950 reviews for Keele University

The online learning isn't great. They just tell you which articles to read with little to no feedback or "teaching".

The causes are very hands on and you need to be in the class to really learn and I like that. However outside the classroom everything else is self regulated and I don't do well with that kind of learning and offer lecturers will take a couple days to respond to e-mails.

The price for the amenities given is not even and the price has gone up each year I've stayed here. The security of the halls are good only students living in them have access and the communal areas are cleaned frequently

Student/Academic mentors are fully supportive and available.

Not as expected.

As a PhD student at Keele University, my experience with the course structure, teaching approach, and overall academic environment has been profoundly positive and enriching. Pursuing a PhD involves a significant amount of independent work, as the nature of the program emphasizes self-directed research and critical thinking. However, the outstanding support and mentorship I receive from my supervisors have made a remarkable difference in my academic journey. From the very beginning, both of my supervisors have been incredibly supportive and approachable. They provide me with guidance and encouragement at every stage of my research. This includes helping me define and refine my research objectives, developing a clear plan for my study, and addressing any challenges or obstacles I encounter along the way. Their constructive feedback during regular supervision meetings has been invaluable in shaping my research and ensuring that I stay on the right track. The frequent and meaningful contact I have with my supervisors is one of the most impactful aspects of my learning experience. We meet regularly, where they provide detailed insights and feedback on my work, offering both critical evaluation and encouraging words to help me grow as a researcher. Their ability to balance constructive criticism with motivation ensures that I remain focused and confident in my abilities, even during the more challenging phases of my PhD journey. Additionally, their availability outside of scheduled meetings is a great asset. Whenever I face a question, require clarification, or need advice on time-sensitive matters, I know I can reach out to them, and they respond promptly. This sense of accessibility and reliability has created a supportive learning environment that fosters trust and collaboration. Beyond academic guidance, they also provide practical advice on other critical areas, such as preparing for conferences, submitting research papers, and building my professional network. One of the most commendable aspects of the supervision at Keele is how my supervisors genuinely invest time in understanding my research interests and goals. They encourage me to think independently while also ensuring that my research aligns with the broader academic standards and contributes meaningfully to my field. Their expertise and experience bring invaluable depth to our discussions, helping me identify gaps in the literature, refine my methodology, and develop innovative solutions. The flexibility in how my PhD program is structured is another highlight. As a doctoral student, I appreciate the balance between autonomy and structured guidance. The program allows me to plan my work schedule based on my individual needs and research milestones. This autonomy has been instrumental in fostering my self-discipline and organizational skills, both of which are crucial for completing a PhD successfully. At the same time, the structured interactions with my supervisors and access to university resources ensure that I never feel isolated or unsupported. Keele University also provides an environment conducive to learning and growth through its vibrant academic community. The opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement and knowledge sharing further enhance my experience. Workshops, seminars, and conferences organized by the university allow me to stay updated on the latest developments in my field and provide platforms to present my work to peers and faculty. This exposure helps me refine my ideas and builds my confidence as a researcher. Moreover, Keele’s inclusive and supportive culture has played an essential role in shaping my positive experience. As an international student, I value the university’s commitment to diversity and the respect it shows for individuals from all cultural and academic backgrounds. This welcoming environment makes it easier to focus on

What I like most about Keele University's halls is the fabulous location. The halls are nestled within the beautiful and expansive Keele campus, surrounded by greenery and serene natural landscapes. This peaceful environment provides a perfect setting for both studying and relaxing, allowing students to feel immersed in a close-knit, vibrant community. The convenience of having all essential facilities nearby, such as the library, student union, cafes, and sports center, adds to the charm. The halls also foster a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, making it easy to connect with fellow students and build lasting friendships. However, one aspect that could be improved is the **cost of accommodation**, especially for students managing tight budgets. While the quality of the halls and their location are excellent, additional affordability or better financial support options for housing would make them even more accessible. Furthermore, ensuring consistent maintenance and upgrading some older facilities would enhance the overall experience for residents. Overall, the combination of an exceptional location, a supportive community, and the convenience of campus living makes Keele's halls a wonderful place to stay, with room for small improvements to cater to the diverse needs of its student population.

Extended contact hours with my lecturers and detailed explanations about course contents

Most: spacious areas close to main campus but low quality for expensive accommodation that’s costs my entire student loan is inflated

The course is mostly on-site learning and has been well covered, in times where that has not been possible, by usage of the intranet/keele learning environment (KLE) where learning materials are uploaded. Some modules have been taught in a hybrid manner, these were well delivered and balanced. The facilities for more practical media modules (Podcast and Radio Production and The Photographic message - Photomontage Creation) are extremely high quality. With iMacs available in the media building, with built in Adobe software, and an equipment booking system that has everything you might need to produce great quality work. The media department benefits also from having a Technical Officer who is extremely helpful in providing tutorials and classes in how to operate equipment and use relevelant software. Unfortunately, sometimes, for students that take media modules as an elective the booking service and the media buildings facilities are not automatically made readily available to them. This should be resolved/made more clear in introductions to these modules how to access and utilise these resources as a non-media student

The campus element makes it great as almost a student village. The bus service has been troubled with inconsistencies and occasionally buses that are scheduled have not turned up at all, however the frequency of the buses makes this less of a glaring issue. The nearby town is vibrant enough and has good links to further afield shopping centres and entertainment venues

The price of this accommodation is it's main negative. It is not even entirely covered by my student finance, so if I was not working alongside my studies I simply would not be able to live here. The amenities are sufficient and whenever problems have arisen they have been tended to in good time. For example, the oven breaking, the problem was looked at by accommodation stewards on the same day as it was reported and there is a transparent communication about maintenance and timescale for resolution of issues

Quality of teaching is inconsistent, sometimes fantastic, other times unengaging and moot.

Terrible Hall, note secure and very noisy

-great teaching staff -supportive learning -great opportunity

I am enjoying the course and the flipped learning approach to teaching. The uni holds various career event days which are interesting and informative. The lectures are good and can are quick at replying. As students we have been provided lots of information and who to contact if we are interested in placements. Have our own academic mentor who we can contact with any issues which is nice

As everything I need Good location Expensive Could do with updating

Good mix of tough sessions and online placements are amazing and you will learn lots Some of the content that the course teaches is unuseful and you will only really learn on placement I would say I have learnt 70% in placement and 30% in lectures Course hours are a lot and you will spend time over summer while all other courses have finished

Like all halls they are over priced and that’s the only real negative Rooms are small But i did have all the amenities i needed their are the people you can contact if you need help When I stayed all the people I lived with where all on the same course Maintenance comes fast