English Literature and History BA (Hons)

University of Keele

Are you excited to explore different historical periods and literary works that will challenge and inspire you? 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.

Why choose this course?

• Become a skilled analyst of literature of all kinds, from poetry to graphic novels to political speeches
• Gain insight into various eras, cultures, and society, building a foundation of knowledge and providing a broad interpretation of history
• Learn to critically evaluate and reflect on historical events and how these have impacted the world we live in, supported by inspiring teachers
• Engage in work placement opportunities that provide a rich experience, preparing you for employment after university
• Opportunity to apply for an International Year at a partner university to explore diverse cultures

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.

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.