Message from the President

Welcome to Richmond, the United Kingdom’s only American International University. At a time when the role of the university is changing dramatically, I believe that there is a pressing need for universities to engage with the major questions of our time. It is important to understand, articulate and respond to global transformations. Richmond is distinctively able to do this. Our students come from over 100 countries around the world and our international faculty are committed to an international curriculum and to an intercultural teaching approach.

Richmond’s distinctions include dual accreditation, in both the USA and the United Kingdom. We emphasize the best of both the US and UK systems of education: the US focus on the liberal arts and the British system of specialization. Our curriculum uniquely begins with our new First Year Program, which is informed by our international mission and is part of the broad, liberal arts degree education which all of our students receive over their first two years. During their final two years, students specialize on their individual majors.

The University’s most compelling characteristic is its long standing emphasis on globalization, international relations, world awareness and cultural diversity. It is clear that the next generation of leaders, in fields from business and finance to communications and public service, will be those who have a sophisticated appreciation, understanding and familiarity with the broader world. Our student population enables a rich interchange both within and beyond the classroom. Our alumni are enthusiastic about their experience at Richmond, not only because of the global perspective of their academic programmes, but also because of the extraordinary international network of student colleagues that they acquire.

And what better place for such an experience than London, recently described by the Independent newspaper as the global capital of the world and cited as the model for multi-cultural societies of the 21st century?

I strongly believe Richmond University is in the best place with the most relevant academic emphasis for today’s generation of ambitious university students. As you browse through our website I hope you will agree. We gladly invite your continued interest in our special university, and sincerely hope you will consider joining us in the future.

Ian D. C. Newbould, Ph. D., F.R.Hist.S.
President