A public research university called Kingston University is situated in Kingston upon Thames, southwest London, United Kingdom (often known as Kingston or KUL). It was initially established in 1899, and in 1992 it was upgraded to a university. Roehampton and Kingston both have campuses. Five faculties offer a wide choice of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as some options for continuing education. In 1899, Kingston Technical Institute was established. The Kingston School of Art split in 1930 and eventually changed its name to Kingston College of Art. The Ministry of Education designated Kingston as a Regional College of Technology in 1957. In 1970, it once more amalgamated with the College of Art to form Kingston Polytechnic, which provided 34 major courses, including 17 degree-level courses. A university designation was given to Kingston University in accordance with the Further and Higher Education Act of 1992. The Roehampton Vale campus building was inaugurated by Kingston in 1993, while Dorich House was purchased by Kingston in 1995.