BA (Hons)
UCAS CODES: 4 YEARS – T700
NEW: 4 YEARS WITH FOUNDATION – RF02
John F. Kennedy. The Vietnam War. Hollywood. The US presidential election. There is no place on earth like the USA.
If you are fascinated by the United States of America and want to learn more about its culture, history, and politics, explore our BA in American Studies. At Richmond, you can graduate with two degrees, one from the US, one from the UK, creating more opportunities for you on both sides of the Atlantic and internationally.
Originally from Northampton, UK, Ashleigh explains that its the incredible Study Abroad opportunities that made her choose Richmond.
About the programme
As the only American University in the UK, Richmond has an authenticity which few can match when it comes to American Studies.
Our programme, which is based on the American liberal arts system of learning, aims to develop an understanding of the United States of America from an international perspective.
The programme enables students to take courses in American history, politics and foreign policy alongside courses on film, literature, popular music, globalisation and contemporary popular culture.
Students on this programme will also share courses with students majoring in International Relations, Politics, History, Communications, Journalism and other disciplines.
Step outside the classroom and explore a different side of America through visits to The American Museum and Gardens in Bath, the Benjamin Franklin House in London and the British Museum. With all of London’s museums, art galleries and theatres on the doorstep, there are many ways to discover different aspects of America.
You will also have the opportunity to benefit from the numerous exchange possibilities with universities and colleges in the United States, Canada and Latin America.
What you will study
Richmond is the only university in the UK where the degree programmes are based on the US educational approach which is a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.
This programme can also be taken as a three year pathway depending on previous qualifications. The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.
Find out more about the Core Curriculum >
YEAR 1Courses
Plus one of the following:
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YEAR 2Courses
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YEAR 3Courses
Plus one of the following:
Plus one of the following depending on disciplinary interest:
Plus one of the following:
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YEAR 4Courses
Plus one of the following:
Integrated Internship
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In addition to the courses outlined above, there are open electives in each year. Course content and delivery can be subject to change. For more detailed information on the programme specification, please find more details here.
A normal course load per academic year is 30 US credits, equivalent to 120 UK credits. Students complete 120 UK credits at Level 6 in their chosen major.
American Studies (BA) with Foundation
There are many reasons why taking this programme with a Foundation option could be the ideal choice; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have tried other options such as apprenticeship and want to change direction or have been living abroad.
Whatever your starting point, studying this programme with a Foundation option offers you a great opportunity to gain both a UK and US degree and start the adventure of a lifetime, studying with us in the world’s top student city.
This is what our Foundation option can offer you:
Entry requirements
At Richmond our undergraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are offered on a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.
This programme can also be taken as a three year pathway depending on previous qualifications. The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.
Below is information on our entry requirements for both 4 years and 4 years with foundation programmes.
4 YEARS
4 YEARS W/ FOUNDATION
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 enquiries@richmond.ac.uk.
For more information on English Language Requirements for your country visit our How to Apply webpage.
Fees & funding
Undergraduate tuition fees for students starting their programme this academic year can be found in the table below.
UK |
EU / INT |
US |
||||
| Spring 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2023 | Fall 2023 | |
| Undergraduate Programmes
(per year) |
£9,250 | £9,250 | £14,750 | £14,900 | $38,000 | £14,900 |
*This includes a scholarship award upon successful application
(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)
For more information visit our Tuition Fees & Funding webpage.
Employability
The University offers personal development seminars, leadership opportunities and access to work experience, volunteering and internships. There is also a dedicated, personalised service for assistance with CV writing, interview preparation tips and much more.
Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build links with industry experts and Richmond alumni, connecting you to a vast and influential worldwide network.
Internships
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Whether you are interested in gaining work experience in London or internationally, we will be here to help you find the best possible opportunities.
Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment.
Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
Graduate Destinations
Below is a list of where some of the graduates of this programme have gone on to work.
Study abroad
All students at Richmond University have the opportunity to study abroad. You can either study at one of our campuses for a semester to a year or study overseas at any of our partner locations across the world giving you an unique experience.
How to apply
You can apply one of three ways, either apply directly through us, apply through UCAS and for our US students, via the Common Application ($50.00).
In order to submit your application you will need the following information
Visit our How to Apply webpage for more information regarding Entry Requirements, admissions processes and to start your application.
When to apply
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you are completing your undergraduate programme of study. In this case you will be offered a place that is conditional on successfully completing a specified qualification and English language qualification if applicable.
If you would like your application to be considered for a Richmond bursary, an early application is strongly recommended.
What our students say
Studying for a BA in American Studies at Richmond University was the best decision I made in the last three years (better than the time I said yes to eating an oven baked tarantula, lightly salted).
The classes at Richmond are small – in terms of student numbers, but also dimensionally – and all the better for it. Class discussions are the perfect setting to explore the subject and extract sordid details. Class contact hours are numerous and the work load is high but time spent with our tutors is extensive which I know, having done the first year of my degree at a British University, is an exceptional quality unique to Richmond University.
With quite a broad subject, taking the degree in the direction I wanted to is routinely encouraged, as is free thinking and the development of my ideas. If you want a challenge and to develop an incredible understanding in your field, Richmond American International University in London is the place to go, despite its lengthy title which I may have just got wrong.
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Sign up and find out about our programmes, generous scholarships and what life is like at Richmond.
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“Recent history has demonstrated the importance of studying the American Presidency. Students gain an in-depth knowledge of the historical development of presidential power and the role of precedent through discussing presidential case studies right put to the present day.
Students also enrich their understanding of American history through focusing on the actions of the occupant of what has become the most powerful office in the world, intertwining their historical debates with current affairs and ongoing controversies, leaving the classroom confident to engage in informed debate.”
– Dr. Laura Smith, Adjunct Assistant Professor & Presidential Historian
Studying for a BA in American Studies at Richmond University was the best decision I made in the last three years (better than the time I said yes to eating an oven baked tarantula, lightly salted).
The classes at Richmond are small – in terms of student numbers, but also dimensionally – and all the better for it. Class discussions are the perfect setting to explore the subject and extract sordid details. Class contact hours are numerous and the work load is high but time spent with our tutors is extensive which I know, having done the first year of my degree at a British University, is an exceptional quality unique to Richmond University.
With quite a broad subject, taking the degree in the direction I wanted to is routinely encouraged, as is free thinking and the development of my ideas. If you want a challenge and to develop an incredible understanding in your field, Richmond American International University in London is the place to go, despite its lengthy title which I may have just got wrong.
The reason I chose Richmond’s BA programme in American Studies was because I wanted to gain a broad understanding of American politics and culture, and it was important for me to study in a genuinely American environment, which is provided at Richmond.
As we study so many different topics we can choose any minor, I’m doing Political Science which I think will be really helpful for my career options.
