King’s Digital is the team behind King’s College London’s fully online master’s programmes. At the heart of that experience is the Student Success team - a group of specialist advisors who coach and support every online learner, from enrolment to graduation.
Discover how a proactive, ‘one-size-fits-one’ approach is transforming the online study experience at King’s College London.
Success, not just support
What does ‘student success’ mean at King’s? It means more than just offering help when things go wrong. When King’s Digital rebranded its ‘Student Support’ service to ‘Student Success,’ it marked a bold shift in focus. As Alice Ludgate, Director of Student Success, explains:
‘Our role isn’t just to solve problems – it’s to help every online student reach their own goals. Success looks different for everyone, so our job is to unlock that potential.’
Online learners at King’s come from all walks of life: busy professionals, carers, parents, and students from around the world who are looking to advance their careers or take on a new challenge. The Student Success team is designed to empower every individual, not just those facing difficulties. 
The Elevate Online model
At the heart of the King's Digital experience is Elevate Online, a coaching-based approach that goes beyond basic support. Advisors offer one-to-one coaching, helping students clarify their ambitions, explore opportunities, and move forward with confidence.
Every interaction aims to be personal and proactive, whether it’s a quick response to a query, or a supportive call ahead of a big deadline.
And it doesn’t stop at the basics. ‘We love to create moments of delight – like a surprise birthday message, a personal check-in, or welcoming a student who’s visiting London,’ Alice says. ‘We even invite students to special campus events like our annual October Festival of Online Education.’ These meaningful touches foster a real sense of belonging – even for students studying at a distance.
A named advisor from day one
Every online student at King’s is matched with a dedicated advisor, who becomes their go-to contact from enrolment through to graduation.
‘That first welcome email is just the start,’ says Grace Smith, Team Leader. ‘Our advisors get to know students as individuals – their interests, families, work, and personal goals. For many, it’s the first time they’ve felt so supported as an online learner.’
This personal approach means there’s always someone to celebrate successes, provide encouragement, or help set new goals – tailored to each student’s needs and life circumstances. 
Flexibility, inclusivity, and support
With students from over 150 countries – many of whom are working full-time or balancing family commitments – flexibility is crucial.
King’s part-time online programmes are designed to fit around busy lives, and advisors are available 7AM-7PM UK time, seven days a week, making it easy to connect from anywhere in the world.
Accessibility is a cornerstone of the King’s approach.
‘Studying online with King’s makes a world-class education available to people who might never have considered a UK university – whether that’s because of work, caring responsibilities, disability, or distance,’ says Alice.
The service is designed to be inclusive, welcoming students from all backgrounds.
Support that makes a difference
What does this support look like in action? Jim Lidster-Browne, Quality Manager, shares one story:
‘A student was struggling with personal challenges and thought about leaving her course. Through regular check-ins and helping her set achievable goals, we helped her rediscover her confidence – she not only stayed but excelled.’
The result? More students feel supported, connected, and confident throughout their studies. 
Breaking barriers, creating opportunities
For the team, ‘student success’ means breaking down barriers and opening doors for everyone.
- Alice: ‘It means every student being seen as an individual – knowing they matter, can thrive, and are supported to have a successful study experience as themselves.’
- Grace: ‘Breaking down barriers and empowering students to achieve what they want – even those who never thought university was for them.’
- Jim: ‘One size fits one. Reassuring every student they’ll be supported every step of the way, with no exceptions.’
King’s Digital shows that online learning can be every bit as personal, supportive, and life-changing as on-campus study and sometimes even more so. As King’s continues to expand its online offer, the Student Success team is here to help you succeed, wherever you are in the world.
Curious about doing an online degree at King’s? Find out more about studying with us:
