While applications for university places across Britain dropped one per cent, the university has reversed its previous decline and applications have grown by 7.5 per cent.

That is the fifth highest increase in the country, at a time when the introduction of tuition fees has forced sixth formers to think twice about further education.

The university has seen increased applications from local students and puts figures down to accessibility and good league table results.

"The rise in Kingston's applications is consistent with other London universities," said a university spokesman.

"London's population has the highest higher education participation rate in the country and as students are now tending to stay local, there are far more students in London applying to London and South East universities."

The university has also seen increased applications from overseas students for both undergraduate and post-graduate.