Our Structure
Find out how the University works
Kingston University is a corporate body created by statute. Its key governance documents can be found on the Legal Framework webpage.
The University is committed to maintaining a transparent and effective governance structure.
The Board of Governors and Senior Leadership Team oversee key decisions that ensure the University’s success. This strong governance framework ensures accountability, diversity, and fairness in all operations. The University is driven by a collective commitment to ethical decision-making and upholding high standards in education, research, and community engagement.
Our mission is to promote participation in higher education. The University’s Strategic Plan assesses our progress and looks to the future.
Governance overview
The Board of Governors
The Board of Governors is responsible for the strategic direction of the University. It is chaired by Tom Smyth.
Senior Leadership Team
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steven Spier, is responsible for all aspects of the operation of the University. He is assisted in the discharge of his duties by the Senior Leadership Team, which meets regularly to discuss and advise on key issues.
The Academic Council
The Academic Council is the University’s senior consultative committee for all academic matters, and has authority to act via the University’s Instrument and Articles of Government. It is responsible for providing assurance to the Board of Governors and for guiding and providing advice to the Vice-Chancellor on academic matters.
Structure
Academic Services
Academic Services includes our Knowledge Exchange and Research Institutes (KERIs); Knowledge Exchange and Innovation team; Research; Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre (LTEC); Education; Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) and Brand, Communications and Public Affairs.
Finance, Infrastructure and Human Resources (FIHR)
Finance; Infrastructure and Human Resources includes Human Resources; Estates; Finance; and Information and Technology Services (ITS). This directorate delivers essential infrastructure and support services, enabling the University to operate efficiently and strategically.
It manages financial planning; HR development; campus facilities; and digital services; all aligned with the Town House Strategy to foster a high-performance, inclusive, and innovative environment.
Corporate Services
Corporate Services comprises of the Executive Support Office; Governance Compliance & Legal (GCLO); and Planning and Performance. It underpins the University’s strategic and operational effectiveness through governance, legal oversight, risk management, and institutional planning.
The directorate ensures regulatory compliance, supports senior leadership, and provides data-driven insights to guide decisionmaking and policy development.
Students
Students comprises of Student Recruitment and Admissions; Student Services; Student Development and Graduate Outcomes.
Focused on the student lifecycle, this directorate enhances student experience from enrolment to graduation and beyond. It promotes wellbeing, inclusion, and employability, ensuring Kingston graduates are equipped with the skills and support needed for success.
Our Faculties
The Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
The Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education is one of the leading providers of healthcare education in the capital, making a significant impact both on the NHS frontline and across the wider workforce through its graduates’ skills and expertise and by advancing research. It offers courses in life sciences, pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, social work, sports science, and nutrition. Encouraging an interdisciplinary approach to teaching; bringing health, social care and education students together to learn from and with each other. The
The Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment
The Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment is spread across two campuses; Roehampton Vale is purpose built for the study of aerospace, electrical and mechanical engineering, while Penrhyn Road is a base for courses in civil engineering, surveying, construction management, environmental science, artificial intelligence, cyber security, computer science, game development and animation. Strong industry connections with leaders like Airbus, Thales and Lotus Engineering ensure students gain real-world experience. With access to stateof- the-art facilities such as wind tunnels, robotics labs and advanced prototyping machinery, students can thrive in an environment focused on innovation.
The Faculty of Business and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Business and Social Sciences is driven by its purpose to cultivate ethical, enterprising and adaptive professionals and leaders who are committed to driving positive change and advancing an equitable and prosperous society. Kingston Business School is part of an elite group of institutions proud to hold accreditation from the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), an honour earned by just 6% of business schools worldwide. The state-of-the-art Business School at Kingston Hill provides exceptional facilities including the Bloomberg Trading Room, and Nest Business Incubator. At Penrhyn Road, social and behavioural sciences benefit from purposedesigned psychology teaching spaces and a suite of cutting-edge research labs equipped with highspecification technologies.
Kingston School of Art
Kingston School of Art has a distinguished reputation and rich history of over 140 years in art and design education. With world-class education, facilities and opportunities, Kingston School of Art equips students to become industry leaders, cultural innovators and creative thinkers. Known for fostering pioneering ideas and producing influential alumni. The faculty focuses on a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to learning, blending creative exploration with technical expertise. Through its internationally recognised programmes, it is a hub for research, professional practice, and industry partnerships, shaping the future of creative industries worldwide