Studying History and Psychology at Keele will enable you to develop your appreciation of various global histories, as well as key concepts within Psychology, whilst enjoying the rich history of our local area. In your spare time, you might find yourself exploring the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon metalwork most likely deposited in the 7th century in the then Kingdom of Mercia. The Staffordshire Hoard provides a window to England in the 6th and 7th centuries and also to the warrior elite that existed during these times and now rests less than 5 miles away from Keele. You can explore social and personal psychology in practice through history, and address some of the biggest debates, like the issue of universalism: do humans all share a common psychology through space and time, or do social and cultural factors cause wide variance?

The History element of the programme will carry you chronologically from the medieval period to the present, and span the globe. You will be introduced to a wide range of history – from political, social, economic and cultural history to the history of gender, health, sexuality and religion. Throughout your first year, you may engage in modules that encourage you to explore topics such as how European rulers tried to strengthen their authority with the increase of military power between the late fifteenth and late seventeenth centuries, or some of the key defining moments in History which may include the 1720 South Sea Bubble in Britain, the 1791 Haitian Revolution or the 1933 Bauhaus movement.  You'll explore and research why humans feel, think and act in the ways that they do. You will learn about what the latest psychology research, including studies published by our own friendly and approachable staff, tells us about human behaviour from social, developmental, biological and cognitive perspectives. We will show you how to design and conduct your own psychological studies in our well-equipped labs using a range of techniques including interviews, surveys and experiments.

You’ll develop the sort of enquiring, open-minded and creative attitude which employers are looking for, leading to potential careers options in a range of fields including teaching, research, charity work, counselling, librarian, archivist, heritage manager, solicitor, journalist, or researcher. Psychological careers include clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, occupational or sports psychology. Whatever path you choose in your working life, you will develop a psychological perspective on human behaviour which is valued in a range of careers.