Contact Us

Chiara Mortarino Bowie
North American Programmes Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)20 7368 8426

Spend a Summer in London

Are you considering London for your summer experience? Richmond American University London has crafted a unique experience for you, combining American Liberal Arts education with British heritage and culture.

The top three reasons to choose Richmond:

  • London as Your Classroom: Leverage our London location to access world-class galleries, museums, and cultural spaces, enhancing your learning experience with real-world exposure
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Combine studies in art and visual cultures with courses in humanities, social sciences, and sciences, fostering a well-rounded education
  • Global Perspective: Engage with international themes and practices, enriched by field trips and a diverse student cohort, preparing you for a career in the interconnected global art scene

Proposed Summer 2026 Classes

Click the drop-down options below to view the courses on offer during our 3 week programme option.

The university reserves the right to make alterations/cancellations to the summer classes on offer to reflect student demand.

Course content and delivery can be subject to change.

Summer School: 8 – 26 June 2026

Programme Specification
  • ARTS 5601 Museums & Galleries of London

    Considers the nature of London’s museums and art galleries and their role and function in our society and culture since the 17th century. The course also provides students with a critical understanding of the various historical, cultural, social and political contexts that have shaped British art and architecture from 1650 onwards. Students study the workings of the art market and a variety of other topics that impinge upon it, such as conservation, restoration, the investment potential of art, and art world crime. The course enables students to study and discuss London’s art and architecture firsthand through regular visits to buildings and museums.

  • AVC 3160 Foundations in Photography

    This course concentrates on developing the student’s visual intelligence via photography. Technically, students will learn to use digital SLR cameras and the basic workflow using Adobe CC. By looking at the work of a range of artists, students will be introduced to some of the theories that underpin photographic practice and consider photography’s place and role in contemporary culture. Throughout the course students make images which finally result in an edited portfolio of photographic images.

  • LITR 5602 British Fantasy Writing

    This course will explore the vibrant genre tradition of fantastic and non-realist writing using a range of critical approaches. The first half of the course will survey some of the major texts on which modern Fantasy literature draws, including Beowulf, Arthurian texts and selections from works by Shakespeare, Milton, Jane Austen and Lewis Carroll. The second half of the course will focus more intensively on a few major fantasies from the past 120 years and their filmed adaptations, including works by Bram Stoker, J.R.R. Tolkien, and J.K. Rowling, and will look at how these texts and their filmic counterparts repurpose and revision older ideas for novel purposes.

  • MARK FASH 5601Psychology of Fashion and Luxury Goods

    Consumer psychology within the context of the consumption of fashion and luxury products and services is complex and is influenced by many factors. A thorough analysis and understanding of these factors allows organizations to plan effective marketing activities suitable to their target markets. This course enables students to understand the importance of consumer behaviour in the process of marketing fashion and luxury goods and services.

  • POLS 5601The British Parliament

    This course will introduce students to the main political institutions in the United Kingdom (the monarchy, the executive, parliament, political parties and electoral systems) and to important debates in contemporary British society, such as constitutional reform, Britain’s relations with Europe, the power of the media, gender debates and multiculturalism. The class combines theoretical and empirical approaches. Classes are supplemented by 10 sessions in the House of Commons with a Member of Parliament.

Summer 2026 Internship Programme

The Summer Internship programme consists of a six-week, 3 US credit internship (15/20 hour a week) alongside you taking one 3-credit course: HIST 5601 Historical London. This class takes you out and about in London regularly and will give you an excellent understanding of the history, geography, sociology and politics of the city.

The 3-credit Internship Programme is open to students of any discipline who meet the requirements, with four different versions of the class (see below) designed to fit around any major. These requirements include:

  • 40 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of application
  • one strong academic reference
  • a clean disciplinary record
  • meet our English language requirements
  • agree to apply for a student route visa (required as part of any work placement in the UK)

Final acceptance onto the programme is at the discretion of the Internships Office.

The university reserves the right to make alterations/cancellations to the summer internships and classes on offer to reflect student demand.

