Beyond Barriers mentoring scheme
Kingston University’s Beyond Barriers mentoring programme gives students and professionals the opportunity to develop and learn from each other. Find out everything you need to know.
What is Beyond Barriers?
Beyond Barriers is our successful student mentoring programme
Every year, it pairs around 300 students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds with industry professionals.
On the scheme, mentors offer one-to-one, impartial guidance and support. They encourage students to grow, develop and fulfil their potential.
Mentor and mentee applications for 2026/27 are now open.
How does it work?
Beyond Barriers recruits professionals from a range of industries and organisations. We choose people who we think will inspire confidence and encourage students’ personal and professional growth.
The scheme runs from October to May every year. Over the six months, mentors and mentees dedicate two hours every month to meet for one-to-one online discussions. There might be opportunities to meet face-to-face too.
We provide full training for mentors and mentees, and celebrate at the end of each year with an awards ceremony.
Become a mentor
If you become a professional mentor, you and your organisation will benefit from:
- Sharing knowledge and experience
- Encouraging someone to achieve their potential
- Integrating mentoring into your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme
- Giving something back to society
- Extending your professional network
- Boosting your organisation and brand
Mentoring through Kingston University’s Beyond Barriers programme is one of the most rewarding commitments I make each year. Supporting students as they grow in confidence, navigate challenges and discover their own strengths is a privilege. Every conversation is a reminder of how powerful genuine human connection can be. Mentoring is a very enriching experience and as a mentor I have learned a great deal from all my mentees and looking forward to continuing on this journey.
Become a mentee
If you become a student mentee, you will benefit from:
- Advice about specific circumstances and goals
- Identification of workplace skill-gaps
- Tips on how to improve career prospects
- Industry insight and knowledge
- Improved confidence and resilience
- Help on how to build a plan for the future
You can apply for a Beyond Barriers mentor if you’re a second year, third year or postgraduate student and fit into one of these categories:
- Black and ethnic minority students
- Commuter students
- Female students in science, engineering, maths and built environment
- KU Cares students
- LGBT+ students
- Mature students
- Student parents
- Students who are the first in their family to attend higher education
- Students with a learning difference or disability
It was the highlight of my experience at Kingston University, and I will continue to carry all that I learnt and take it with me towards my future. The celebration event allowed me to meet so many of the other mentees and I’ve been able to connect to some great people through Beyond Barriers. I’d highly recommend joining the programme!
Mentor events 2026/27
Thank you for giving your time and expertise to students at Kingston University.
Below is a list of the events you can take part in as a Mentor on the Beyond Barriers student mentoring scheme.
Mentee student events
Getting support and advice from a mentor can make all the difference, both when you are studying and when you take the first steps on your future career. As a Kingston University student, you can benefit from the expertise and guidance of our alumni and experienced industry professionals. Below is a list of the events that you can take part in during the Beyond Barriers student mentoring scheme.
Get in touch
Got a question about any aspect of the Beyond Barriers programme? You can contact our team via email, we’re here to help.
