Kingston University vs London Metropolitan University

Kingston University vs London Metropolitan University

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Kingston University is a public university located in Kingston upon Thames, London. Admissions are fairly competitive, with Kingston's acceptance rate at approximately 20–30%. It's a medium-sized institution with approximately 19,400 undergraduates. Kingston's most popular programs include Design & Fashion, Business & Management, Computer Science, Pharmacy, and Journalism. The six-year graduation rate stands at approximately 87% employment within six months, and graduates have median earnings of around INR 30,00,000 or GBP 29,900 ten years after graduation.

London Metropolitan University is a public university in London (located in Holloway and Aldgate campuses). Admissions are moderately selective, with London Met's acceptance rate standing at around 84%. It is a large university with approximately 14,000 students. A few of the most sought-after courses at London Met are Business, Computer Science, Art & Design, and Social Sciences. The six-year employment/placement rate is around 85% in six months, and graduates report median salaries of approximately INR 25,70,000 or GBP 27,400 ten years after graduation.

Overview Comparison
Kingston UniversityLondon Metropolitan University
Collegedunia Score4.1 Out of 104.1 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 54 The Guardian 2026
# 660 QS World University 2026
# 801 Times Higher Education 2026
# 89 The Guardian 2026
# 601 Times Higher Education 2026
# 1001 QS World University 2026
Subject Strength# 801 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 945 for Medicine by US News 2022
# 30 for Law by The Guardian 2026
# 545 for Engineering by Round University Ranking 2020
# 450 for Medicine by Round University Ranking 2018
# 77 for Law by The Guardian 2026
ProgramsUG Programs -100
PG Programs -191
Doctorate Programs -2
UG Programs -2
PG Programs -23
Acceptance Rate30.0 %84.0 %
Exam ScoreGMAT-590
GRE-299
IELTS-6.5
PTE-59
TOEFL-88
IELTS-6
PTE-59
TOEFL-72
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   17616
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  17301
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 44084 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   13103.2
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  20000
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 666 Per Year
placement (average package)

The average salary for programs are as follows:

Executive MBA  : $82,000 

LLM : $76,000 

Executive Masters  : $58,000 

MBA : $57,000 

Masters in Science :  $45,000 

Other Degree  : $44,000


Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

LLM: $72,000

Executive Masters: $66,000

Bachelor (Other): $60,000

Executive MBA: $59,000

Masters in Science: $55,000

Masters of Arts: $53,000 


application requirements

Students should be 18 years on the 1st september of the first year

For undergraduate courses students require minimum of 70% while for postgraduate courses they require minimum 6.5 GPA out of 10

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit English language scores

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews6.8/10 Read 18 reviews6.5/10 Read 7 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 801 for Architecture by Times Higher Education 2023
# 32 for Architecture by The Guardian 2021
# 78 for Business by The Guardian 2026
# 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
exam scoresGRE - 298/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 76/120IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 56/90TOEFL - 72/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -18311Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -
application datesOct 31, 2024 (Application deadline for January 2025 entry)
Jun 3, 2025 (Application deadline for September 2025 entry)
Jul 12, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2024 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsKingston UniversityLondon Metropolitan University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1899
2002
Student:Faculty Ratio20:1
19:1
Male:Female40% Male, 0% Female39% Male, 61% Female
Location Facts

Kingston university has four campuses: Penrhyn road campus, Kingston hill campus, Kingston school of arts, Roehampton Vale campus. Penrhyn road campus is the main campus. 


The main university campus is on Holloway Road in the London Borough of Islington where five of the University's Schools are based. The School of Art, Architecture and Design is based in Aldgate.


Library

There are three libraries located at different places. The Library and Learning Services at Kingston University supports our students and staff in pursuing their learning, teaching and research ambitions. Library provides access to study spaces, internet, 330,000 books, 275,000 e-books, wide range of databases, 78,000 journals, DVDs etc. 


The university libraries have more than 236,138 printed books, 196,286 e-books and 82,018 e-journals titles for you to use. 


Campus Life

University does involve a fair amount of studying, but it's also time to have fun, try something new and make friends for life. On campus you can take part in the Union of Kingston Students events, join clubs and societies, and get into the team spirit with sports and fitness. The Union of Kingston Students is dedicated to making your student experience enjoyable and worthwhile. It is the voice of the student body, providing support and running excellent entertainment and activities throughout the year. Kingston University offers a great range of sports and recreational activities for fun and for competition. You can join any number of sports clubs, use first-class sports and fitness facilities, and support your teams and the community.


