Overview of King's College London

About University

King's College London (informally King's or KCL) is a public research university located in London, England. King's was established by royal charter in 1829 under the patronage of King George IV and the Duke of Wellington.[7][8] In 1836, King's became one of the two founding colleges of the University of London.[9] King's is one of the oldest university-level institutions in England.[10][11] In the late 20th century, King's grew through a series of mergers, including with Queen Elizabeth College and Chelsea College of Science and Technology (in 1985), the Institute of Psychiatry (in 1997), the United Medical and Dental Schools of Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals and the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery (in 1998). King's has five campuses: its historic Strand Campus in central London, three other Thames-side campuses (Guy's, St Thomas' and Waterloo) nearby and one in Denmark Hill in south London. It also has a presence in Shrivenham for its professional military education and in Newquay, Cornwall, where its information service centre is based. In 2020/21, King's had a total income of £1 billion, of which £188.0 million was from research grants and contracts.[3] It has the fourth largest endowment of any university in the United Kingdom, and the largest of any in London. It is the 12th largest university in the United Kingdom by total enrolment.[5] Its academic activities are organised into nine faculties, which are subdivided into numerous departments, centres, and research divisions.

Popular For

King's College London is one of the world's leading universities, renowned for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and historic contributions to various fields. Founded in 1829 by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington, it is a founding college of the University of London and ranks among the top 40 universities globally. With a vibrant campus in the heart of London, King's attracts students from over 150 countries and emphasizes innovation, diversity, and societal impact.

Academic Strengths

King's is particularly popular for its world-class programs in health sciences and humanities. Key areas of excellence include:

Medicine and Dentistry: Home to the renowned Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's operates through prestigious institutions like Guy's Hospital (Europe's largest teaching hospital) and King's College Hospital. It's famous for pioneering medical education and research in areas like cancer, neuroscience, and global health.
Law: The Dickson Poon School of Law is globally respected, offering cutting-edge programs in international law, human rights, and commercial law.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Strong in literature, philosophy, history, and war studies, with the latter being a leader in defense and security research.
Nursing and Allied Health: Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care is the oldest in the world, training leaders in healthcare.

Research and Innovation

King's excels in interdisciplinary research, with over 31,000 students and a research income exceeding £200 million annually. It leads in AI ethics, climate change, and mental health studies. The college's libraries, including the Maughan Library (a stunning Gothic building), provide exceptional resources.

Notable Achievements and Alumni

King's has produced 14 Nobel laureates and influential figures. Here's a snapshot:

Alumni	Contribution
Florence Nightingale	Pioneer of modern nursing
Charles Dickens	Renowned novelist and social reformer
Desmond Tutu	Anti-apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner
Michael Caine	Acclaimed actor and two-time Oscar winner

In summary, King's College London is celebrated for its rigorous academics, historic medical heritage, and commitment to addressing global challenges, making it a top choice for ambitious students worldwide.

1829

Established

#19

Ranking

44+

Courses Available

Location & Address

King's College London Strand

London, WC2R 2LS

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King's College London