What is a combined or joint honours degree?

A combined or joint honours degree lets you study two subjects together within a single degree, typically split evenly (though sometimes weighted toward one subject), rather than choosing a single subject degree. Both subjects usually count as a genuine, full qualification rather than one being a minor addition to the other, though the exact structure varies by university.

Is a combined honours degree in English Literature and Psychology BPS accredited?

Not always, combined or joint honours Psychology degrees aren't automatically BPS accredited in the same way a single honours Psychology degree often is, since accreditation depends on covering the full required breadth of core psychology content. If keeping the option of professional psychology training open matters to you, check the specific accreditation status of any joint honours course directly with the university before applying. Our [Psychology guide explains BPS accreditation and what it actually means](/advice/subjects/psychology/bachelors#does-it-make-you-a-psychologist) in more depth, including the difference between a Psychology degree and actually becoming a practising psychologist.

Does a joint honours degree keep more career options open than a single honours degree?

It can. Studying two subjects equally lets you build genuine knowledge and experience in both before deciding which direction to pursue afterward, which is exactly how Evie used her degree to explore both English and Psychology before choosing a postgraduate path. The trade-off is generally less depth in either individual subject compared to a single honours degree.

What can you do with a Masters in Creative Writing?

A Masters in Creative Writing can lead toward careers in publishing, editing, literary agency work, journalism, teaching creative writing, and of course, working as a writer directly, though like many creative fields, building a career often relies on a combination of the qualification, a strong portfolio, and practical industry experience alongside it.

Is Keele a campus university, and does that matter for student experience?

Yes, Keele is a campus university, meaning accommodation, teaching buildings, sports facilities and social spaces are largely contained within one site. Students often find this creates a stronger, more contained sense of community compared to a city-based university spread across multiple locations, though it also means a slightly different day-to-day experience worth considering alongside course content when choosing where to study.

Studying English Literature & Psychology at Keele University: Evie's Student Experience

Why did Evie choose to study English Literature and Psychology together?

I chose a combined honours degree because I loved and wanted to study both subjects and could not decide between the two, and I didn't know that combined honours were a university option until I saw it at Keele.

With the degree split 50/50 between both subjects, I was able to explore each equally, keeping both career directions genuinely open rather than closing one off early.

“I loved and wanted to study both subjects and could not decide between the two, and I didn't know that combined honours were a university option until I saw it at Keele.”

Why did Evie choose Keele University?

I chose Keele specifically because it offered the combined honours structure I wanted, letting me count the degree as a genuine, full qualification in both subjects rather than a minor addition to one.

That 50/50 split mattered to me both academically and for my future options, giving me the chance to properly experience what a career in either subject might actually look like before committing to one after graduating.

What surprised Evie about the opportunities available at Keele?

I was most surprised by just how many opportunities were available, well beyond the societies and part-time jobs I'd expected going in. Since going to Keele, I've been able to take on two paid internships, one in social media for an academic article website, and one in social media for a children's book festival, published in my school's anthology, a summer school abroad, podcast experience, a placement year, volunteering from working with local primary schools to teaching English abroad. There are so many more opportunities available at university than you would expect, you just have to go out and seize them.

“Since going to Keele, I've been able to take on two paid internships, one in social media for an academic article website, and one in social media for a children's book festival, published in my school's anthology, a summer school abroad, podcast experience, a placement year, volunteering from working with local primary schools to teaching English abroad. There are so many more opportunities available at university than you would expect, you just have to go out and seize them.”

What is a typical week like studying at Keele?

A typical week for me involves around 10 hours of classes, with a dedicated day off each week and Wednesday afternoons kept free for sports and socials, a structure that leaves real room for work, friends and personal projects alongside my studies.

Outside class, my time splits between part-time work in a pub on campus, working through assignments, and time with friends, whether that's a coffee and a walk, a night out, or simply spending time with housemates. As a campus university, Keele meant everything, classes, work, friends and social life, was close by and easy to fit together.

What was the hardest part of starting university for Evie?

My biggest challenge wasn't academic, it was my own anxiety about moving away from home and making friends. The biggest thing that helped me get through it is genuinely realising everyone is in the same boat when you go to university, and people care so much less than you think. If you go up to someone and say 'Hi, I love your top! I'm Evie', nobody is going to think you are strange for that. Everyone is just as anxious as each other about making friends, and the majority of the time people are just anxious to make the first move.

“The biggest thing that helped me get through it is genuinely realising everyone is in the same boat when you go to university, and people care so much less than you think. If you go up to someone and say 'Hi, I love your top! I'm Evie', nobody is going to think you are strange for that. Everyone is just as anxious as each other about making friends, and the majority of the time people are just anxious to make the first move.”

How has Evie's career direction developed since starting her degree?

I started university unsure which direction to take, and used the combined honours structure specifically to explore both before deciding, a plan that's paid off in a clear next step.

Studying both subjects side by side gave me a genuine feel for what a career in each might actually be like, and helped me identify what I did and didn't enjoy along the way. I'm now moving on to an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Brighton, aiming to work in publishing.

What does Evie wish she'd known before starting university?

My biggest lesson was to follow my own instincts about where to study, rather than worrying about what friends or family might think. I originally applied worrying about my friends from home and family, and what people might think based on the university I went to or the subjects I did. After a lot of time, and thinking, and tears, and visits to universities, I realised the person who would be attending is me, and the only person I needed to impress and make happy was myself. I withdrew and reapplied to Keele, and it was the best decision I ever made. University is for YOU, and follow what you want.

“I originally applied worrying about my friends from home and family, and what people might think based on the university I went to or the subjects I did. After a lot of time, and thinking, and tears, and visits to universities, I realised the person who would be attending is me, and the only person I needed to impress and make happy was myself. I withdrew and reapplied to Keele, and it was the best decision I ever made. University is for YOU, and follow what you want.”

Would Evie choose the same course and university again?

Yes, without hesitation. Studying English and Psychology at Keele was the best decision I've made, both for the academic flexibility and the sense of community I found there. The opportunities available at Keele have been amazing: from the chance to be a published researcher in Psychology, to work as a research assistant for my lecturers, and to attend conferences, to the chance to study abroad at a US summer school, to work two paid internships in my field, and be a published author through the school's creative writing anthology.

Curious whether Psychology could be the right fit for you, alone or alongside another subject? Read our complete guide to studying Psychology, covering what you'll actually study, entry requirements and career paths.

Not sure which course fits your grades and interests? Try StudyDecidr's free course matching tool to get a curated shortlist. (International and postgraduate course matching is coming soon.)

“The opportunities available at Keele have been amazing: from the chance to be a published researcher in Psychology, to work as a research assistant for my lecturers, and to attend conferences, to the chance to study abroad at a US summer school, to work two paid internships in my field, and be a published author through the school's creative writing anthology.”