Summer Internship Programme: 18 May – 26 June 2026

Programme Specification
Richmond offers four different, industry-related, three-credit internships, depending on major:
  • BUSM 6601 Business

  • COMM 6601 Communications and The Arts

  • SITS 6601 Science, Innovation and Technology

  • SOCS 6601 Social Sciences

    Each internship provides students with an experiential learning opportunity in which to develop intellectual, professional, and personal skills and prepares students to function effectively in culturally diverse working environments across a range of career paths and employment sectors. Internships are supervised by the Internship office, and each student will also complete a series of learning activities throughout the internship. These activities are designed to help students reflect on personal development and key skills attained, the benefits gained from the internship experience, and to shape and determine goals for future career pathways.

  • COURSE TO BE TAKEN ALONG THE INTERNSHIP
  • HIST 5601 Historical London

    This course surveys the history of London from its Roman origins to the modern cosmopolitan metropolis that it is today. Through a variety of themes, students will explore social, political and architectural developments of this urban centre throughout the ages. Students will both read about and visit significant sites within London which illustrate aspects of the history of this great metropolis.

3 Weeks – Session A

20 May – 7 June

Programme Specification
  • AVC 4205 Introduction to Visual Culture

    This course explores images and representations across cultural and historical contexts: the way meaning and ideologies can be decoded from such cultural artifacts as advertising, photography, cinema, modern art, sculpture, architecture, propaganda and comic books. Through varied examples, it takes an introductory route through some of the most important cultural theories and concepts.

  • COM 4115 Digital Society

    This course introduces students to critical studies of the digital society, and how it effects institutions, media, and audiences socially, culturally, and politically. It explores the history of ‘the information revolution’, and how contemporary digital technologies, the internet, and social media are changing identities, relationships, and practices at both micro- and macro-levels. Through engaging with key debates within digital society (e.g. selfhood and social media, participatory culture, sharing economy, surveillance, truth of online information and democracy), students will develop critical understanding of the relationship between digital technologies and society, and reflect on their own use of digital media.

  • ENV 3125 Foundations in Environmental Studies

    A basic introduction to the major themes of Environmental Studies, this course covers basic ecology, environmental ethics, and environmental science. Well known environmental issues such as global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, pollution, and population issues are addressed from scientific, economic, politico-sociological and ethical standpoints. An awareness and appreciation of global, local, and personal environmental problems are developed, together with the implications of possible solutions. The concept of interrelatedness is a unifying theme throughout the course.

  • INB 6101 International Business Environment

    This course focuses on the socio-cultural, technological, political, legal, financial, and ecological environment in which international business takes place. Equally, the course studies regional business strategies with an in-depth focus of the European Single Market as the most integrated business area. This is further complemented by the study of distinct business areas which in a non-exhaustive manner covers Japan, North America, China, and Emerging Economies.

3 Weeks – Session B

10 June – 28 June

Programme Specification
  • AVC 5200 Museums and Galleries of London

    Considers the nature of museums and art galleries and their role and function in our society and culture. Students study the workings of the art market and a variety of other topics that impinge upon it, such as conservation, restoration, the investment potential of art, and art world crime. Students visit many of the great London galleries and museums with their rich intercultural collections, as part of this course. A university-level survey of the history of international art is strongly recommended as a prerequisite.

  • FLM 4200 Introduction to Film Studies

    This course explores film as a medium across cultural and historical contexts. It covers films in its varied form, from the first projections in the late 19th century to online distribution today. Using examples of noteworthy films, it takes an introductory examination of the most important film theories and concepts, in the process examining how ideologies and meanings are imbedded in this vibrant medium.

  • MKT 6103 Fashion Product Development

    Fashion professionals are often generating ideas, defining looks and moods a couple of seasons in advance. Product development and forecasting is an essential part of the way that the fashion industry organises and promotes itself. This course is designed to give students a systematic overview of product development and the trend cycle in fashion, its operation in relation to the industry’s specialist sectors, and to introduce the creative and commercial functions of the fashion forecasting process within the fashion industry. It considers marketplace dynamics which affect and create the trends and impact on lifestyles and fashion products.

