The Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences at Keele University is a centre of academic excellence that brings together a wide range of disciplines concerned with understanding, shaping, and influencing the contemporary world. As part of a globally recognised university with a strong reputation for interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinary, the Faculty contributes to advancing knowledge, informing policy, understanding cultures and developing the creative arts, and addressing the challenges facing societies locally, nationally, and internationally.

Our academic community integrates expertise from across business, law, the humanities, and the social sciences, fostering collaboration that bridges traditional boundaries. This approach ensures that our research, teaching, and engagement are enriched by diverse perspectives and that our graduates are equipped with the intellectual agility needed to thrive in complex and rapidly changing environments.

Our mission banner

Our mission

The Faculty exists to develop critical and creative thinking, cultural understanding and social awareness to support the full and inclusive development of talent in our communities. Our teaching and research across our many disciplines fosters knowledge and discovery about cultures, societies, social and legal justice, business, markets, and the complexities of being human in an uncertain and changing world. 

Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and we enable their success, at Keele and beyond, through an accessible and transformative experience. We serve our local communities in the Potteries, contributing to economic growth, cultural richness, and the educational pipeline, and benefit the nation and world at large through outstanding, interdisciplinary education and research. Through collaborative partnerships with other educational institutions, cultural organisations, and businesses, we enrich lives, benefit society, and foster a better world.

Our partnerships

Our partnerships

  • Industry and Business – Co-developing research and innovation projects, supporting entrepreneurship, and driving regional and national economic growth.
  • Legal and Civic Organisations – Through initiatives such as CLOCK and Legal Advice Clinics, the Faculty advances access to justice while equipping students with real-world experience.
  • Cultural and Creative Institutions – Partnering with museums, theatres, media organisations, and creative industries to promote cultural vitality, innovation, and public engagement.
  • Government and Policy Bodies – Contributing to evidence-based policymaking at local, regional, and national levels.
  • International Partners – Working with global universities, research networks, and cultural institutions to promote intercultural exchange, joint research, and mobility opportunities for students and staff. 
Our regional impact

Our regional impact

Through the Business School, we collaborate with local enterprises, public authorities, and innovation hubs to drive economic growth, sustainability, and skills development.

The Law School’s CLOCK initiative and its Legal Advice Clinics, delivered as part of the Keele in Town project, exemplify our commitment to social justice by supporting access to legal advice, strengthening civic engagement, and embedding student learning within the community.

Our partnerships with cultural organisations, heritage institutions, and community groups ensure that research in the humanities, social sciences, media, literature, history, and the creative industries informs regional identity, cultural vitality, and inclusive growth. Notable collaborations include work with the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the New Vic Theatre, and Tatton Park (National Trust), which enrich both academic research and public engagement.

Through initiatives such as the Keele in Town project, the Faculty also plays an active civic role by engaging directly with local communities, businesses, and cultural organisations in Newcastle-under-Lyme and across Staffordshire. These collaborations bring Keele’s expertise and creativity into the heart of the community, strengthening cultural life, economic development, and social inclusion.

In doing so, the Faculty enhances Keele University’s role as a civic institution that works with its region while maintaining an international outlook. 

Our commitment to excellence

Our commitment to excellence

  • The Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities and Social Sciences fosters a culture of intellectual rigour, innovation, and inclusivity. We are dedicated to advancing understanding across our disciplines, contributing to public debate, and preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to society at local, regional, national, and global levels.

Our Schools and academic disciplines

A diverse school comprising history, philosophy, literature, English, sociology, politics, criminology, international relations, education, and the creative arts. The School provides critical insights into culture, society, heritage, communication and human behaviour, while addressing pressing global challenges through both historical and contemporary perspectives and giving all students the opportunity for work-based learning through placements.

Specialising in business studies, management, accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and economics, with a strong emphasis on responsible and sustainable business practice. The School also plays a key role in supporting regional economies through research, partnerships, and knowledge exchange, helping to strengthen local innovation, enterprise, and community development while maintaining a global perspective.

Offering comprehensive legal education and research, underpinned by a commitment to justice, ethics, and professional excellence. The School maintains strong links with the legal profession and the wider community through initiatives such as CLOCK (Community Legal Outreach Collaboration Keele) and the provision of Legal Advice Clinics as part of the Keele in Town project. These initiatives enhance access to justice while providing students with practical, community-based experience in real-world legal environments.

Additional opportunities and research

The Foundation Year provides an alternative access to all degrees at Keele University. It is taught on campus and guarantees entry on to one of our undergraduate degrees.

Delivering specialist teaching and support in English language, academic communication,  modern foreign languages, and TESOL teacher training while fostering global engagement and intercultural exchange on campus and overseas through international partnerships and cultural events. 

The Faculty has a vibrant research community of over 200 academic staff and over 200 postgraduate research students, we are proud of our diverse and supportive research culture. Find out how we put our knowledge to work for the benefit of society and see if you would like to join us.