Richmond The American International University in London

Richmond, The American International University in London, is a private university in London, United Kingdom. Richmond was founded in 1972, by British educator Cyril Taylor. The university maintains two campuses in Greater London, in Richmond Hill and Kensington.

The university awards US degrees from the American state of Delaware,[6] where Richmond is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.[7][8] Until 2018, Richmond's UK degrees were awarded by the Open University; but from the 2018/2019 academic year, Richmond has been able to grant its own UK degrees, after receiving Taught Degree Awarding Powers from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.[9] This mean that all students at Richmond gain both a UK and US degree studying one programme.

 

Richmond was founded in 1972 by the social entrepreneur and politician Cyril Taylor, chairman of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), as Richmond College, The American College in London. It began teaching on the site of the former Richmond Theological College, part of the University of London, founded in 1843 as a Methodist theological college. AIFS had been previously using the college site for a number of years for their London study abroad programmes. AIFS purchased half of the college's 10-acre site for £300,000 (equivalent to £3.82 million in 2015), including the majority of its buildings and front lawns, to form a new American liberal arts college.[10] A second campus was opened on St Albans Grove and Ansdell Street in Kensington in 1978 for third and fourth year students as well as the college's US Study Abroad Programme.

In its early years Richmond served mainly to house study abroad programmes to US students, however this changed in 1981 when Richmond obtained a licence to award US undergraduate degrees from the Washington DC Board of Education and formal accreditation from the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (now the Middle States Commission on Higher Education).[10]

An expansion of the university's Kensington campus on Young Street was officially opened in March 1988 by Diana, Princess of Wales.

Richmond, The American International University in London is a prestigious private institution offering an American-style liberal arts education in the heart of London. Established in 1972, it is particularly popular for its international focus, blending U.S. academic rigor with the cultural vibrancy of the UK capital. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the U.S., Richmond attracts a diverse student body from over 100 countries, making it a hub for global perspectives and cross-cultural exchange.

Academic Excellence

Richmond stands out for its comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs emphasizing interdisciplinary learning. Key areas of popularity include:

• Business and Finance: Renowned for its AACSB-accredited International Business program, preparing students for global careers through case studies and internships in London's financial district.
• International Relations and Politics: Highly regarded for courses on diplomacy, European studies, and global policy, leveraging London's role as a diplomatic center.
• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: Offers innovative majors like Visual Arts and Film Studies, with hands-on projects in world-class museums and galleries.
• Psychology and Communications: Focuses on real-world applications, including media production and behavioral research.

Campus Life and Opportunities

The university's campuses in Richmond (a suburban riverside setting) and Kensington (urban and central) provide a unique dual experience. Students enjoy small class sizes (average 15:1 ratio), personalized faculty support, and extensive study abroad options across Europe and beyond. Richmond is popular for:

Feature	Why It's Popular
Internships and Careers	Strong ties to London employers like Deloitte, BBC, and embassies, with 95% employment rate within six months.
Student Support	Comprehensive services including career advising, wellness programs, and international student orientation.
Extracurriculars	Vibrant clubs, sports, and events fostering leadership and community.

Overall, Richmond's commitment to fostering global citizens through a supportive, innovative environment makes it a top choice for students seeking a transformative education abroad.