The distinguishing feature of Richmond, The American International University in London study programmes is its American-style four-year degree system which makes study of liberal arts compulsory for all students

The United Kingdoms only American university and somewhat curiously titled Richmond, The American International University in London (RTAIUL, estb.1972) offers 1,150 students from over 100 countries American-style undergrad and postgraduate education. Richmond is the only university in the UK accredited by the US-based Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the island kingdoms sole member of the Association of American International Colleges & Universities. Also fully certified by the major higher education authorities in the UK, RTAIUL is the only dual US-UK accredited university in Britain.

Spread across two campuses in London, because its four-year undergrad study programmes are accepted in the US and UK, students receive two degree certificates on graduation. The distinguishing feature of Richmonds study programmes is its American style four-year degree system (cf. three year programmes in UK universities) which makes one year study of liberal arts compulsory for all enrolled students. Study of communications and fine arts, computing, mathematics and science, the humanities and social sciences is mandatory during the first two years. Thereafter in the third and fourth year students specialise in any one of the 21 undergraduate majors that the university offers across the departments of business and economics, arts and sciences, humanities, social sciences and communications.

We offer the best features of the US and British systems of education: the US focus on the liberal arts, and the British system of specialisation. However the universitys most compelling charact-eristic is its long standing emphasis on globalisation, international relations, world awareness and cultural diversity. Its 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, under-standing and familiarity with the broader world. Our student population enables a rich interchange both within and beyond the classroom, says Ian D. C. Newbould, president of the university.

An independent, not-for-profit, international, liberal arts and professional studies university, RTAIUL offers an enviable teacher-pupil ratio of 1:16 and a highly-qualified faculty. The original Richmond College, founded in 1843, was a constituent institution of the University of London until it was taken over, reconstituted and renamed in 1972.

London. With a population of 10 million — of whom over 350,000 are students — London boasts some of the worlds best-known monuments, buildings, museums, galleries, sports clubs, restaurants, clubs, shopping centres and theatres. The two campuses of the American International University — in Richmond and Kensington — are located in London, and offer students an enviable opportunity to learn by osmosis. Students have easy access to museums, art galleries, the University of London Library, the British Library, as well as the archives of numerous professional organisations.

Moreover university students are ideally located to network with globally respected corporates and employers for internships and job placements. There are also many part-time work opportunities in London for students wishing to supplement their income while studying (international students are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during term and full-time during vacations).

Campus facilities. The Richmond campus is set in a compact self-contained site atop Richmond Hill. First and second-year students live and study here. A magnificent neo Gothic building constructed in 1843 houses the Richmond Technology Centre, science laboratories, photog-raphy studios, classrooms, auditoriums and a fitness centre. Student residences, a dining hall, and common rooms are also sited within.
Situated in south-west London, Richmond is only half an hour by tube from the city centre. A short stroll from the university campus is Richmond Park. Once a hunting ground of King Henry VIII, it is the largest urban park in the world sprawling over 2,500 acres of green slopes and lush woodland.
The Kensington campus, sited in one of central Londons most fashionable and posh residential areas, hosts third and fourth year students. Hyde Park, Kensington High Street (a lively shopping street with cinemas, restaurants, pubs and cafes), the Royal Albert Hall, and some of Londons best museums, are a short walk away. The Kensington campus facilities include classrooms, student residences, a dining hall, computer labs, art studios for painting, sculpture and ceramics.

Academic support is provided by the Cyril Taylor Library, on the Richmond Hill campus, and the Kensington Library, which together house 75,000 volumes, plus journals and periodicals, and offer access to web-learning and multimedia materials. Moreover Richmond students have access to 37 other libraries in the London area including the British Library.

Sports facilities at the Richmond campus include a multipurpose court for tennis, basketball, volleyball and mini-soccer, and an indoor fitness centre. Local sports clubs provide facilities for squash, aerobics, swimming and weight training. Kensington campus students can pay a small fee to use the facilities of the neighbouring Imperial College. Moreover the Richmond Student Association hosts cultural and social events round the year.
Admission. The minimum eligibility criterion for admission is successful completion of Plus Two. An academic reference, personal statement, results of standardised examinations (TOEFL and SAT test scores) and participation in extracurricular activities are also considered in the selection process. International students have the option to apply directly to Richmond University or through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply directly students need to download the admission application form from www.richmond.ac.uk/howto, while to apply through UCAS they need to complete the UCAS application form (www.ucas.com). Richmonds UCAS code is R20.

For further information write to the Admissions Office, Richmond, The American International University in London, Queens Road, Richmond upon Thames, TW10 6JP, England. Tel: +44 20 8332 9000; Fax: +44 2- 8332 1596; E-mail: enroll@richmond.ac.uk; website: www.richmond.ac.uk.

Accommodation. The university guarantees halls of residence housing on or near both campuses to all students. The main building on the Richmond Hill campus has rooms for first-year students. In this historic building, there are single, double, and a few triple rooms. Bathroom and shower facilities are shared. Second-year students live either in the main building or in residences within walking distance of the campus. The main residence on the Kensington campus, Atlantic House, and smaller residences nearby offer single and shared rooms. A full meal plan is provided for all students living in university housing.

Degree programmes. The university offers American style four-year undergraduate degrees across three academic departments — business and economics; arts and sciences; humanities, social sciences and communications (see box).

Scholastic options at Richmond
Richmond, The American International University in London offers a choice of 21 undergraduate majors. At the end of four years of study, students qualify simultaneously for an American BA or BS degree and a UK BA (Honours) or B.Sc (Honours) degree. The universitys academic programmes include:
Arts and Sciences. Creative arts and communication, art, design and media, theatre arts, computer systems engineering, information systems, information technology, computer graphics and multimedia systems, environmental science
Business and economics. Business administration (finance/ marketing/international business), business economics, e-commerce
Humanities, social sciences and communications. History, political science, international relations, psychology, sociology, communications, economics, literature
Postgrad degree. The university also offers an MA in history and an MBA programme
Tuition fees (per year): £14,000
Living expenses (per year): £6,500-7,500
NB: £=Rs.85

Summiya Yasmeen