English and History

Our English and History BA brings together two core disciplines, exploring the richness of historical events, diverse cultures, and landmark literature to connect the past and present. Investigate how the formal characteristics of literature develop over time and build connections between major events in global history. This degree will develop your powers of analysis, research and critical thinking, preparing you to embark on an exciting career across a wide range of sectors such as education, media, government and policy.

Why choose this course?

• Top 15 in England for English (Guardian University Guide, 2025)

• Become a confident reader, writer and critic, with an array of skills in communication, critical thinking and analytical interpretation

• Explore social, political, religious, economic, and cultural History across global societies

• Engage in work placement opportunities that provide a rich experience, preparing you for employment after university

• A chance to broaden your horizons and study abroad at a partner university

Combine the study of two core disciplines on our English and History degree to examine the connections between key historical events and literature through time. The study of English will enable you to undertake rigorous and critical investigation of literature from the English-speaking world, whilst History explores societies from around the world, from the medieval period to the present day. Through studying both subjects, you will build an understanding of the connections between English and History with an appreciation of literature and the relevance of History to the world we live in today.

Studying English encourages you to engage imaginatively with texts to understand the world from various perspectives. You will consider how texts function within different cultures, developing your own ideas and opinions in becoming a critic. Having a thorough interpretation of existing texts will enhance your appreciation of literature and build your skills in academic reading and writing.

Explore how understandings of the past continue to shape the present, and you will learn how to apply History to address urgent issues facing the world today. Debate 'defining moments' in the last 1000 years and how these have shaped society. In a global framework, you will explore economic, political, social and cultural approaches to History and grapple with a wide range of themes including war cultures, mobility, gender, religion and revolution.

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.