Founded in 1949 with a commitment to meet the demands of a new kind of society, economy and world, Keele was the first new university of the 20th Century and remains true to its original mission today.

Keele University occupies (in 2017) a 620-acre (250 hectare) rural campus close to the village of Keele and comprises extensive woodlands, small lakes and Keele Hall in the historic Staffordshire Potteries heartland.

The estate was originally given by King Henry II of England to the Knights Templars, AD 1180. When the Templars were condemned and dissolved by the Council of Vienne in the time of Pope Clement V AD 1311, their possessions were annexed by the Knights Hospitallers until their dissolution by Henry VIII.

The estate was purchased from the Crown by the Sneyd family in 1540 and remained in their property until acquisition by the Stoke-on-Trent Corporation in 1948.

The first Keele Hall was built in 1580 and it was rebuilt in 1860. The Hall is a major conference, wedding and banqueting venue and has Grade II listing from English Heritage for its architectural importance. The University itself was founded as the University College of North Staffordshire in 1949 and received its Charter as the University of Keele in 1962. By 1969 Keele University was being described as "the most original innovation in British university education in the 20th century".


WHY CHOOSE KEELE UNIVERSITY?
Whether you’re considering a foundation course or an undergraduate degree, an MA or a PhD, Keele is a place where students thrive – we’re proud to be joint No.1 in England for course satisfaction in the Guardian University League Table 2019, in addition to being consistently ranked in the top three in the National Student Survey (NSS), of broad-based universities in England.


FACTS & FIGURES

•Top 3 In England for overall student satisfaction - NSS 2019 (broad-based universities)
Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, also Top 5 in the UK (THE Ranking, broad based universities
•97% of research world leading, or of international importance - Reseach Excellence Framework 2014
•96% graduate employability - HESA Destination of Leavers from Higher Education 2017
•Joint 1st in England for student satisfaction with course - Guardian University League Table 2019
•1st for Affordability - marbles.com 2016
•600+ acres Britain;s biggest single-site campus
•Global top 25 for campus sustainability - UI Green Metric ranking 2020



CAMPUS LIFE
Everything’s on your doorstep at Keele, with the most important facilities gathered together within walking distance at the centre of campus - which at over 600 acres is the biggest in the UK. You’ll soon feel at home and make friends wherever you go.

•Campus facilities
•Clubs and societies
•Sport at Keele
•Culture and entertainment