UCAS CODES: NP52 – 4 YEARS
Degree
BA (Hons)
UK & US Degree
Duration
3 or 4 Years
Tuition Fees
UK – £9,250
EU, INT & US – £17,500
Scholarships
Option to fast-track your degree: complete the UK/US four-year degree in three years.
Richmond is the only university in the UK where the degree programmes are based on the US educational approach, which takes four years to complete. However, with our new programme structure students can complete it in three years. Applicants can leverage their A Levels or equivalent qualifications to fast-track their degree, often completing it in just three years. For example, UK A Levels grades BBC-BBB and above are counted as credits for the first year of the degree. Please check the Entry Requirements section for more information.
With our unique American liberal arts and UK combined approach to teaching, our undergraduate degrees ensure students receive a well-rounded learning experience, nurturing critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. Students explore diverse perspectives and develop a broad understanding of the world, preparing them for a variety of career paths.
Students will take the following degree paths based on their previous qualifications achieved. There are three different paths to achieve the degree.
Shape culture. Build stories that travel.
From viral campaigns to culture-shifting slogans, advertising and PR shape how the world thinks, feels, and connects. If you want to be the voice behind the message, this is your moment.
At Richmond, you won’t just study campaigns—you’ll create them. Grounded in communication theory and powered by hands-on media production, our degree blends creativity, strategy, and global relevance. You’ll explore the big ideas and learn the real-world skills that put them into action.
Our partnership with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) allows you to join Europe’s largest PR and communications body, granting access to exclusive training, conferences, and networking events.
Study in London—one of the world’s top media capitals—and graduate with two degrees: UK and US. No extra time. No extra cost. Just a passport to global opportunities.
Why choose Richmond’s BA (Hons) Advertising and Public Relations?
🌍 Two degrees. One global future.
Graduate with UK and US qualifications—no extra time, no extra cost.
🎓 Built for real careers.
Optional internships with top agencies. Guest speakers from industry. Projects that prepare you to stand out.
📚 Study across disciplines.
Blend communication, marketing, media, and design. Then specialise in what sparks your ambition.
🏙️ London is your classroom.
Learn in one of the world’s top cities for media, culture, and creativity.
💼 Professional from day one.
Join Europe’s largest PR body (PRCA) with access to exclusive training, events, and networking.
👥 Small classes. Big support.
Be known by name. Get one-to-one guidance. Learn in an international community that’s as ambitious as you are.
This course explores fundamental concepts, principles and tools in advertising and public relations within the broader media industries and professional contexts. It traces the history and evolution of advertising and public relations and how they interconnect, examines political, economic, social and cultural contexts, identifies persuasive and creative techniques and the planning skills used to produce them, and addresses contemporary issues including criticisms of the industries and ethical debates.
Practical introduction to contemporary media production through creation of a podcast, short film and photographic essay. Focus on photography, audio and video recording and editing using industry-standard hardware and software. Builds practical skills and creativity across visual and sonic media, with history of visual and sonic media and skills audits to plan practical work.
Comprehensive introduction to the evolution of mass media and communication from print and broadcast to internet, social media and AI. Covers production and consumption across advertising, PR, journalism, television, film, music and gaming. Addresses contemporary issues and applies tools and theories to develop media literacy, including complex topics such as media ownership.
Develops students’ critical research and writing skills for academic and professional settings. Focuses on principles of good scholarship and academic practice. On completion, students confidently use available resources to produce well-researched writing with critical engagement on a self-selected topic.
Explores making, display, meaning and impact of images and artefacts up to the late nineteenth century across cultural settings. Focuses on analysis of objects, images, photography, film, advertising and fashion; introduces visual analysis and semiotics; discusses Canon, Tradition, Perceptions and Representations. Includes specialist guest lectures and visits to London museums, galleries and archives.
Theoretical and practical understanding of communication within and between cultures, aligned with the University’s mission of unity in diversity. Builds awareness of complex cultural identities and applies International Communication theories in case studies, simulations and project work.
Surveys ancient cultures from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Examines how politics, religion, art, trade and beliefs shaped societies. Trains critical engagement with primary and secondary sources to understand state formation, empires, identity, trade networks and cross-cultural interactions.
Introductory Korean language and culture with emphasis on oral communication in everyday situations and contemporary South Korean society. Covers Hangul, pronunciation, vocabulary and essential speech patterns, and explores popular culture to connect language and culture.
Foundational understanding of how businesses operate and reach target markets. Explores core management principles and marketing strategies to create value and build profitable customer relationships.
Includes descriptive statistics, probability, random variables and expectations, Binomial and Poisson distributions, Normal distribution, sampling distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing for means and proportions (up to two populations), Chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA and F distribution, linear/multiple/non-linear regression and non-parametric methods. SPSS labs included; all practical work produced using SPSS.
