Keele University: Student Population And Campus Life

Keele University is a public research university located in Keele, England, approximately three miles from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. The university was founded in 1949 as the University College of North Staffordshire and received its Royal Charter in 1962, becoming the University of Keele. Keele University has a large campus spanning 600 acres and is considered one of the biggest in the UK. As of 2024, the university has a student population of over 10,000, with some sources stating 12,500 and 13,500. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and is known for its excellent teaching and research, with a particular focus on improving lives and addressing challenges at a local and global level.

Student satisfaction

Keele University is a public research university located in Keele, England, approximately three miles from Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire. It was founded in 1949 as the University College of North Staffordshire and received university status in 1962. The university has a student-centric approach and is committed to providing an excellent student experience.

Keele University has consistently ranked highly for student satisfaction and has some of the most satisfied students in the UK. In 2022, it was ranked as "Britain's Best University" by students in the Student Crowd University Awards. The university's commitment to student satisfaction is evident in various aspects of its operations:

Academic Excellence and Support:

Keele University offers a broad-based education with a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach. The university encourages debate, discussion, and learning beyond the classroom. The curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education, combining academic expertise with skill-building for life. The student-staff ratio is approximately 14:1, ensuring that students receive adequate support and attention.

Beautiful and Accessible Campus:

The university is nestled in a large, picturesque 600-acre or 625-acre rural campus, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and convenient accessibility. The campus provides a close-knit community feel while being just an hour away from Manchester and Birmingham. It offers a range of facilities, including extensive woods, lakes, halls of residence, an astronomical observatory, an arts and cultural programme, an arboretum, an Islamic centre, shops, cafes, and sports facilities.

High-Quality Teaching and Research:

Keele University excels in both teaching and research, with world-leading research that aims to address global challenges. The university's teaching excellence is underpinned by a high-quality curriculum delivered by inspiring academics. In 2023, Keele received the highest "Gold" rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, 80% of its research was deemed world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Student Services and Support:

The university prioritises the well-being of its students and offers various support services, including health and well-being initiatives and cost-of-living support. The Residence Life team, for example, helps ensure a safe and connected community for students living on campus. The university also provides academic support, such as the Language Learning Unit, which offers language teaching in various languages, including Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.

Employment Prospects:

Keele University has a strong track record of producing highly employable graduates. 95% of graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduation in 2019/20. The university's close links with regional businesses, industry, and local NHS trusts provide valuable opportunities for students.

Student Union and Activities:

Keele University's Students' Union was ranked in the Top 10 in the National Student Survey in 2019. The union organises various social activities throughout the year and manages sports teams and issues. The university offers a wide range of sports, including rugby, lacrosse, dodgeball, volleyball, and Muggle Quidditch, providing opportunities for students to stay active and engage in extracurricular activities.

Keele University's commitment to student satisfaction is evident in its rankings, high-quality teaching and research, accessible and picturesque campus, and focus on student well-being and employability. The university strives to create a supportive and enriching environment for its students, contributing to their overall satisfaction and positive university experience.

Student population

Keele University is a public research university located in Keele, England, approximately three miles from Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire. It was founded in 1949 as the University College of North Staffordshire and received university status in 1962.

The university's campus spans 600 acres, making it one of the largest campus universities in the UK. It is nestled in the Staffordshire countryside, offering a close-knit campus community, while also being within easy reach of the town of Newcastle-under-Lyme and the city of Stoke-on-Trent. The campus includes extensive woods, lakes, and Keele Hall, as well as a science park and a conference centre.

Keele University has a medium-sized student population, with sources giving different estimates ranging from over 10,000 to 13,500 students. The university caters to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with a significant proportion of full-time students residing on campus. The university's website mentions having over 12,500 students, and an estimate of 12,240 students is provided by The Uni Guide. The university's contribution to the regional economy and its role in driving economic growth are also notable, contributing £0.38 billion annually and supporting high-value employment in the area.

The student population at Keele University is diverse, with a mix of domestic and international students. The university has a global network of over 100,000 alumni across 120 countries. The university's focus on interdisciplinary education and research attracts students from various backgrounds, with 90% of undergraduates being state-educated, and over 25% coming from working-class backgrounds. Keele University also has a strong track record in graduate employability, with 95% of graduates in a job or further study within six months of graduation.

In summary, Keele University's student population is an integral part of its vibrant campus community, contributing to its reputation as a leading UK university with satisfied students and excellent teaching and research facilities.

Campus size

Keele University is a public research university located in Keele, England, approximately three miles from Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire. It is one of the largest campus universities in the UK, with a campus size of 600 acres or 253 hectares, making it one of the biggest in the country. The campus is nestled in the Staffordshire countryside and is just an hour away from Manchester and Birmingham.

The university's campus includes extensive woods, lakes, and Keele Hall, which is set in the Staffordshire Potteries. The campus also features a science park, a conference centre, and is home to the largest single-site campus environment in Europe. The university operates a separate Medical School from the Royal Stoke University Hospital, and the School of Nursing and Midwifery is based at the nearby Clinical Education Centre.

The campus has a rich history, dating back to when it was originally given by King Henry II of England to the Knights Templars in 1180. The estate changed hands multiple times over the centuries, and in 1948, it was acquired by the Stoke-on-Trent Corporation. Keele University was founded in 1949, and the campus has since expanded to include academic and residential buildings, an astronomical observatory, an arts and cultural programme, an arboretum, an Islamic centre, shops, cafes, and other facilities.

The campus offers a mix of architectural styles, with 19th-century buildings like Keele Hall predating the modern concrete and red-brick structures of the university. The campus is also home to five halls of residence, providing accommodation for 70% of full-time students. The university's central location ensures that all essential services and facilities are easily accessible to students, offering a convenient and vibrant campus life.

Course options

Keele University is a public research university in Keele, England, with over 12,500 students. The university is organised into three faculties: the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Keele University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across its three faculties. Here are some of the courses offered:

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

• Business and Management
• Business Management and Accounting
• Business Management and Economics
• Business Management and Marketing
• Creative Writing
• Criminology
• Education
• English
• History
• Law
• Marketing
• Media and Communications
• Philosophy
• Politics
• Sociology

Faculty of Natural Sciences

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Ecology and Conservation
• Environmental Science
• Forensic Science
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Physics

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Biomedical Science
• Midwifery
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Paramedic Science
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography
• Rehabilitation and Exercise Science
• Speech and Language Therapy

Student accommodation

Keele University in Staffordshire, UK, is a campus university with over 12,500 students. The university guarantees accommodation for September entry undergraduate applicants who make Keele their firm choice and apply by the deadline. Keele University accommodation is approved by the Universities UUK Code of Practice, which ensures students have access to good-quality accommodation.

There are over 2,700 bedrooms on-site, with a range of accommodation options to suit different lifestyle needs and budgets. All rooms are within a short walk of the centre of campus.

There are five halls of residence on the main campus: Horwood, Lindsay, Barnes, Holly Cross, and The Oaks. These halls provide accommodation for 70% of all full-time students. The university also offers off-campus accommodation options for students who prefer to live independently.

The university's website provides resources for students seeking off-campus housing, including advice on securing rentals and information about the local area. Additionally, Keele offers on-campus accommodation for staff who are relocating to the area while they search for more permanent housing.

The university also guarantees accommodation in university-owned, managed, or approved accommodation for students joining through Clearing.

Frequently asked questions