English Literature and History at Keele delves into the details and impact of historical events and explores literature from Shakespeare to the present day. On this course, you will investigate the ways that people thought and lived in the past and how social, cultural and literary changes have shaped the world we live in today. You will explore these subjects on a global scale and become a confident reader, writer and researcher, equipping you with key graduate attributes.

English Literature and History at Keele combines the study of historical events and literature with reflections on how our modern society and culture has developed, tackling important debates around issues such as decolonisation, sustainability and the environment, gender and sexuality, and political extremism.

On this combined honours programme, you will examine literature in English from across the world, including Britain, North America and Africa, taking a truly global perspective.

Taught by expert lecturers in the School of Humanities, you will explore and interpret literary texts 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, this diverse course will equip you with a vast array of attributes that employers are looking for, including problem solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy.

History at Keele is taught by academics who are experts across a diverse range of fields and periods of history. This will enable you to trace the course of change in key areas of human history and appreciate the impact of events, forces, and processes on individual societies and the world as a whole.

You will develop your knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical skills and learn how to research diverse topics, critically interrogate evidence and reflect on pivotal moments in history. This experience will help to broaden your expertise and develop transferable skills that will prepare you for employment after university.

Work Placements

The School of Humanities hosts a ‘Work Placement in the Humanities module which provides you with the opportunity to apply for a placement within an organisation to further enhance your professional skills. With the guidance of module tutors, you will identify an organisation based on your interests, and will spend a semester engaging with projects and tasks set out by the employer.

You may cover areas such as heritage, education, charity, marketing and management, as well as the creative industry. Alumni have previously taken work placements in a range of settings including museums and schools. You will engage with taught sessions in addition to your time at your chosen organisation and will be encouraged to reflect upon your experiences to identify how you can apply your learnings throughout your studies and beyond.

You will have the opportunity to apply for a Work Placement Year, taken between Year 2 and 3, that allows you to practice your knowledge and prepare for employment after university. This experience will enable you to build confidence in the workplace and demonstrate your abilities in a professional environment, using the skills you have gained throughout your degree programme. You will be supported to prepare for your placement with advice on CV writing and cover letters, as well as the chance to attend Q&A workshops to discuss individual experiences with alumni and employers. This is a valuable experience where you will develop both personally and professionally.