King's College London Policy Institute
- Acceptance Rate
- 18.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.82
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Students affiliated with the Policy Institute experience graduate education within one of London's most centrally located universities. King's operates across five campuses in central and south London, with policy-related programs primarily based at the Strand campus in the heart of the city. This location provides daily exposure to the governmental and policy institutions that shape British public life. Housing for graduate students typically involves private accommodation in London, one of the world's most expensive cities for housing. University accommodation options exist but remain limited, requiring early application and flexibility about location and room type. Most students find housing in zones 2-4 of the transport network, where rents are somewhat lower while maintaining reasonable commute times. The graduate student community at King's includes students from dozens of countries, creating a genuinely international environment. Student societies and departmental events provide social connections, while the institute's regular seminars and public events offer intellectual community. The broader London cultural scene provides abundant opportunities for recreation and personal enrichment. Common challenges include managing the high cost of London living on student budgets, maintaining work-life balance during intensive graduate study, and navigating a large university environment that can feel impersonal compared to smaller institutions. The institute's relatively compact community provides some counterbalance, with regular interaction among students and faculty in seminar and workshop settings.
Location & Surroundings
London provides an unparalleled environment for policy education, concentrating national government, international institutions, major media organizations, and policy think tanks within a single metropolitan area. The Palace of Westminster, Whitehall departments, and the Supreme Court all lie within walking distance of King's Strand campus. This proximity enables regular engagement with policymakers and observation of policy processes in action. King's location across central London campuses provides flexibility and access to diverse neighborhoods. The Strand campus sits between Covent Garden and the South Bank cultural district, with immediate access to major transport connections. Research libraries, archives, and governmental documentation resources are readily accessible for students conducting policy research. London's climate features mild temperatures throughout the year, rarely exceeding 25 degrees Celsius in summer or dropping much below freezing in winter. Rain falls frequently though usually lightly, making an umbrella an essential accessory. The short daylight hours of winter can require adjustment for students from sunnier locations. Cost of living in London substantially exceeds other UK cities and most international destinations. Students should budget at least 1,200-1,800 GBP monthly for accommodation alone, with total monthly expenses reaching 2,000-3,000 GBP for a modest student lifestyle. Part-time work is permitted for most visa categories and helps many students manage costs, though academic demands limit available working hours.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for graduate programs at King's varies by program and student status. Home (UK) students typically pay approximately 10,000-15,000 GBP annually for Master's programs, while international students face fees of 25,000-35,000 GBP annually. Research degree fees follow similar patterns. Living expenses in London should be budgeted at 15,000-20,000 GBP annually at minimum. Funding opportunities include government loans for eligible UK students, university scholarships, and external funding from foundations and professional organizations. Research council studentships fund some doctoral students with full tuition and stipends. The competitive nature of policy-relevant funding requires early attention to opportunities and strong applications. Career outcomes for Policy Institute-affiliated graduates span public, private, and non-profit sectors. Government civil service positions represent a major pathway, with graduates entering the Fast Stream and departmental specialist roles. Think tanks including the Institute for Government, Institute for Fiscal Studies, and policy-focused charities employ graduates in research and advocacy positions. Consulting firms and corporate policy roles provide private sector options. Starting salaries vary substantially by sector, with civil service positions typically offering 30,000-45,000 GBP, think tank and non-profit roles ranging from 28,000-40,000 GBP, and consulting and corporate positions potentially higher. The institute's connections with policy organizations facilitate internships and job placements, while the King's alumni network provides ongoing professional connections. Career services support students in navigating the distinctive job market for policy professionals.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for King's College London Policy Institute
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free