort of undergraduates to complete its Future Skills programme, marking an important milestone in the University's commitment to preparing graduates for successful careers.

Industry partnerships helping students prepare for the workplace

The importance of these human-centric skills is reflected in the experiences of the University’s industry partners, who work directly with students through the Future Skills programme on a range of collaborative initiatives.

One such partner is internet and technology company Tencent UK, which has developed a longstanding relationship with the University through initiatives such as the Kingston Game Jam. Ritchie Lee, senior recruitment manager at Tencent UK, said the partnership had provided valuable opportunities to help prepare students for successful careers in the gaming and technology industries.

“Kingston University’s emphasis on Future Skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, closely aligns with the capabilities we look for when recruiting emerging talent. In an industry where technology and creative possibilities are constantly evolving, these transferable skills are just as important as technical knowledge, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in supporting the next generation of creative and technology talent.”

Working with Kingston University

Ali Orr, Director of the University's Centre for Future Skills and Student Success, said the global recognition reflected its ongoing commitment to ensure graduates were equipped with the capabilities and experience to succeed in an evolving workplace.

“As one of only 17 UK universities to feature in this year’s global employability rankings, this recognition is a significant endorsement of our approach to preparing graduates for successful and rewarding careers,” he said.

“At Kingston University, we recognise the importance of working closely with industry to ensure our students develop the skills and experience employers have told us they need from graduates. Through our Future Skills approach, and the opportunities we provide for students to engage with businesses to help them find solutions to their problems, we ensure they build the confidence and capabilities to navigate and adapt to an evolving workplace.

“Strong partnerships between universities and employers are vital in preparing the next generation of graduates. By continuing to work together, we can ensure our students are best equipped to thrive at the start of and throughout their careers.”

• The rankings, producing by HR consultancy Emerging Group, are based on an annual survey of more than 15,500 employers across 40 countries. Their assessments draw on their professional experience and knowledge of institutions within their field.
• Find out more about how a Future Skills education is preparing students for the world of work.