About English and History, BA (Hons) - at Keele University

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. Course overview 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.

Learn how to deploy rigorous, reasoned and well-evidenced arguments. Express complex ideas, and develop skills that allow you to communicate effectively and persuasively to a variety of audiences about the topics, news and issues that are aligned to your interests and career prospects. Your academic studies will be complemented and enhanced through optional modules that allow you to explore professional development opportunities, gaining experience across English and/or History in preparation for employment. You'll also have the opportunity to study abroad with a partner university, to learn a modern language , or to gain a recognised TESOL qualification , through our Global Challenges Pathway, which will help you to develop global perspectives and build your awareness and experience of other cultures and practices. *We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges).

Related courses English Creative Writing English and Creative Writing English and Film Studies Education and English English and Philosophy History Modern History and International Relations Modern History and Politics Criminology and History History and Education English ranked Top 10 in England (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)* 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 For more details, please see the course page on the Keele website.

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Entry requirements for this course

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