ID000 Re-establishing Keele’s Leadership in Broad, Future-Focused Education

The Idea

We propose that Keele should reassert a defining feature of its founding vision: the belief that a broad, interdisciplinary education produces more capable, adaptable, and socially engaged graduates. Over time, as the sector has moved towards greater specialisation, Keele’s distinctive position has become less visible. Through this proposal, we believe that Keele can reconnect with its heritage while positioning itself at the forefront of modern higher education.

Our proposal is that Keele becomes recognised for equipping every student with the breadth, depth, agility and resilience required to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Alongside strong disciplinary foundations, all students will develop the capacity to think across boundaries, address complex problems, and adapt as careers, technologies and societies evolve. In doing so, Keele will reaffirm its distinctive educational mission and be recognised as a leading university for preparing graduates who are confident, capable and future-ready throughout their working lives.

Why This Matters Now

Today’s graduates face unprecedented complexity in their future lives. AI is reshaping professions, hybrid and portfolio career paths are increasingly common, and employers value graduates who can think across boundaries, problem-solve, work collaboratively, and adapt quickly. Research in cognitive flexibility shows that individuals with broader intellectual experiences often perform better in new and unfamiliar situations.

Keele is well placed to lead this agenda. We have a strong interdisciplinary tradition, a campus culture that supports collaboration, and a civic mission that encourages students to work with real-world partners. Modernising our broad-based education offer gives us an opportunity to stand apart in a crowded market and deliver something of genuine societal value.

How We Would Implement This Idea

We propose that compulsory, interdisciplinary activities are at the core of all programmes, with adequate flexibility for every student to have a unique ‘Keele experience’.

Every undergraduate student would:

1. Have a clear disciplinary specialism as the core of their degree.
2. Participate in cross-disciplinary problem-solving labs, working with peers from across disciplines on real challenges drawn from employers, civic and national partners. This would build on the Global Challenges Pathway concept and Keele research strengths.
3. Take one Personal and Professional Development module at every level of study, including the option to undertake business and civic community-based placements. This approach builds on the concept from the HEPI report, The Future of the Campus University.

What Success Would Look Like

1. Improved student satisfaction, particularly in skills development and confidence in future opportunities.
2. Improved graduate outcomes, with Keele graduates outcompeting other graduates in employment openings.
3. More employer engagement with all courses, including increased placements.
4. Increased recruitment of both home and international students attracted by Keele’s distinctive educational model.
5. International recognition and national awards for leadership in curriculum innovation and broad-based education.
6. Strong civic impact, evidenced by student projects and partnerships that deliver value to local charities, public services and businesses.