You will become a sophisticated reader of historical context and literary form from the medieval period to the present day. Our research in History is among the best in the UK, rated highly for research impact in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework.
Great novels, poems, plays or short stories do not come out of nowhere. They are shaped by and reflect the historical and social circumstances of the times in which they were written and in many cases they make vital contributions to our understanding of those times. Keele has a strong tradition of studying literary texts within their historical contexts and this programme provides the perfect combination if you want to deepen your understanding of the times in which works of literature were produced. History at Keele has internationally recognised expertise in world history from 400AD to the present day and English has strengths in medieval literature, early modern literature, eighteenth and nineteenth century British and American literature, modernism, and post-war and contemporary literature. English at Keele is a thriving and passionate community of academics, students, and researchers committed to the study of literature. One of our great strengths is the flexibility for students to pursue their own areas of interest, and alongside the study of traditional literary forms we explore connections with other disciplines such as film and screen studies, history, cultural studies, and the medical humanities.
Teaching
English offers teaching in tutorial groups (about twenty students but sometimes fewer) in all three years. Tutorials, which are held in the Chancellor's Building in the heart of the campus, are supplemented by lectures in rooms nearby equipped with appropriate audio-visual aids. Staff, all experts in their fields, teach modules carefully designed by individuals or by teams. As well as teaching tutorials in small groups, they all offer students consultation hours at which they can discuss their progress and plan the development of their work. Students are regularly asked to comment on the delivery of programmes and they are invited to attend planning meetings. English has an active Student Staff Voice Committee, and places a high value on good communications with students, both formal and informal. Our undergraduate history programmes are broad and innovative, ranging from the medieval past to recent developments in events and culture. We also have a lively community of postgraduate and postgraduate research students.
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.
A Level requirements
A Level requirement CCC
A level English Language, English Literature, English Literature and Language combined or Drama and Theatre Studies (AQA)
GCSE requirements
English at C (or 4)
BTEC
BTEC requirements MMM
To include a BTEC level 3 qualification in Performing Arts or Advanced Practice in Early Years Education.
International Baccalaureate
26 points to include Higher Level English at 6 or above.
Access to HE Diploma requirements
Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 96 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 L evel 3 credits at Distinction. You must have taken sufficient English credits, please contact us for advice.
Not got the grades?
If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, Foundation Year offers an alternative route to study for this degree.
PREPARATION PROGRAMMES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.
These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.
Fees and funding
Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.
We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.
96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE, 2017)
A degree in English Literature and History will enable you to develop a wide range of skills. You will be able to communicate complex ideas effectively to different kinds of audience, producing persuasive arguments informed by careful research.
Our graduates have gone on to work in teaching, journalism, media, the civil service, the heritage and museum sector, local government and management. Around a quarter of our graduates go on to take higher degrees and the degree opens the doors to many other higher education opportunities with many choosing to stay at Keele.
If you are thinking of travelling the world after graduation or teaching abroad, Keele’s Language Centre offers a variety of language courses. You may graduate with an enhanced degree with foreign language competency or an internationally recognised qualification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
Recent employers
Apple
Primary, Secondary and Higher Education
Barclays
NHS
Marks and Spencer
HSBC
Santander
Memiah
Vodafone
Home Office
National Railway Museum
Prospero Teaching
Capita
Cooperative Bank
Higher Education
RBS
Local Government
Tesco
Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:
Academic Librarian
Advertising Copywriter
Editorial Assistant
Journalist
Public Relations Officer
School Teacher
History Teacher
Academic Librarian
Archivist
Museum Curator
Heritage Manager
Researcher
Information Officer
Records Manager
Regardless of which career you pursue after Keele, employers will want evidence of the range of skills and personal qualities you possess and which are required for the job. Your degree is clearly important in this respect but don’t forget the extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility, jobs and voluntary work you may have been engaged in while studying at Keele. These activities allow you to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities required by employers and will be vital in your attempts to secure graduate employment.
It is estimated that 60% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. This demonstrates the flexibility of many graduate employers when setting out their academic requirements and that students are not necessarily restricted to careers related to their degree.
