UCAS CODES: V100 – 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.
Are you curious about how the past continues to shape our world today? The BA (Hons) International History programme at Richmond American University London offers an in-depth exploration of history from ancient civilisations to contemporary global events, going beyond mere timelines to understand the forces that have crafted our present.
Based in the historic and dynamic city of London, this programme provides unparalleled access to some of the world’s most prestigious museums, archives, and historical sites. You’ll delve into a wide array of historical periods and themes, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how different cultures and societies have evolved.
In the American liberal arts tradition, you’ll choose courses from across various subject disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach ensures you develop a well-rounded perspective, sharpening your critical thinking and analytical abilities, which are essential in the modern job market. It also enriches your personal and intellectual development, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of international history.
You’ll delve deeper into how histories have influenced societies across the globe, examining their impact on the economy, health, wellbeing, and education. These studies will sharpen your communication and research abilities, preparing you for more advanced work.
London becomes your second classroom as you will explore a vast array of visual cultures, from prehistoric artefacts to modern masterpieces, right on your doorstep. Field trips to art centres in the UK and abroad will broaden your perspective and deepen your understanding of global historical narratives.
A key feature of this programme is the emphasis on practical experience. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in credited internship schemes with leading arts and cultural organisations, enhancing your employability and providing invaluable real-world experience.
As with all Richmond programmes, you’ll earn both a UK and US degree, enhancing your global career prospects.
This degree programme provides you with a deep and nuanced understanding of international history, blending academic rigour with practical application. Whether you aim to pursue a career in academia, cultural institutions, or the creative industries, the BA (Hons) International History at Richmond equips you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed.
This course examines the expansionist nature of Atlantic colonial societies and their economic impact, from early contact with African societies to the abolition of slavery in Brazil. Emphasis is placed on the Atlantic slave trade’s role in consolidating slave labour systems and shaping industrialisation. The course further explores how colonial economies drove the rise of modern capitalism through racial and economic exploitation. Beginning with the expropriation of Indigenous land and resources, it traces the development of plantation slavery and later industrial labour systems. Key topics include: resource extraction, debt, colonial economies, trade in goods and globalisation. These topics are analysed not only in economic terms, but also in their social and racial dimensions. Resistance movements and the evolving discourse on reparations will also be examined to understand their influence on economic structures today. Students will investigate the economic mechanisms behind colonisation and slavery, as well as the resistance to these systems, engaging in debates on the memory and legacy of these processes.
This course introduces students to the major events and themes of the Cold War, demonstrating how it shaped the modern world system. In addition to providing students with a foundational understanding of the major themes and events of the Cold War, this course explores the interpretive controversies surrounding them. Students are encouraged to engage with the changing historiography of the multifaceted, multi-polar Cold War from a variety of challenging perspectives, with particular emphasis given to its global context. Students will examine the period in the light of changing historiographical interpretations and with reference to its economic, cultural, ideological, military, political and social dimensions.
This course surveys ancient cultures from the Bronze and Iron Ages, introducing students to the rich diversity of early civilisations and the parallels in their development. Students will explore how politics, religion, art, trade and beliefs influenced these civilisations, shaping their societies and cultures. Through analysis of both material and textual evidence, students will learn to engage critically with primary and secondary sources, enhancing their understanding of key historical processes, including the rise of states, the formation of empires and constructions of identity in the ancient world. The course will emphasise the study of early state formation, trade networks, and cross-cultural interactions, while fostering critical thinking and skills of historical analysis.
This course is designed to develop students’ critical research and writing skills to be effective in the academic and professional world. It focuses on principles of good scholarship and academic practice that will be required throughout university study and in a future professional work environment. Upon completion of this course, successful students will become confident in using available resources to produce well-researched writing that demonstrates critical engagement with a self-selected research topic.
Throughout history and across cultures, humans have always translated and projected their own natural, social and religious environment into images and artefacts. This course aims to explore the making, display, meaning and impact of images and artefacts within specific cultural and societal settings until the end of the 19th century. This course intends to focus on the analysis of objects, artefacts, images, photography, film, advertising and fashion that still shape our knowledge of the past and, therefore, the present. Students will also explore the differing nature and characteristics of art history and visual culture, learn basic principles of visual analysis and semiotics, and discuss fundamental ideas such as those of Canon, Tradition, Perceptions and Representations. Learning in the classroom will be integrated through ad-hoc specialist guest lectures and visits to the extensive international collections of London museums, galleries and archives.
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the evolution of mass media and communication in a constantly changing global landscape. Starting by looking at how this has evolved from physical forms such as print and broadcast to digital forms such as different iterations of the internet, social media and the use of AI. This will incorporate both production and consumption of media within industries such as advertising, public relations, journalism, television, film, music and gaming. Important contemporary issues will be addressed alongside recent events and tools and theories to understand these issues will be applied in order to develop students’ media literacy. This will also be applied to complex topics that circumvent the media and communication world such as media ownership.
