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 2026, Richmond partners with a growing number of validated institutions, supporting a comprehensive portfolio of active Richmond UK-validated programmes. 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. JXIT is a leading private undergraduate institution, with a strong reputation for applied education and industry-focused programmes.
JXIT achieved institutional approval from Richmond American University London, followed by the validation of multiple programmes in subsequent years.
For further information on JXIT and its programmes, please see details of JXIT’s Richmond-validated programmes below.
European School of Economics - London, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Florence, and Paris
The European School of Economics (ESE) is a private college of higher education. Self-described as ‘a school without borders’, ESE delivers its programmes across its centres in London, Madrid, Rome, Milan, Florence, and Paris.
Details of ESE’s Richmond-validated programmes are listed below.
Yantai Institute of Science and Technology - Yantai, China
Yantai Institute of Science and Technology (YIST) is a private undergraduate university in Yantai, Shandong, China. YIST is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate programmes.
YIST achieved institutional approval from Richmond American University London, followed by the validation of its programmes in subsequent years.
Details of YIST’s Richmond-validated programmes are listed below.
Francis James - UK
Francis James Ltd is a private higher education provider dedicated to delivering qualifications for the construction industry.
Francis James achieved institutional approval from Richmond American University London, followed by the validation of its programmes in subsequent years.
Details of Francis James’s Richmond-validated programmes are listed below.
Guangzhou College of Applied Science and Technology - Guangdong, China
Guangzhou College of Applied Science and Technology (GCAST) is a private undergraduate college located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, known for its modern facilities and strong industry connections.
GCAST has received institutional approval from Richmond American University London and has since achieved validation for multiple programmes.
For further information on GCAST and its programmes, please see details of GCAST’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, with a strong foundation in language and literature. CIFS achieved institutional approval from Richmond American University London, followed by the validation of its programmes in subsequent years.
Details of CIFS’s Richmond-validated programmes are listed below.
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]
