Access and additional support

At Kingston University, we work hard to ensure that students from different backgrounds and circumstances have the opportunity to study, and enjoy their time with us. We offer dedicated access and support services to students with disabilities, mature students, young people leaving public care and more. 

Disabilities: access and support

If you have a disability, specific learning difference or long-term health condition, we can make practical adjustments to help you fully benefit from your studies and student life. Disabled students can access a number of facilities and support services including:

• adapted accommodation;
• Study support, specialist IT equipment and software;
• disability allowance to help with university finances; and
• disabled parking.

Our disability advisers are on hand to assist you with any academic, financial or living requirements. For more information please visit our disability web pages.

Head Start

Head Start aims to support the access, transition and success of individuals from groups under-represented in higher education. Head Start is an orientation programme which has been designed to help individuals prepare for life as an undergraduate student. We offer a series of events ranging from 3-days to just 1-day, taking place between July to September. In order to attend one of our Head Start events you must be a Home/EU student holding a firm offer for an undergraduate course at Kingston University and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You are the first generation in your family to progress to higher education (ie. your parents have not been to university; but if a brother or sister has, you are still eligible for the scheme).
• You are a mature student (aged 21 or over on 1 September before you start your course) who does not currently hold a bachelors degree.

• Your family household income is less than £25,000 per year.
• You identify as being disabled or have a specific learning difference.
• You are under the age of 25 and have spent time in care in the UK, been placed in a foyer or are estranged from your family.
• You are recognised by social services as a young adult carer.
• You are in receipt of the Sanctuary Scholarship.
• You are entering Higher Education with a BTEC as your main qualification.

However, if you do not meet any of the above criteria, but would like to attend Head Start, then we recommend that you still complete the booking form. We will then place you on a waiting list and inform you if a place becomes available.

If you have any questions about our eligibility criteria then please contact us for more information.

Learn more about Head Start.

Mature student support

Kingston University is a popular choice for mature students (aged 21 or over), making up around 38 per cent of the student population (figures from 2014 academic year). From the start of your degree you can join the Mature Students' Society and get involved in the Mature Students' Forum for peer-to-peer support. You can also benefit from:

• support through Head Start;
• part-time study options – to help you balance work and home commitments; and
• childcare provision – with the excellent university-run nursery.

See our mature students section for more information.

Care leavers support

We were one of the first universities to be awarded a Quality Mark by children's charity, Buttle UK for our commitment to helping young people with a background in social care.

Care leavers are supported through KU Cares, giving them guidance on the admissions process, transitioning to higher education or just building confidence and making friends through their events. You will also receive useful benefits including:

• 'annual £1,500 bursary, paid in three equal termly instalments'; and
• priority when applying for halls of residence.

Find more information about our care leaver support.