This course explores film as a medium across cultural and historical contexts. It covers film 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 embedded in this vibrant medium.
This is an introductory course to Korean language and culture with an emphasis on oral communication in everyday situations and contemporary South Korean culture and society. This course introduces fundamental communication skills including the Korean alphabet and character construction, pronunciation, vocabulary and essential speech patterns. It also explores contemporary South Korean popular culture with the aim to develop a keen awareness and broad understanding of how the Korean culture relates to the language.
This course provides students with an introduction to modern political thought as it developed in the Western World. It critically examines concepts at the core of political life, including freedom, equality, power, difference, and the state. The origins of political ideologies are discovered and explored through the study of major authoritarian, liberal, radical and conservative political thinkers from the 15th century onwards, such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Wollstonecraft, Marx, J. S. Mill, and Nietzsche.
This course introduces the concept of data analytic cycles and their role in data analysis. Users will learn why data is important and explore how data is quantified to understand trends and patterns of data structure. They will understand types of data and include relevant statistical metrics and parameters used to describe data patterns and help to explain societal patterns and measure behaviour. Students will use primary tools for analysing and exploring data, learn about the statistical processes underpinning this analysis, and engage in wide-ranging debates about the ethical, sustainability and social implications of data analysis.
This course introduces the major concepts studied in Earth System Science, addressing the Earth’s origins and evolution as an active planet within the solar system. The fundamental processes and interrelationships between the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and lithosphere are investigated to serve as a basis for understanding natural systems, particularly near or at the Earth’s surface, and the ways in which human activities impact those systems. There is mounting concern about global warming, biodiversity, energy and sustainable development, all of which, if not governed, pose a threat to the delicate balance of the Earth system. Thus the need to understand the Earth as an interrelated system is more so than ever before.
This course provides an examination of the principles of ecology and their application to conservation. Students will explore the complex relationships between organisms and their environments, including population dynamics, species interactions, ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural/anthropogenic causes of species’ decline and extinction. The course covers key topics such as habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and conservation strategies at local, regional, and global scales. Special emphasis is placed on understanding and addressing the threats to biodiversity and developing practical solutions for conservation. Through case studies students will gain the skills necessary to critically evaluate conservation challenges and design effective conservation strategies.
This course covers environmental science topics such as global warming/climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, pollution, population issues, energy issues, land and water issues, and an introduction to environmental ethics. All topics 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. Students are encouraged to become aware of and develop an understanding of their own environmental identity.
This course surveys the history of London from its Roman origins to the modern metropolis of today. Through a combination of thematic lectures and corresponding field excursions, students will examine the social, political and demographic developments that have shaped London over two millennia. In reading historical texts and visiting significant sites, students will analyse how London’s past informs the present urban landscape of this great global city. Note: Most visits require travel.
This course addresses nationalism and related conflicts in the 20th century, with particular emphasis on the roles of communism and fascism in this period. Key events are covered, particularly the World Wars and the Cold War, while engaging with the ideological currents that influenced nationalist movements. Different historical interpretations of this material are addressed, while the concepts ‘nation’ and ‘nationalism’ are explored in detail. A range of 20th-century historical contexts are used to develop related themes such as imperialism, independence, revolutions, democracy, and dissent. The course explores the historical origins of both communism and fascism in social movements, the characteristics of various regimes both within and beyond the West, and the contemporary significance of these ideas.
This course considers the European Enlightenment through the cultural, visual and material transformations of the period. It enables students to reflect on how transformations in art, design and architecture were contemporaneous with changing conceptions of the public sphere, of the global as a space, of class, gender and race. The era saw a revolution in new consumer goods, critical debates about taste, and the corrupting influence of luxury. Students will engage with key works by Diderot, Mandeville, Rousseau, Shaftesbury, Voltaire and Wollstonecraft. Further, the course addresses engagements between Europe and the wider world. The course is designed to be interactive, with class visits to London museums and galleries and relevant exhibitions. It is international in focus, whilst taking advantage of London as a location.
This course examines the historical development of thought about capitalism. Liberal, mercantilist and radical political economy in the 18th and 19th centuries is covered, along with a range of 20th-century scholars, such as Adam Smith, Karl Marx, J. M. Keynes and Joseph Schumpeter. The object of study in the course is theories of capitalism, and addressed themes include the nature of market society, the relationship between state and market, economic growth and economic crises, market failure and government failure. These themes enable the course to engage with the relations between capitalism and other systems such as democracy, fascism, communism, racism, anti-Semitism, slavery and patriarchy.
