Richmond Validates Construction Programme in Partnership with Francis James Ltd
Author: Richmond American University London
Richmond is pleased to announce the successful validation of the BSc Construction and Built Environment programme delivered by Francis James Ltd, an independent higher education provider specialising in flexible, industry-relevant construction qualifications.
The collaboration between RAUL and Francis James Ltd began in February 2025, with Institutional Approval completed the same month. Following a rigorous process, the university validated a suite of Richmond Validated Awards, including:
- BSc (Hons) Construction and the Built Environment, with specialisms in:
- The Built Environment
- Quantity Surveying
- Building Services Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Construction Management
- Level 4 Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
- Level 5 Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
The validation panel praised the programme for its strong industry alignment, commitment to professional development, robust student support, and innovative approach to academic integrity. These strengths reflect both institutions’ shared commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible education for professionals in the built environment sector.
The collaboration was spearheaded by our Quality Assurance Team. “It’s been incredibly rewarding for the QA team to be part of this exciting partnership and to witness it come to life,” our Deputy Registrar for Quality Assurance, Safina Allidina, tells us. “This success is the result of the dedication and collaboration of many individuals behind the scenes—across senior management, faculty and professional staff. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their time, talent, and effort.”
“We are delighted to have established an exciting, new partnership with Francis James Ltd,” said Kelly Coate, Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic at Richmond. “We are particularly impressed with how they work closely with employers to enable a diverse range of learners to gain new skills and qualifications in the area of construction management. We are looking forward to seeing this partnership grow in mutually beneficial ways.”
This validation marks the beginning of a dynamic collaboration that will provide new opportunities for learners seeking career advancement and academic achievement in the construction industry.