Introduces data analytic cycles and their role in analysis. Explains why data matters, types of data, metrics and parameters to describe patterns and behaviour. Uses primary tools to explore and analyse data and the statistical processes underpinning analysis, with debates on ethical, sustainability and social implications.
Examines ecological principles and their application to conservation. Explores population dynamics, species interactions, ecosystems, biodiversity and causes of decline and extinction. Addresses habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species and conservation strategies at multiple scales using case studies.
Covers climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, pollution, population and energy issues, land and water issues and environmental ethics. Addresses scientific, economic, socio-political and ethical standpoints. Emphasises interrelatedness and personal environmental identity.
Introduces Earth System Science, the Earth’s origins and evolution and interactions among atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and lithosphere. Basis for understanding natural systems and human impacts, with emphasis on global warming, biodiversity, energy and sustainable development.
Fundamentals of object-oriented programming: variables, objects, classes; control flow, loops; functions and procedures; object interaction and inheritance. May include specialist topics such as mobile application programming.
Explores relationships between biology and behaviour, including nervous system, brain, emotion, vision, attention, sleep, motivation and psychopathology, with ethical issues in neuroscience research.
Plus two Level 5 electives from across the curriculum. These can support a minor outside your subject discipline.
Practical course using industry-standard design software. Discusses idea generation and critique for persuasion. Analyses visual narrative and research, then covers type, colour, layout and composition. Training enables production of images to a brief. No prior design or software experience required.
Examines principles and practice of persuasive communication in advertising and PR. Engages with concepts of influence on perception and behaviour. Provides hands-on work crafting and evaluating messages, analysing real examples and writing PR materials and advertising copy to contemporary standards.
Explores how media and communications technologies shape understanding, interaction and identity. Draws on theories of mediation, representation and technology. Engages debates on representation, consumption, participation and selfhood, including impacts of advanced AI. Develops critical reflection on technology–society relations and personal media use.
Critically explores media and power. Analyses propaganda, control and influence by governments, corporations and movements. Investigates ownership and corporate control, diversity, democracy and hegemony. Considers media activism and participation politics that challenge dominant narratives and amplify marginalised voices.
Develops understanding of psychology–marketing–consumer behaviour interplay. Uses resources including Chartered Institute of Marketing materials. Covers perception, motivation, learning, attitudes, decision-making and social and cultural influences to inform effective strategies.
Explores fashion industry marketing, consumer behaviour and retail, with emphasis on sustainable fashion. Covers brand identity, campaign execution, trend analysis and retail operations including buying and merchandising. Includes London visits. Prepares for roles in fashion marketing, brand management, buying, merchandising and retail leadership.
Hands-on production from camera and sound to editing, audio design and studio work. Develops theory and practice via group exercises and individual assignments. Screens recent and historical works to understand the medium’s language.
Explores technical and contextual possibilities of the photographic studio. Builds experience with cameras, lighting, backdrops, working with models and objects, and industry-standard software. Surveys historical and contemporary studio practice in fine art, fashion and advertising.
Equips students with qualitative and quantitative research skills for arts and communications. Covers research questions, designs, literature reviews, analysis, contextualisation and ethics. Discusses cultural assumptions and bias. Builds critical reflection and evaluation for independent research projects.
Applies service-learning to conceptions of citizenship. Students work on live projects with charities, NGOs or non-profits, addressing real-world issues and reflecting on roles as legal and social citizens. Builds professional and personal skills with a JEDI-aligned approach.
Applies service learning to global challenges and leadership for positive change. Students lead diverse teams on live projects, developing professional skills with a JEDI-aligned approach to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion.
Uses service learning to examine citizenship concepts and limitations through live projects and reflective practice. Builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills with a JEDI-aligned approach to inclusion.
Applies service-learning to digital work engaging with external organisations and communities. Identifies innovation and employment opportunities offered by digital skills. Develops professional practice through live digital projects and critical reflection.
Focuses on development and execution of creative campaigns in advertising and PR. Applies advanced concepts to create impactful campaigns. Critically examines past campaigns and requires planning, pitching and discussion of student-devised integrated campaigns.
Major self-initiated project reflecting accumulated skills and knowledge. Supports career planning and portfolio creation, including bios, CVs and statements. Supervised tutorials and group critiques guide iterative development and revision.
Provides theory, skills, tools and technologies to create 360° digital marketing campaigns. Covers SEO, social media, email and analytics. Teaches planning, objectives, campaign design and evaluation. Explores influencer marketing and AI/AR/VR, with responsible and sustainable marketing considerations.
Holistic IMC across traditional channels (advertising, OOH, PR, sponsorship, events) and digital channels (social, SEO/SEM, web, email, experiential, influencers, AR). Uses theory, tools, campaigns, case studies and contemporary brand examples to design and execute cross-platform strategies.