This course introduces students to research methodology, key research methods, and research practices used in the discipline of International History, with an emphasis on historiography and on qualitative methods. Students will learn research skills that translate directly into the workplace, including in NGOs, charities, the corporate sector, and intergovernmental and development agency contexts. This course also trains students for practically undertaking academic research such as that required to complete a dissertation. Students are prepared to carry out a range of methods (i.e. textual and visual analysis, interviews, focus groups, and ethnography) and learn principles of data collection and analysis. Writing research proposals and literature reviews, and pitching research are both taught and assessed, and students are introduced to widely used and newer creative and participatory modes of research.
This course helps students make a real difference in the world. Service Learning as experiential learning combines community service with academic study. This course will apply service-learning to the theoretical, political and sociological conceptions of citizenship and their limitations. Students will work on live projects and challenges to address real-world issues and critically reflect on their role as agents in communities and as legal and social citizens. Skills will be gained from working on a project with charities, NGOs, or non-profit organisations on citizenship concepts which will enable the student to critically reflect through service-learning. This course builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders. This course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community.
Plus two Level 5 electives from across the curriculum. These can be selected to support a minor in an area outside of your subject discipline.
This course examines the causes and consequences of empires from a broad range of comparative and international perspectives, including the economic, political, social, and (by way of postcolonial theory) the cultural. It investigates why empires are significant, who are the empire-makers, how and why empires rise and fall, whether they are good or bad, how they are defined, and how they can be resisted. Where possible the course will make use of some of the excellent museums and collections within London.
Narratives about war have traditionally been centred on men’s roles, while women have often been cast as passive bystanders or victims. This course will challenge that view by exploring the active participation of women in wars, decolonisation, civil conflicts, and terrorist campaigns, both as combatants and civilian supporters. This course explores the changing nature and history of warfare from the Modern period to the beginning of the twenty-first century, focusing on the social, cultural, and gendered dimensions of conflict. A key premise of the course is that warfare reflects the societies and cultures that wage it. This idea will be tested through diverse examples of warfare across different historical periods, geographic regions, and social contexts, investigating how war has shaped—and been shaped by—societal structures, technology, gender relations, and political developments.
This course offers an overview of the history and practice of contemporary diplomacy. It begins with analysis of what a modern diplomat currently does, both at home and abroad, set within the context of diplomatic history and theory. The normal practice of diplomacy and the various techniques of international negotiation will be addressed by using both historical and contemporary examples. It will familiarise students with the activities of a modern diplomat within a wider historical and theoretical context.
Senior Dissertation in International History is the capstone course of the major. Students produce a dissertation of between 6,000 to 8,000 words in length, on a topic relevant to the discipline. Students are guided through the various stages of the dissertation by a supervisor. Students orally present their research according to conference standards.
The Internship in International History is a student work placement that aims to provide students with the experience of working in a discipline-related industry. It 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 faculty 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.
OR any TWO Major Options below:
This course charts the developments, contexts, practices and enactments of global arts and visual cultures in the 21st century. Students will be encouraged to discuss, analyse and interpret visual forms and objects from around the world within their rightful geo-political and socio-economic contexts. With the aid of an array of established and emerging methodologies, they will also explore the ways in which contemporary artistic and visual cultural practices intersect with wider theoretical frameworks such as those of the politics of representation, indigenous rights, environmental activism and regimes of surveillance. The course will entail regular visits to a range of local large and smaller cultural venues and commercial art-related organisations.
This course examines current media issues in relation to cultural, social, economic, and political aspects of global society. It views media as a key player in public culture and democracy, exploring how its role as vital source of entertainment and information is impacted by an evolving technological landscape, and by new challenges posed, such as sustainability and promotion of equality, inclusivity, and diversity, within the global village. It looks at media practices and professionals, considering the impact of celebrity politics and influencers on the media environment, while also addressing the relationship between the public, government, and media institutions, as it discusses ethics, law, and regulation. Ultimately, it seeks to consider the place of media in achieving a sustainable and just world.
This course examines global cinema while considering the extent to which cultural, political, and historical contexts have influenced the form and grammar of film during the last century. The overall focus of the course is broad, ranging across more than eight decades and many different countries; it aims to study a variety of approaches to and theories of narrative cinema. During the semester, many international film “movements” are covered, which can include the French New Wave, the Chinese Sixth Generation, and Italian Neo-Realism. In addition, the representations of non-Western cultures from an “insider” and a “Hollywood” perspective are compared.
This course provides students with a set of conceptual and analytical tools in order to acquire a deep and nuanced understanding of the discipline of International Relations (IR) and global politics. It does so by examining IR theories and approaches to international politics, scrutinising and problematising their historic foundations, and exploring contemporary challenges and critiques. The course begins by introducing philosophical debates regarding the purpose of theorising and the importance of understanding ontological and epistemological assumptions and examines the difference between and implications of ‘understanding’ and ‘explaining’ in international relations theory. The course then critically evaluates grand and middle-range theories of IR as well as approaches focused on everyday global politics. Throughout, the course scrutinises challenges presented by a multitude of multidisciplinary interventions into IR including post-positivist critiques and approaches centralising gender and colonialism as key variables in global politics.
