Discover how your institution can partner with Richmond American University London to deliver UK-validated degrees through a quality-assured, collaborative model. Learn about our process, current partners, and how to apply.
Richmond American University London has been in operation since 1972. In 2018, Richmond was granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers by the UK Privy Council, enabling it to award its own UK degrees and validate the awards of other institutions in the UK and internationally.
Through our Validated Programmes, eligible institutions deliver their own programmes, while Richmond provides academic oversight to ensure they meet UK higher education standards. Students graduate with a Richmond UK award.
At Richmond American University London, we collaborate with institutions that share our commitment to high-quality, student-focused education and are seeking to award UK-accredited degrees through a trusted and collaborative partnership.
As of July 2025, Richmond partners with six validated institutions, supporting 16 active Richmond UK validated programmes, with five more currently undergoing validation. With over 50 years of experience in international higher education and full UK Taught Degree Awarding Powers, Richmond delivers a well-structured and responsive partnership framework, widely praised by current partners for its clear communication, efficient support, and collaborative approach that ensures smooth, timely, and effective collaboration at every stage.
Our bilingual Collaborative Provision team has extensive experience bridging international education systems, helping partners align their provision effectively with UK higher education standards. Whether transitioning from different national frameworks, professional qualifications, or vocational pathways, we offer tailored, structured support to ensure smooth transitions and full compliance.
Once approved, partner institutions benefit from a structured, collaborative relationship with Richmond, coordinated by our Registry, Admissions and Quality Assurance (RAQA) team and supported by Link Tutors and academic committees. This includes:
We are committed to maintaining strong, transparent partnerships that uphold academic integrity and enhance the reputation of all Richmond UK awards.
Submit an Expression of Interest
If your institution is ready to explore a partnership with Richmond, complete our short Expression of Interest form and a member of our team will be in touch.
Richmond’s validation process is built on two key stages:
Institutional Approval
We assess the partner’s governance, quality assurance, financial sustainability, and ability to deliver UK-level academic provision.
Programme Validation
Each proposed programme is reviewed to ensure it meets the academic and regulatory standards expected of UK degrees.
Once approved, institutions enter a formal partnership agreement with Richmond, guided by the Office for Students (OfS) Standards, UK Quality Code for Higher Education and supported by our Registry, Admissions and Quality Assurance (RAQA) team.
Jiangxi Institute of Technology - Nanchang, China
Jiangxi Institute of Technology (JXIT) is a private university located in Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
JXUT is a comprehensive university which offers 56 undergraduate programmes,
with focus on practical skills and professional relevance.
JXUT achieved institutional approval by Richmond American University London in October 2021,
followed by the validation of seven of its programmes in 2022 and 2023.
Visit jxut.edu.cn
for further information on JXIT and its programming and see further details of JXIT’s Richmond validated programmes below.
European School of Economics - London, Madrid, Rome, Milan, and Florence
The European School of Economics (ESE) is a private college of higher education,
with some programmes validated by Richmond American University London.
As “a school without borders”, ESE offers bachelor’s degree, master’s degree (MSc or MBA) programmes
as well as specialised short courses in international business and economics
at its centres in London, Madrid, Rome, Milan, and Florence.
Visit ese.ac.uk/about-ese
for further information about ESE and its programmes and find further details
of ESE’s Richmond validated programmes below.
Chongqing Institute of Foreign Studies - Chongqing, China
Chongqing Institute of Foreign Studies (CIFS) is a private university in Chongqing, China,
offering 43 undergraduate programmes. With a focus on language and literature, CIFS has developed
into a multidisciplinary institution that integrates economics, management, art, and engineering.
CIFS achieved institutional approval by Richmond American University London in March 2023,
followed by the validation of its BA English Language and International Business programme in 2024.
Visit www.cqifs.edu.cn
for further information on CIFS and its programmes and see further details of CIFS’s Richmond validated programme(s) below.
Yantai Institute of Science and Technology - Yantai, China
Yantai Institute of Science and Technology (YIST), a private undergraduate university in Yantai,
Shandong, China. YIST is a comprehensive university which offers 40 undergraduate programmes,
with focus on Engineering, Management and Arts. YIST achieved institutional approval by Richmond
American University London in May 2024, followed by the validation of two of its programmes in May 2025.
Visit ytkj.edu.cn
for further information on YIST and its programming and see further details of YIST’s Richmond validated programmes below.
Francis James - UK
Francis James Ltd is a private company established in July 2024 as a higher education provider,
with the intention of offering higher education qualifications for the construction industry.
Francis James achieved institutional approval by Richmond American University London in February 2025.
The BSc Construction & the Built Environment programme has been validated by RAUL in July 2025.
Visit francisjames.org
for further information on Francis James and its programmes and see further details of Francis James’s Richmond validated programmes below.
Guangzhou College of Applied Science and Technology - Guangdong, China
Guangzhou College of Applied Science and Technology (GCAST), an independent full-time undergraduate college in Guangdong, China.
GCAST has 14 teaching colleges and offers 48 undergraduate programmes, covering eight major disciplines including engineering,
economics, management, law, education, literature, art, and science.
GCAST has achieved institutional approval by Richmond American University London in August 2025.
Three undergraduate programmes, including Visual Communication Design, Computer Science and Accounting, are subject to validation in 2026.
Visit gzasc.edu.cn
for further information on GCAST.
We welcome expressions of interest from institutions committed to delivering high-quality higher education.
A member of our team will get in touch to discuss next steps.
For further enquiries, contact us at:
[email protected]
