Course content

Studying History at Keele will enable you to develop your appreciation of various global histories, whilst enjoying the rich history of our local area. In your spare time, you might find yourself exploring the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon metalwork most likely deposited in the 7th century in the then Kingdom of Mercia. The Staffordshire Hoard provides a window to England in the 6th and 7th centuries and also to the warrior elite that existed during these times and now rests less than 5 miles away from Keele. 

Our History programme will carry you chronologically from the medieval period to the present, and span the globe. You will be introduced to a wide range of history – from political, social, economic and cultural history to the history of gender, health, sexuality and religion. Throughout your first year, you may engage in modules that encourage you to explore topics such as how European rulers tried to strengthen their authority with the increase of military power between the late fifteenth and late seventeenth centuries, or some of the key defining moments in History which may include the 1720 South Sea Bubble in Britain, the 1791 Haitian Revolution or the 1933 Bauhaus movement.  

Studying History at Keele will not only equip you with knowledge, but an appreciation for the history of Britain, Europe, and the World. It will help you to develop a range of transferable skills including analysis, debate, critical thinking and written and oral communication. These skills will allow you to develop attributes highly desirable to future employers, strengthening your prospects beyond Keele. You will be taught by experts in their respective fields who share your passion for particular historical periods and topics. Our on campus Library is home to a range of Special Collections which span some 1400 linear metres of manuscript, printed and pictorial material, which has been acquired by deposit, gift and purchase since the 1950s. Our Library collects, preserves and provides access to a unique, eclectic and inspiring range of collections and archives, dating from the twelfth century to the present day, for the benefit of the Higher Education community and beyond. Material relating to the history of North Staffordshire is a particular strength.

Our History programmes are designed to be flexible and adaptable to your interests. Every course is made up of core and optional modules to help you to move seamlessly from introductory learning in your first year, through to more independent learning in your final year, by which time you will have developed advanced techniques for historical research. Core modules will stimulate your interest in history and immerse you in topics, periods, and places – many of which you may not have encountered before. These will serve as a foundation, both practically and intellectually, for more specialised courses later in your degree. There is an emphasis on the use of primary source materials, including newspapers, historical fiction, film, works of art, letters, and archaeology. Through Keele Library, the David Bruce Centre for American Studies, and the Centre for Local History, we hold internationally important archives stretching over 1000 years of history.

Enhancing Your Employability

We are committed to ensuring you not only graduate from Keele as a confident historian, but with a highly desired diverse skill-set to support your employability. We embed opportunities for you to develop these skills throughout our History programmes. Our second-year optional module “Work Placement in the Humanities” will allow you to gain invaluable work experience by putting your theory into practice. Previous Humanities placement students have worked in Museums and also within the Education sector. 

Learn a Language and Study Abroad Opportunities

As a History student, you may opt to learn a language - whether you are a complete beginner, or already have a foundation of knowledge we offer a flexible and guided route to enhancing your skills. We currently offer British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish. Upon successful completion of a series of elective language modules, you will have the opportunity to gain an enhanced degree title. You may also look to enhance your student experience by engaging with the student-led societies. You'll also have the chance to study abroad at one of our partner institutions enabling you to broaden your knowledge whilst experiencing a new culture. History students may look to study in Australia, Canada or Asia to name a few possible destinations. Our Global Opportunities team will support you through the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience. We are partnered with many institutions across the world enabling you to further develop your appreciation and awareness of other cultures and societies. The History Society aims to provide a social group for like-minded students whom engage in social events, as well as arranging trips to places of historical significance. 

It is also possible to undertake an International Year between Year 2 and Year 3. You will have the opportunity to spend the two semesters of the international year at one partner university or one semester at one university and the second semester at another. On successful completion of all modules across the year, you will graduate with a degree title ‘with International Year’.

Related courses

• Criminology and History
• Education and History
• English Literature and History
• Geography and History
• History and International Relations
• History and Politics
• History and Psychology

Our Teaching

Teaching

Our teaching is designed to stimulate your interest in History, support your studies and to help you to acquire a diverse skillset. We deliver our modules through a range of methods including small-group seminars, larger workshops, lectures, and individual supervisions. We have embedded the flexibility of creative digital learning tools and formats in our modules, alongside personal contact and individual guidance. 

Assessment

Your assessment is varied, suiting a range of different learning styles that allow you to flourish and to cultivate diverse skills. We use portfolio work, presentations, podcasts and videocast production,  digital exhibition design and writing biographies, alongside essays and varied exam formats. Our creative and diverse assessment methods enable you to demonstrate your ability to communicate information in an effective and dynamic manner, again contributing to your employability. 

Foundation year

You may choose to study this course via foundation year.

If you’re returning to education following a break, wish to study a new subject or don’t have the grades or sufficient equivalent experience for direct entry to this course, a foundation year may be a good option for you.

Following successful completion (including any additional progression requirements) of the foundation year you can progress on to this course.

The foundation year offers September starts across all subjects, and January starts across all science, humanities, social sciences and business routes.

The January intake excludes the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree with Foundation Year and other health-related foundation Year degree

For more details visit our foundation year webpages.

Foundation year

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.

For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.

Career prospects

96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (HESA, 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.

Previous 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.

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