Career Services and Employability Support

At Keele University, we are committed to enhancing your employability from day one. Our dedicated Careers and Employability Service offers personalized guidance to help you navigate your career path. Whether you're a first-year undergraduate or a postgraduate researcher, you'll have access to one-on-one advice sessions, CV workshops, and mock interviews tailored to your field of study.

• Drop-in Sessions: Available throughout the week for quick queries on job applications or career planning.
• Online Resources: A comprehensive portal with job listings, industry insights, and skill-building tools.
• Alumni Network: Connect with over 100,000 Keele graduates worldwide for mentorship and networking opportunities.

Our service boasts a 95% student satisfaction rate in employability support, ensuring you graduate ready for the professional world.

Internships and Work Placements

Keele integrates practical experience into many degree programs, offering sandwich years or shorter placements to build real-world skills. With partnerships across industries like healthcare, business, and technology, students can secure paid internships that count towards their degree credits.

Program Type	Duration	Key Benefits
Undergraduate Placements	9-12 months	Salary (average £18,000/year), professional references, enhanced CV
Summer Internships	8-12 weeks	Hands-on projects, networking with employers, travel stipends for eligible roles
Postgraduate Opportunities	3-6 months	Research-focused roles, industry collaborations, potential for full-time offers

Recent placements have included roles at NHS trusts, Deloitte, and Siemens, with over 80% of placement students receiving graduate job offers upon completion.

Scholarships and Financial Opportunities

Financial support is a cornerstone of the Keele experience. We offer a range of scholarships to attract and reward talented students, regardless of background. From merit-based awards to need-based bursaries, these opportunities can significantly reduce your study costs.

• Keele International Excellence Scholarship: Up to £6,000 per year for high-achieving international students.
• Undergraduate Bursary: £1,000 annually for UK students from low-income households.
• Subject-Specific Awards: Funding for STEM, humanities, and health sciences programs, including lab equipment grants.
• Postgraduate Loans and Grants: Access to government loans plus university top-ups for master's and PhD students.

Applications are straightforward via our online portal, with deadlines typically in June for September entry. Last year, over £2 million was awarded, helping more than 1,500 students.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

Keele is renowned for its research-intensive environment, providing undergraduates and postgraduates with chances to contribute to cutting-edge projects. Our Research Internship Scheme allows students to work alongside leading academics on topics from climate change to medical breakthroughs.

1. Apply Early: Opportunities are advertised in the first term; selection based on academic merit and interest.
2. Funding Available: Stipends up to £3,000 for summer research, plus conference attendance support.
3. Outputs: Co-author publications, present at symposia, and gain transferable skills like data analysis and grant writing.

With facilities like the Keele Research Institute and collaborations with global partners, students often secure PhD places or research careers post-graduation.

Extracurricular and Volunteering Activities

Beyond academics, Keele fosters holistic development through a vibrant student community. Join over 200 societies via the Keele Students' Union (KUSU), from debating clubs to adventure sports, to build leadership and teamwork skills.

• Volunteering Programs: Partner with local charities for community projects, earning employability points on your record.
• Entrepreneurship Hub: Access the Incubator for start-up ideas, with seed funding and pitch coaching.
• Sports and Fitness: Compete in BUCS leagues or use our state-of-the-art facilities for personal growth.

These activities not only enrich your university life but also enhance your graduate profile, with many leading to internships or job referrals.

International and Study Abroad Opportunities

Keele's global outlook opens doors to international experiences. Through our Study Abroad Program, you can spend a semester or year at partner universities in Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond.

Destination	Partner Institutions	Support Provided
Europe (Erasmus+)	University of Amsterdam, Sorbonne University	Travel grants, language courses, credit transfer guaranteed
North America	University of Toronto, UCLA	Visa assistance, cultural orientation, scholarship matching
Asia-Pacific	University of Sydney, National University of Singapore	Internship linkages, homestay options, emergency funds

Over 500 students participate annually, gaining cultural competence and international networks that boost career prospects in a global job market.

In summary, Keele University's opportunities are designed to empower you academically, professionally, and personally. Engage early, seek advice from our support teams, and make the most of these resources to shape a successful future.