Work placement in advertising, PR and related fields. Develops intellectual, professional and personal skills for diverse workplaces. Faculty-supervised with structured learning activities to reflect on development, benefits and future career goals.
Student-led projects under an open brief to develop filmmaking interests and context. Builds advanced skills in cinematography, colour grading and audio production. Considers distribution and culminates in a collaborative public event.
Critical exploration of leadership for managing people and talent. Covers contemporary theories, diversity and inclusion, ethical leadership and social responsibility. Uses real-life cases on attracting, developing, motivating and retaining talent.
Overview of programme management principles, processes and techniques. Emphasises strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, risk management and benefits realisation. Surveys methodologies and selection for diverse project scenarios.
Comprehensive study of fashion and luxury brand management. Covers positioning, consumer behaviour, marketing strategies and global challenges and opportunities. Explores sustainability, technological innovation and emerging models via case studies to develop actionable brand strategies.
Practical study of marketing planning and strategy. Students create, implement and evaluate marketing plans via case studies, simulations and a student-led project, bridging theory and real-world execution.
Charts global arts and visual cultures in the twenty-first century. Uses established and emerging methodologies to analyse intersections with politics of representation, indigenous rights, environmental activism and surveillance. Includes regular visits to cultural venues and art-related organisations.
Group-based practice course developing visual, sonic, journalistic and graphic outputs while building collaboration skills. Uses London as a “second classroom” with visits to creative organisations. Engages discourse on curation, management, the art market, policy and the social and regenerative potential of arts work.
Plus one elective of your choice, which may support a minor.
At Richmond, we do things differently. You won’t just sit in lectures, you’ll collaborate, debate, problem-solve and apply what you learn in real time.
This programme is taught through a mix of seminars, lectures, group work, and hands-on projects. Most classes are small and discussion-led, meaning you’ll have real conversations, not just note-taking sessions. This gives you space to think critically, ask questions, and get personal support from your professors.
Alongside your classroom experience, you’ll also take part in guided learning activities: from guest lectures and field trips to online discussion boards, workshops and research.
You’ll study 32 US credits (128 UK credits) per academic year, with around:
We assess you the way the real world works, not just through final exams, but through a continuous assessment model, where you’re evaluated throughout the semester.
Depending on the course, you might be assessed through:
This means you’ll build confidence as you go, get regular feedback, and develop a range of academic and professional skills, not just learn to cram for exams.
From day one, you’ll be assigned a personal Academic Advisor, a member of faculty who’ll guide your course choices, support your development, and help you stay on track. You’ll meet with them regularly and get advice that’s tailored to your goals, whether academic, personal, or professional.
You’ll also have access to:
Looking for information about our Level 3 Applied Liberal Arts year? You’ll find everything you need here.
The University accepts a wide range of international undergraduate degree award qualifications. Occasionally the University may invite candidates to attend an interview.
We understand that not every student is in the same situation, if you have any questions about your qualifications, please get in touch with us [email protected].
| Entry to year two of the programme Minimum requirements
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Entry to year one of the programme Minimum requirements
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Missing up to 24 US transfer credits will enter year one of the programm (students normally take 3.5 years to complete the degree).
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If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:
We also accept a range of alternative qualifications to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. Validity: For admissions and CAS purposes, period of validity for all country-specific English language waivers is 2 years.
£300 – Tuition confirmation deposit for US Students (non-refundable)
Pay now >
Internships usually run for eight to nine weeks, they are ‘for credit’ and count towards your degree grade. Some internships are paid roles.
All essential field trip costs are included in the undergraduate degree tuition fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which incur additional costs.
Tuition fee reduction
(Students can only be awarded one scholarship)
Cyril Taylor cash bursary
Number of awards: 15 UK and 12 US
For more information on the terms and conditions visit our Tuition Fees & Funding webpage.
At Richmond, everything we do is about preparing you for what comes next. From the very start of your course, you’ll build the skills, experience and connections that set you apart, whether you’re heading into finance, launching a business, or exploring postgraduate study.
Real-world experience is built into your degree, not bolted on. You’ll have the opportunity to complete a credit-bearing internship in your final year, supported by our Careers & Internships Office.
We’ll help you secure opportunities that match your goals, in London or abroad. Whether you’re interested in investment banking, audit, fintech or international development, we’ll help you get your foot in the door.
Want to go global? We partner with Connect123 and CRCC Asia, offering internship programmes in a wide range of countries, including Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
Throughout your studies, you’ll connect with industry experts, guest speakers, and Richmond alumni around the world. Our alumni network includes leaders in finance, media, sustainability and the third sector, and they’re ready to open doors for you.
