Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English and American Literature

at Keele University United Kingdom

Criminology is a rapidly developing field which draws on insights and methods from disciplines such as law, social sciences, and psychology to explore crime, crime control and justice from a range of perspectives.

You will examine such issues as the impact of crime on society and victims. You will be able to gain insights into a range of topics which may include how society responds to crime through systems of crime control, the workings of our criminal justice institutions, as well as through media representations.

You will gain a critical understanding and detailed insight into the politics and development of criminal justice policy. You will learn about the nature and causes of crime and offending and explore the methods used to collect and analyse criminological data, vital skills for a future career in a range of sectors, including criminal justice.

In Astrophysics, you will learn to formulate and tackle problems – from below the level of the atomic nucleus to astronomical scales. Astrophysics is active wherever the laws of physics are being tested to the limit – and beyond. Keele will help you to use astronomical observations, mathematical models and computer simulation to develop theories explaining some of the most complex phenomena.

Education at Keele is distinctive because of its strong focus on contemporary issues in education and policy making. Studying Education means considering its relationship to the economy, its historical evolution, its impact on people’s life chances and identities, how education is organised, and how learners learn. Keele aims to introduce you to many of the big questions concerning education and schooling both in the UK and also internationally. Why do we go to school? What should we learn? How should we learn it? What is the main aim of education? How is educational success linked to students' gender, race and socio-economic background?

In looking at these types of 'big' questions and thinking historically, sociologically and philosophically, the course thinks critically about all aspects of education including primary, secondary and university levels. Whether you are intending to teach or just have an interest in education, this course will explore your assumptions about learning and consider your own school experiences. 

This course draws on the expertise of scientists within the disciplines of life sciences, chemical sciences and geosciences. You will develop the scientific understanding and practical skills needed to tackle many of the world’s major environmental and societal problems such as climate change, food security, water resources, pollution and conservation. Alongside studying topical global environmental issues, you will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of practical, laboratory and field-based skills to take into future employment.

Combining this course with BSc (Hons) Geography allows you to focus specifically on your preferred area of physical geography. You will explore the Earth's varied landscapes and the complex, potentially fragile, global systems that connect them. You will also learn about the rapidly evolving science at the heart of global environmental change and discover new ways of understanding and appreciating the natural world around us. This programme has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers).

This programme is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), meaning you can gain free membership of the IES to support your personal and professional development in the environmental sector. The programme is also accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and therefore you may apply for free Student Membership of the IEMA which provides a range of benefits.

During your studies, you will examine how organisations function within their wider political and economic environment; how they develop and deploy management, and how they plan strategies to address future goals that are essential for becoming the business leaders of tomorrow. The programme explores the formal and informal ways of regulating the employment relationship in the public, private and voluntary sectors. 

On this course, you will learn to use chemistry in problem solving, and to present your theories and findings confidently and imaginatively. You will explore scientific instruments and techniques, and enjoy access to dedicated IT facilities. You also may have the opportunity to tailor your studies to reflect your interests, and learn how to pursue your own research. 

The Philosophy part of your degree will provide you with a grounding in key questions about theories around the nature of knowledge (epistemology), ethics, and the nature of the world, and enable you to explore a range of contemporary and historical philosophical works. Within Education, you will study a range of topics such as race and politics in education, poverty, digital technologies and comparative perspectives on education from the past. As a result of your study, you will enhance your logical and critical thinking skills, developing the use of sound arguments while detecting fallacies and other argumentative weaknesses. 

Studying Criminology and Sociology will enable you to think independently, critically, and imaginatively about the issues that shape our everyday lives and our futures.

The compulsory sociology modules will provide you with a grounding in the key areas of the discipline: inequalities, social theory and research methods. Our programme covers a wide range of topics such as families, health, activism and protest, social media, globalisation and urban life. 

Likewise, the criminology programme introduces you to the theory, practice and research methods associated with criminology as a discipline, as well as offering the chance to learn in more depth about some of the key crime and criminal justice issues affecting contemporary societies. 

The MA/MRes in Politics and International Relations is distinctive as it is one of the most diverse collections of Masters pathways in the UK. The programme offers the possibility of developing an individual specialism as well as learning about broader issues in the pathway, and in wider fields of Politics and International Relations. You will gain a thorough grounding in the philosophical and practical issues underpinning study and research in Politics and International Relations. You will study 3 compulsory core taught modules, 4 optional modules and a dissertation over 12 months. 

Key benefits of studying for the MA/MRes in Politics and International Relations include; small class sizes, expert dissertation supervision on cutting-edge issues and debates, a dynamic academic community, strong student-staff relations and stimulating extra-curricular seminars and workshops. Staff and students regularly organise research events, which provide important opportunities for learning, networking and collegial debate on contemporary political and philosophical issues. For example, we host an annual Royal Institute of Philosophy lecture series, a bi-annual European Consortium on Political Research environmental politics PhD summer school, and in recent years have organised several ESRC-funded (Economic and Social Research Council) seminar series.

Biology at Keele focuses on the amazing world of organisms – from how they’ve evolved to their relationships with the environment and each other. Keele takes a broad approach to biology, examining the diversity of life and its evolution from the geological past. You’ll consider a range of biological concepts which may include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, and the related philosophical and ethical issues. You’ll engage in activities to strengthen your skillset which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our well-equipped labs.

BSc (Hons) Geography Combined Honours at Keele allows you to focus specifically on your preferred area of physical geography. This course explores the Earth's varied landscapes and the complex, potentially fragile, global systems that connect them. As a student at Keele you will learn about the rapidly evolving science at the heart of global environmental change and discover new ways of understanding and appreciating the natural world around us. 

Our focus on climate change, global responsibility, sustainability, and the application of professional geographical skills to real-world situations will prepare you for a wide range of careers and for life as a responsible global citizen. What you learn here will equip you for future employment and for a lifelong appreciation of the world around you.

On this course, you will explore how humans relate to the natural environment, and how to address some of the biggest threats to the world’s environmental and ecological systems. You may also cover a range of biological concepts which could include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, exploring related philosophical and ethical issues.

You will develop your practical skill set through a range of activities which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our labs, developing practical and field work skills in different environments, as well as experience in utilising Geographic Information Systems. At the same time you will explore how biology and environmental science can help to improve the quality and sustainability of life.

Topical environmental issues (such as conservation, habitat management, biodiversity loss and climate change) require a strong understanding of how humans interact with the natural environment, and how we impact on different ecosystems. You’ll explore aspects of science such as biodiversity, evolution and biological processes, but you will also consider debates around genetic crop modification, nutrient loss and food security.