6 Weeks

20 May – 28 June

Programme Specification
  • EAP 3270 Fundamentals of Research & Writing

    What does research involve? How will you use it effectively in your own writing? This course is designed to introduce students to strategies for the effective reading of a range of texts to enhance understanding and critical assessment. You will learn ways to select and acknowledge these sources of information and write about them in a structured fashion as required in university study. You will learn to organise your paragraphs and choose appropriate academic vocabulary in your writing, to convey your meaning clearly to your reader. A minimum grade of C on this course and EAP 3275 is required for students to progress to GEP 3180, Research and Writing I.

  • EAP 3275 Fundamentals of Academic Language & Oracy

    How do you feel about speaking up and speaking out? How closely do others listen to your views, and you to theirs? This course is founded on the belief that good spoken communication in a range of contexts is essential to individual, community and cross-cultural development and understanding. Students need to start thinking, listening and talking with confidence and clarity at the back, middle and front of the class, and throughout the university campus. A minimum grade of C on this course and EAP 3270 is required for students to progress to GEP 3180, Research and Writing I.

  • GEP 3150 Visual Thinking

    This course provides an interdisciplinary grounding in the practice and theory of critical visual thinking. Through theoretical frameworks such as semiotics, it explores predominantly photographic images, from across a range of cultures and contexts: the arts, politics, science, sport and technology. Through visual analysis, it considers digital forms of observation and image making, as well as building understanding by visual practice. It examines questions concerning curating, circulating and making public the images we produce. It asks: What are the values and truths hidden in images? How can the practice of image production advance our thinking around images? How, in the context of a range of disciplines, can we learn to communicate ideas visually and verbally?

  • GEP 3170 Narratives of Change

    This course considers a landscape of global ideas through the lens of contemporary literature. Students will be introduced to pivotal moments of recent thought surrounding gender, race, environment and technology, exploring how literature both shapes and responds to our changing world. Students will analyse literary, political, and theoretical texts from a variety of cultures, exploring the relationship between written form, content and context particularly the ways in which social change might play out in literature. There will be the opportunity to produce both critical analysis in essay form and creative writing that responds to the texts studied.

  • GEP 3180 Research and Writing I

    This core course concentrates on developing the students’ ability to read and think critically, and to read, understand and analyse texts from a range of genres. How do you successfully negotiate a path through a sea of information and then write it up? Using essential information literacy skills to help with guided research, this course develops the ability to produce effective and appropriate academic writing across the curriculum. This is the first course in the Richmond academic research and writing sequence.

  • GEP 4105 Social Change in Practice

    This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to analyse London-based social and environmental needs. Students will discuss key texts related to service learning and apply a range of planning and research techniques to deliver a community-based project related to a chosen social or environmental issue. Students will use local resources when available including registered not-for-profit and community-based organizations and reflect critically on their ability to create a positive contribution to society. Students will engage in community-based service learning, with guided academic tasks and reflection.

  • MGT 3201 Foundations of Computer Applications

    This is a foundations course comprised of a broad overview of information systems and technology, as principally used in support of business processes and decision-making activities. An in-depth discussion of the relationship, between organizations and information systems is a fundamental element of the course. Topics include: computer hardware and software, operating systems, the use of excel in management practice, social issues related to information systems. The use of excel provides a common thread in the topics covered throughout the course.

  • MGT 3210 World of Entrepreneurship

    The course is designed to help students explore the ‘aspirational journey’ of entrepreneurship - its history, present and future. Students will get the opportunity to understand how the discipline of entrepreneurship started, what constitutes its eco-system and why it has become the focus of advanced, emerging and developing countries simultaneously. Students will learn about the Merchant-Capitalists of the eighteenth century up to and beyond the iconic global brands which were founded during the 2008 global recession. Students will explore the reasons behind the successes and failures of businesses like Segway, Amazon, Spotify and Toyota. They will also read the lives of inspiring leaders and legendary entrepreneurs like Jack Ma, Jeff Bezos and Michael Dell who crafted the world of entrepreneurship. At the end of the course, students will be able to decipher themselves whether they wish to take the path of those who made a real difference in the world.