You’ll also take part in personal development seminars, leadership training, and career workshops focused on CVs, interview prep, networking and building your personal brand.
Here are just a few of the global organisations our graduates have gone on to:
There are three simple ways to apply for this programme choose the route that works best for you:
Apply directly through our websiteTo complete your application, you’ll be asked for the following:
Visit our How to Apply page for more on entry requirements, the admissions process, and tips to help you submit your best application.
We strongly recommend applying as early as possible, even if you’re still completing your current qualifications. If you haven’t yet finished school, we can offer you a conditional place based on your predicted grades and (if required) your English language qualification.
Apply early. Scholarships and bursaries are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-considered basis, don’t miss out.
The equal consideration deadline is Wednesday 14 January 2026 for September 2026 entry. After that, places may still be available, but they’re not guaranteed.
We expect the deadline for applications through the Common App to be around the January 15th 2026. After that, places may still be available, but most likely limited.
This course is expected to be available in UCAS Clearing, a great opportunity if you’re applying late or changing plans. Keep an eye on our website and UCAS listings from July 2025.
We accept applications year-round, but recommend submitting early to leave time for visa processing, accommodation, and travel planning.
Take your Richmond degree further, literally.
As part of your undergraduate degree, you can study abroad at one of our partner universities across Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America. Whether you want to experience life in a new culture, explore different academic perspectives, or boost your global career prospects, this is your opportunity to do it, without extending your degree or paying additional tuition.
Study abroad is fully integrated into your Richmond programme. You’ll continue to earn academic credit and pay tuition to Richmond, not the host institution. To be eligible, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above.
You’ll have access to a wide range of destinations, and our team will support you throughout the process, from choosing your university to settling in overseas.
To learn more about where you can go, visit our Overseas Study Partners Page.
“This degree offers candidates the opportunity to explore the worlds of advertising, PR and communications in London, the undoubted hub of the global marketing communications industry. Enjoy lively classes taught by experienced academics and guest lecturers as well as the opportunity to become a student member of the Public Relations and Communications Association – Europe’s largest PR body.”
Dr Nicola Mann
Head of Department of Communications
“The reason I chose this programme is because I wanted to learn more about different professions in the field. What I enjoyed most about my course was the flexibility. I was able to learn about different careers and choose the one I loved best.
The university’s incredible London location meant that in my third year I could intern at a small PR agency. Today I am a Senior Account Executive working in arts and culture PR.”
“I am currently studying full time (all four years) for a BA in Communications: Marketing and Public Relations. Choosing Richmond was an easy choice for me as the class sizes and the community feel was exactly what I was looking for from my university experience. I have had the best three and a half years and am grateful for my time at Richmond. During my time at Richmond, I have had the opportunity to have fantastic lecturers that are professional, fun and extremely knowledgeable on their subjects, which is incredibly encouraging for my future.
Being able to graduate with both a UK and a US degree is a bonus. The liberal arts structure benefitted me and prepared me for a well-rounded education and I wouldn’t change that experience whatsoever.”
“I am currently studying full time (all four years) for a BA in Communications: Marketing and Public Relations. Choosing Richmond was an easy choice for me as the class sizes and the community feel was exactly what I was looking for from my university experience. I have had the best three and a half years and am grateful for my time at Richmond. During my time at Richmond, I have had the opportunity to have fantastic lecturers that are professional, fun and extremely knowledgeable on their subjects, which is incredibly encouraging for my future.
Being able to graduate with both a UK and a US degree is a bonus. The liberal arts structure benefitted me and prepared me for a well-rounded education and I wouldn’t change that experience whatsoever.”
Sign up and find out about our programmes, generous scholarships and what life is like at Richmond.
All Undergraduate students have the option to Study Abroad for a semester or entire academic year. We offer students the opportunity to study abroad with our partners in:
USA | CHINA | AUSTRALIA | NEW ZEALAND | GREECE | BELGIUM | FRANCE | ARGENTINA | SOUTH KOREA | SPAIN
and many more places around the word.
Join student Isabella and Head of Department of Communications, Dr. Nicola Mann for an interview about our Communications: Advertising & PR and Media Studies programmes at Richmond American University London.
RIASA is excited to announce that from September 2025, we will be expanding our UK college soccer offering by launching our first-ever London Roster. Aspiring student-athletes will have the choice of 30 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes – all US/UK dual accredited, alongside a challenging and rewarding soccer development programme.
Sport Ed Ex combines the provision of performance coaching and playing pathways in Rugby and Cricket for aspiring athletes (men and women) aged 18 and over with the opportunity to study at Richmond American University London, offering students the unique opportunity to study a wide variety of dual accredited (US/UK) undergraduate degree courses.
Flick through and download our Undergraduate Prospectus to find out more about the programme, integrated internships & unique career opportunities.
