Are you excited to learn about historic events such as the English Civil War? Are you looking to explore the American past? Are you excited to explore global social and cultural changes that have revolutionised and shaped human's relationships with the environment? Covering a broad range of historical topics, our dynamic and stimulating programme embeds creative teaching and assessment methods to ensure you graduate as a confident historian. Our degree equips you with the desirable skills of many employers with recent graduates securing positions with the Home Office and Local Government.
Work Placement
available as an optional modulefor 2nd year Humanities students
Top 10
for Student Experience(Times, 2020)
100%
score for 3* impact in HistoryResearch Excellence Framework, 2014
Student testimonials
Charlotte Smith
"Throughout my time at Keele and by throwing myself into as much as possible, I feel like I grew in confidence from being quite shy, and my view of the world opened up a lot."Read more
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
Jordan Ori-Orison
"My placement provided me the opportunity to gain valuable experience working within the museum sector that I can apply to a similar role in the future"Read more
Jacqueline Fradley
"I've been able to tailor my History degree to choose modules in the things I'm really interested in.
"
-
read more about Jacqueline Fradley
Aidan Gallagher
"I would highly recommend considering a placement, both as a confidence booster and as a means of gaining valuable, relevant work experience"
-
read more about Aidan Gallagher
Katie Barker
"I had the opportunity to study a professional qualification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language."
-
read more about Katie Barker
Grace Ormandy
"My work placement really put into perspective what kind of things I need to know and appreciate
in my future as a primary school teacher."
-
read more about Grace Ormandy
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’.
Our Course Information Documents (CIDs) are designed to give you all of the details you need to make an informed decision about what and where to study.
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.
Entry requirements
Keele is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. On that basis we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria.
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 and International students.
If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.
A Level requirements
A Level requirement BBC
GCSE requirements
English at C (or 4)
BTEC
BTEC requirements DMM
International Baccalaureate
29 points
Access to HE Diploma requirements
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
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.
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.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry onto our BA (Hons) History course, our Foundation Year can provide an alternative route into your degree.
Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years’ experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you’ll study on campus, joining our community from the outset, and you will have access to a range of support.
Read on to find out about:
Foundation Year indicative modules for the September intake
Foundation Year entry requirements
How to apply
UCAS code for this course
The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.
Course Content
Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.
This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BA (Hons) History degree. For example, the Foundations of Humanities 1 module introduces you to the broad range of source material across the Humanities disciplines - from media to history which enables us to analyse political, social or economic perspectives and attitudes to individuals, marginal groups and 'mainstream' society. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.
Course Structure
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
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.
Between 40-48 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
Relevant work experience
AND
GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)
How to Apply
Students apply for BA (Hons) History with Foundation Year (UCAS code: VV10) through UCAS at www.ucas.com
Direct Entry Students
If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.
We are interested in a broad range of qualities, not just your points on entry. We would like to learn more about you, your interests, experiences and motivation to study.
We would be delighted to talk to you about your work experience (paid or voluntary) and qualifications, and help you to explore your options for study with us.
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 (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.