This course investigates the process of policymaking in modern states. It explores the role of ideas and institutions in policymaking, how in the new globalised world governments “import” and “borrow” policy ideas from each other, while analysing how the different actors (i.e. states, bureaucrats, think-tanks, policy-networks, lobby groups, global civil society, and citizens) participate and influence the policy-making process. Through active learning activities (such as mapping the agenda-setting of ideas, identifying policy networks, advising a President) students will understand the complexities of policy-making and the challenges that the modern state faces in the era of globalisation.
This course introduces students to the process of development project evaluation, in the context of the theory and practice of sustainable development. The course enables students to focus on the political, social and economic complexity of managing a specific sustainable development in the developing world. Methods of evaluation are explored, decided upon and utilised in the production of a Project Evaluation Document (PED) for a sustainable development project of choice. Issues such as livelihoods, gender, environmental impact, measurement, participation and consultation processes are raised, though the context varies across urban/rural and blue-green-brown issues depending on the specific project chosen for evaluation.
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 four-year 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 between year one and two of the programme (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.
We believe your degree should be worth the investment, not just in where it gets you, but in how it supports you to get there. Below you'll find everything you need to know about tuition fees, what’s included, and the financial support available to help you make the most of your time at Richmond.
There’s no extra charge for internships, they’re built into your degree and designed to give you hands-on experience that counts.
We offer automatic tuition fee reductions for high-achieving students. You’ll be considered for a scholarship when you apply, no separate form required.
For more information on the terms and conditions visit our Tuition Fees & Funding webpage.
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.
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.
Below is a list of where some of the graduates of this programme have gone on to work.
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.
Studying abroad through Richmond American University London’s partner institutions offers students an enriching educational experience that extends beyond the classroom. This opportunity allows students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, enhancing their global awareness and cross-cultural communication skills. Additionally, studying abroad can bolster a student’s resume, showcasing their adaptability and international perspective to potential employers. Academically, students can take unique courses providing a broader and more diverse academic experience. Overall, the study abroad programme fosters personal growth, independence, and a deeper understanding of the global community.
The tuition fees and credits are part of the Richmond degree, therefore no tuition is paid to the host institution. Students must ensure a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) to succeed.
Richmond has partnerships all over the world, to learn more, visit our Overseas Study Partners webpage.
“I studied abroad at Richmond in the spring of 2011 as a history student from the University of South Carolina. People often say that their time studying abroad is one of the best in their lives; in my case, I can genuinely say that my time at Richmond changed the course of my life. The supervision I received from the academic staff gave me the confidence to pursue history at a more advanced level.
Similarly, I enjoyed studying in London so much I was inspired to return for both a Masters and PhD. To this day, I am still connected to Richmond through the mentorship of Prof Dominic Alessio, who has helped to guide me through a lot of major academic decisions and offered me the opportunity to publish with him. I owe my current life direction and many successes to the experience I had at Richmond all those years ago.”
“I studied the BA in History at Richmond from 2007 to 2011, after which I went on to further study as a graduate student at St Antony’s College, Oxford University, where I obtained a Master of Science degree in Russian and East European Studies.
Richmond provided me with broad knowledge and understanding of history and historical research methods, which has prepared me well for my current research position. I believe that the strength of Richmond’s history degree lies in the variety of the courses on offer and the excellence of the teaching. I learned a great deal from all of my tutors and during my studies I was not only motivated to improve my skills and acquire more knowledge, but also received good careers advice, as well as assistance with any academic issues.
I would advise any students to consider the history degree at Richmond as it will give them a chance to develop their their analytical skills and acquire knowledge in many different subjects, from which they will significantly benefit in today’s marketplace, in which employees need to be able to adapt and learn quickly. The greatest compliment that I can pay to Richmond is that the individual attention that I received often equalled and sometimes even exceeded what I got at Oxford. In the history programme at Richmond it is the personal touch that really makes a difference.
Currently, I am working as Research Assistant for Whitgift School’s upcoming WWI exhibition Remembering 1916: Life on the Western Front. My responsibility is to carry out all research on the wide range of WWI artefacts that will be displayed at the exhibition, as well to examine the historiography of the war, the perspectives of different nations, and any other pertinent subjects.”
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.
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.
Join student Maja and Head of Head of Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, Dr Michael Keating for an interview about our Economics programme at Richmond American University London.
Flick through and download our Undergraduate Prospectus to find out more about the programme, integrated internships & unique career opportunities.
