Course content

As an English Literature and Film Studies student at Keele, you'll be encouraged to delve deep into a range of literary works, which may include authors such as Emily Bronte, Aphra Behn, Tsitsi Dangarembga and J M Coetzee whilst developing a deep understanding of the aesthetic history of cinema and of literature. You will learn how creative texts in both forms relate to their social and cultural situations; whether this means understanding how writers have responded to historical and contemporary concerns, or how films have depicted race, class, and gender. 

Our intellectually stimulating and engaging approach to exploring novels, poetry, drama, graphic novels and other types of literature produce intelligent, perceptive, socially aware and compassionate individuals who are able to make a real impact. You'll tackle a range of issues and unprecedented challenges of our cultural moment, which could include decolonisation, sustainability and the environment, gender and sexuality, migration, political extremism, or the role of literature as an arbiter of truth in an era of information overload and fake news.

Studying English Literature and Film Studies at Keele enables you to develop key skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. You will explore and interpret literary and cinematic works that will challenge your views, advance your tastes, prompt your creativity, and give you the opportunity to become a versatile graduate. Through a range of activities and assessments, our diverse course will equip you with a wide array of attributes that employers are looking for, including problem solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy. You will pursue your passions, grow in confidence, and gain a unique set of transferable skills that will be invaluable for your future career in a variety of sectors.

Enhancing Your Employability

Opportunities to enhance your employability are at the heart of the English Literature and Film Studies programme - we want you to graduate not only as a confident literary and film critic, but also with a highly-desirable set of skills. Our second-year optional module "Work Placement in the Humanities" allows you to engage with potential future employers whilst being supported by academic and career advisors to design and complete a programme of work in partnership with the workplace. Previous work placements have included charities, museums, schools and archives. We also recognise that as your knowledge and appreciation develops, so will your career aspirations. Our Careers and Employability advisors run excellent workshops and offer tailored, individual guidance throughout the course.

Learn a Language and Study Abroad Opportunities

You'll also have the chance 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 study abroad at one of our partner institutions enabling you to broaden your knowledge while experiencing a new culture. Our Global Opportunities team will support you throughout the process, ensuring you are able to get the most out of your international experience. Keele University is partnered with many institutions across the world enabling you to further develop your appreciation and awareness of other cultures and societies. 

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

• English Literature
• English Literature and Creative Writing
• Education and English Literature
• English Literature and History
• English Literature and Philosophy
• English Literature and Psychology
• Film Studies
• Film Studies and Creative Writing
• Film Studies and Media
• Film Studies and Music Production

Facilities

You will enjoy the use of designated teaching spaces, including a specially equipped screening room. If you choose to take practice-based modules, you will also have access to filmmaking equipment, as well as the specialised editing suites in the Media Building, open 24/7. Keele University’s library holds a wide range of written and visual material that you will use for your course, as well as housing designated study spaces for individual or group work.

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

• Obtain Access to Higher Education Diploma with 112 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction. 

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)

This degree will provide you with an appreciation for the conditions in which literary and screen texts are produced, giving you an open-minded, inquisitive approach to problems, as well as the practical, conceptual, and analytical skills required to provide solutions that take account of many factors. You may enter various careers, some closely related to these subjects and some that draw on the unique skills that you will develop and apply to new areas. For example, you may enter the creative industries, writing your own material, in fiction or poetry, screenplays or journalism. You will also be able to communicate complex ideas effectively to different kinds of audience, producing persuasive arguments informed by careful research. These skills will prepare you for careers in local and national government, marketing, and management.

Previous employers

• Apple
• Primary, Secondary and Higher Education
• Barclays
• NHS
• Marks and Spencer
• HSBC
• Santander
• Local Government
• Memiah
• Vodafone
• Flurry Sports
• PopLister

Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do:

• Academic Librarian
• Advertising Copywriter
• Editorial Assistant
• Journalist
• Public Relations Officer
• School Teacher
• Film/video Editor
• Location Manager
• Programme Researcher
• Production Designer
• Runner Broadcasting
• Television Floor Manager
• Associate Producer
• Camera Operator

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.