  • MTH 4120 Probability & Statistics

    An introductory course in probability primarily designed for business economics and psychology majors. The course coverage will include: descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, random variables and expectations, discrete probability distributions (Binomial and Poisson distributions), continuous probability distribution (Normal distribution), linear regression analysis and correlations, elementary hypothesis testing and Chi-square tests, non-parametric methods and SPSS lab sessions targeting applications of statistical concepts to business, economics and psychology and interpretations of hardcopies. All practical work will be produced using SPSS statistical software.

How to Apply

Select ‘Study Abroad’ and ‘Summer’ when you apply online

Academic Qualifications

If you are attending a university or college in your home country, you must be able to provide proof that you have achieved marks demonstrating satisfactory academic progress in the first year and additional years of study.

Please complete the Online Application form by 17 May. If you are enrolling in the Internship Summer Programme please complete the Online Application form by the 1 March.

Academic Entry Requirements

To apply for the Summer School programme you must submit evidence of your academic standing by providing any of the following:

  • Completed high school or equivalent certificate. We require your High School Diploma, IB or your A Level results
  • If you are about to graduate from high school we require your High School Transcript and/or Certificate
  • If you are a current university student we require your current university transcript
  • If you are not a current student we require your most up-to-date academic record
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0

Please note: Evidence must be either a scanned copy of the original document or an official certified copy.

If you wish to undertake an internship you will also need to have completed 40 US University credits by the start of the programme. 

English Language Requirements

  • Valid IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components
  • Valid TOEFL iBT 79 overall with 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 17 in Writing, 20 in Speaking

Please note: We accept a wide range of English Language Qualifications. Please contact us for further details

Fees*

Fees
3-week class option Tuition
1 three-credit course £1,500
6-week Internship option Tuition
1 three-credit course £1,500
6-week internship £1,500
* An additional 15% discount applies to formalised University Partners

The Stay Club – North Acton

Summer 2026

North Acton is an ideal spot for students, combining a lively city vibe with all the essentials close at hand. Located in the London Borough of Ealing, West London, it’s known for its convenient transport links, particularly with the Central and Elizabeth Line on the London Underground, providing easy access to central London and beyond. The area has a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces, with a growing number of modern developments, including new housing and office spaces. Essential conveniences, including supermarkets, fitness centers, and the scenic Acton Park, are just steps away, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable lifestyle in a vibrant part of the city.

Register your interest
If you are interested in booking housing at The Stay Club – North Acton , please get in touch with our Student Affairs team by clicking the button below. We’ll provide you with more information, answer any questions you have, and provide you with a pre-booking form to complete.

All Richmond students must book directly with the University (not Stay Club) in order to reserve a room within the University’s allocation at North Acton. Please note that Stay Club’s external website displays their public availability, which is entirely separate from the University’s reserved allocation.

All queries about room location, contract terms, or availability should be sent to: [email protected]

Address - W3

210 Western Avenue, W3 6FW 

Room details

Fully furnished, single studio apartment with ensuite and full kitchen facilities included.

  • £454 per week (3 weeks)
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Fire safety regulated
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Single studios
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En suite bathrooms
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Self-catered

(with paid catering option)

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Close to transport links
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High-speed Wi-fi
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Weekly cleaning service
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24/7 Reception & security
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Gym on-site
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Cinema
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Deadlines

Please be aware of the following deadline dates during the application process. Please contact us if you have any questions.

FOR SUMMER SCHOOL
Chiara Mortarino Bowie
North American Programmes Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)20 7368 8426

FOR THE SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)20 7368 8426

DEADLINE FOR SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME

1st March

Deadline to apply for internship option

17th March

Guarantee of University housing deadline

1st May

Nomination deadline

19th May

Application deadline

What happens next?

Upon receipt of your application, we will email you with an invoice and instructions on how to make full payment online by credit card and other payment methods once we have approved your application and you have accepted your Summer School study place. If you are applying for a Summer Internship you will receive further instructions after you have submitted your application online.