History with Foundation Year

History is the study of the human past in all its breadth and complexity: the rise and fall of empires, the experience of ordinary people across different times and places, the forces that have driven social and political change, and the ways in which the present moment is shaped by what has come before. It is a discipline that develops rigorous analytical thinking, the ability to evaluate conflicting evidence, and the capacity to construct clear and persuasive arguments. Historians learn to be sceptical, curious, and precise, qualities that serve well in many careers.

At the University of Keele, this four-year full-time degree includes a foundation year that provides the critical thinking, analytical writing, and academic preparation needed to succeed in the main degree. This makes the programme accessible to students who are intellectually engaged with the past but may not have followed a conventional academic route into higher education. Keele's BA in History builds a global perspective on how the past has shaped the present, examining political, social, cultural, and economic influences across different times and places.

Practical experience in industry through placement opportunities gives you the chance to develop and demonstrate your skills in professional contexts. A typical entry tariff of 56 points for the foundation year pathway reflects the inclusive ethos of the programme.

You will develop skills in analytical thinking, problem-solving, research, evidence evaluation, and effective written and verbal communication. These are capabilities that transfer across many sectors and professional contexts, and history graduates are consistently among the most employable in the arts and humanities.

Graduates from history programmes go on to careers in education, journalism, the civil service, law, heritage and archives, publishing, public relations, marketing, politics, and a wide range of other fields. Many continue to postgraduate study in history, archival studies, law, or related disciplines.