London Metropolitan University Students' Union (MetSU) is the students' union for students at London Metropolitan University. It provides representation, advice and support to students at the university. 


Hostel#Smaller standard en suite room - $10764
#Standard - $11284
#Micro en-suite - $8268
#Budget en-suite - $9568
#Single room rent/week - $152
#Ensuite rent/week - $219
#Studio rent/week - $295
Famous Alumni

Ben Barnes, actor and singer
Angie Bowie, American actress, 
Jessie Cave, actress 

Chris McCausland, stand-up comedian and actor
Harriet Kemsley, standup comedian and actress


Helen Baker, author
John Box OBE, Academy Award and BAFTA-winning British film production designer and art director
Noel Clarke, director, screenwriter and actor

William Neville Bingley, lawyer and academic known as the architect of Code of Practice for the Mental Health Act 1983
Rowan Carstairs, 1973–1977 (philosophy: North London Polytechnic), entrepreneur, writer, and social housing advocate
Edward Clarke, Victorian British barrister and politician


City Life

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world. With more than 100,000 international students studying in the city and a dynamic culture and history, this is a great place to experience student life. Kingston is one of the safest and most scenic boroughs in London while also being just 30 minutes from the heart of the city. You'll get a peaceful base to study while also having lot of fun exploring central London. With famous theaters, world class museums/galleries and iconic land marks there's plenty to do. When you're ready to take a break from your studies, Kingston provides a huge variety of restaurants and shops locally as well as lovely green spaces where you can relax, such as Regent's Park and Hyde Park. Plus, it's easy to venture to new areas of London via train or bus. London is a center for business, science and creativity - so no matter your subject area or career path their will be great networking and work opportunities to try.


Not many cities rival London in terms of its arts, culture, sports, food, and social scenes, and it is generally cheaper than other all-star hubs, such as New York City and Hong Kong. With restrictively high rent prices, London is the most expensive city to live in the UK, but the comparatively high salaries help balance this. Greater London has the highest average rent price in the UK at approximately 1,615 GBP (2,030 USD), while the average salary is approximately 35,500 GBP (43,300 USD).


Weather
Comparison Notes

Kingston University vs London Metropolitan University

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

Kingston University London is most renowned for Art & Design, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Nursing. It is positioned in the 801–1000 band in QS World University Rankings 2026 and the 801–1000 range in THE World University Rankings 2025. London Metropolitan University (London Met) in North London is renowned for Business, Law, Social Sciences, Architecture, and Health. It has no presence in QS 2026 or THE 2025 world rankings, making Kingston more highly visible globally. 

General Information

Kingston University, established in 1899, has around 17,000 students and is based in southwest London, providing access to central London's industries and a reputation for creative sectors. London Met, created in 2002 by a merger of London Guildhall University and the University of North London, caters to around 10,000 students with a commitment to widening participation, diversity, and professional education. Kingston prioritizes research and creativity, whereas London Met focuses on accessibility, inclusivity, and vocational education.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

Kingston University has an acceptance rate of around 70–75%, accepting students with average GPAs of 2.8–3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) and IELTS scores of 6.0–6.5. London Met is less competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 85–90%, accepting students with GPAs of 2.5–3.0 and IELTS requirements of 5.5–6.0. Kingston is more competitive, whereas London Met is one of the more open UK universities for international students.

Research Impact & Facilities

Kingston University generates research in art, design, health sciences, and pharmacy, and has dedicated centers for creative industries. London Met produces less research output than Kingston but preserves research strengths in law, social policy, and urban studies. Kingston is ranked higher in research impact and facilities, while London Met is more teaching-driven.

Cost & Financial Aid

Kingston fees for international students stand at around £16,200–£18,000 per annum, with postgraduate costs around £17,500–£20,000. London Met is cheaper, with undergraduate costs running at around £15,500–£16,500 and postgraduate courses at around £16,500–£17,500. They both provide scholarships for international students, usually £1,000–£3,000, but Kingston offers more program-based awards, while London Met focuses on widening access bursaries.

Graduate Studies & Alumni Outcomes

Kingston graduates are placed in creative industries, business, health sciences, and education, and have mid-career salaries at £38,000 (INR 40 lakh). London Met graduates usually end up in business, law, education, public services, and social work, with mid-career incomes of about £35,000 (INR 37 lakh). Kingston enjoys better international recognition and industry connections, while London Met enjoys a more concentrated alumni base in London and the public services.