Keele University

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Course overview

Develop a lifelong appreciation of the historical past as well as its influence on the societies of today and tomorrow. Study the way humans have always tried to organise their lives – physically and conceptually, individually and together. Our history degree is broad and innovative, ranging from the medieval past to the present day and spanning the globe. Specialist one-one-one supervision and small classes allow you to develop your research interests, while the wide range of assessments prepare you for your specific career.

Key facts

Study abroad Learn a language International year Fees and finance Foundation year

Sam Taylor

"During the second year of my degree, I spent an exchange semester in the United States where I met a leading Kennedy historian whom I later interviewed for my History dissertation" - read more about Sam Taylor

Jacqueline Fradley

"I've been able to tailor my History degree to choose modules in the things I'm really interested in. I've worked on volunteer history projects, learned a new language and attended a summer school in Russia! " - read more about Jacqueline Fradley

Katie Barker

"To receive a First Class Degree at the end of my three years was the icing on the cake. I had the opportunity to study a professional qualification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and I also got to be a part of the Swimming Team and represent Keele at various British University competitions. " - read more about Katie Barker

Course content

You’ll take classes with world-renowned experts who love their subjects and love to teach too. Keele is exciting and innovative place in which to study History. Our undergraduate history programmes are broad and innovative, ranging from the medieval past to the present day, and our students are happy to be here. In the last 3 years, History averaged 92 % in overall student satisfaction (NSS 2017-19).

The degree is shaped to offer engaging insight into various global histories, while reflecting our own expertise. The first year provides the opportunity to gain broad insights into over 1000 years of history, before becoming more focused in your later years. Modules range from the medieval period to the present day, and covering the globe (especially Britain, Continental Europe, the Middle East, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States). Module themes include the history of political violence, medicine, modern empires, social movements, citizenship, economics, migration, gender, religion, Digital Humanities, and print culture. We are firmly committed to research-led teaching, and were ranked 15 for History research in the UK out of 82 departments, while being one of the smallest (2014 REF results). Staff have also regularly won Keele’s various Teaching Awards, recently for ‘fantastic feedback’ and ‘superb supervision’.

This smaller, friendly environment ensures regular, supportive contact with staff, allowing you to develop your research interests, while assessments prepare you for your specific career. You can learn a language, study abroad, take electives in other fields, or complete a work placement as part of your degree. Over 90% of Keele History Graduates in employment or further study within 6 months of graduating.

Extra curricular opportunities

There are a variety of opportunities to enhance your studies with extra-curricular activities, that will help you get ahead when you graduate. These include taking part in Keele Hall Writing events, societies, studying abroad, learning a language and paid for work in roles such as a Student Ambassador.

Combinations

History is also available as a Combined Honours degree. It can be studied in the following combinations:

Variations to 2020/21 courses

Career prospects

96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE, 2017)

Studying History at Keele will provide you with important skills to carry through the rest of your life. You’ll develop the sort of enquiring, open-minded and creative attitude which employers are looking for.

Some career options may require further study, but you could go on to work as a teacher, librarian, archivist, museum conservator, heritage manager, barrister, solicitor, civil service administrator, journalist, or a politician’s assistant or researcher.

Recent employers

Primary and Secondary Education
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:

History Teacher
Academic Librarian
Archivist
Museum Curator
Heritage Manager
Researcher
Information Officer
Records Manager
Barrister
Civil Service Administrator
Politician’s Assistant
Solicitor
Journalist
Education Administrator

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.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.