Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Education and Physics with International Year

at Keele University United Kingdom

Whether you want to understand Brexit, the crisis in the Middle East or climate change, you need to understand why governments make particular decisions and how different groups interact within states and across borders.

A degree in International Relations and Politics at Keele will equip you with the necessary tools to understand and explain how power operates and how we might begin to tackle the most pressing domestic and global challenges. You will study contemporary and policy-relevant issues such as democracy, global inequality, protest, globalisation, regime change, energy security, environmental sustainability, human rights, gender politics and terrorism.

You can underpin these issues through an in-depth study of particular countries such as Britain, the United States and Russia, as well as regions in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Geology is a practical subject with applied problem-solving laboratory classes and field courses where you will learn how to interpret and map geological features, and explore for future geological resources. The course looks at rocks, minerals and fossils, how they were formed, how they can be exploited as a resource, and what they can tell us about the history of the Earth. It also covers geological processes such as earthquakes, volcanoes and plate tectonics.

It provides a diverse range of specialist options. We focus particularly on applied research skills: you will learn to collect, analyse and interpret different types of geological data, and to carry out your own research using specialist software and equipment. You will also complete a comprehensive and integrated UK fieldwork programme with no cost options.

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.

This highly interdisciplinary course provides you with a strong theoretical and practical background in human geography giving you the understanding and professional geographical skills to explore an array of world issues from different perspectives. You will develop problem-solving skills and the ability to research, evaluate and synthesise information from diverse sources.

Our staff's diverse research interests and creative methods reflect modern human geography that can develop your skills to address contemporary societal issues such as climate change, sustainability, health and migration from political, economic, social and cultural perspectives. What you learn here will equip you for future employment and for a lifelong appreciation of the world around you.

Studying Sociology will enable you to think independently, critically, and imaginatively about the issues that shape our everyday lives and our futures. You will gain a solid understanding of the key areas which make up this discipline such as inequalities, social theory, and research methods. Our programme also covers a wide range of topics including families, activism and protest, social media, globalisation, and belief systems.

This course includes training in professional and research skills, and opportunities for either a module or a whole year of work placement.

On this course, you will be trained from first principles in Computer Science and Mathematics. The two disciplines are blended seamlessly throughout your degree.

You will study fundamental mathematical and statistical techniques alongside modern software development methods. You will have the opportunity to apply your learning immediately using real-world datasets in our cutting-edge computing laboratories.

You will undertake significant development projects, including a final year data science dissertation led by academics with research specialities in artificial intelligence, big data and statistical modelling. You'll explore a range of topics that cover advanced technical topics which may include cloud computing, as well as academic research, industry-focused professional skills and practical problem-solving ensure you are fully equipped for an exciting and intellectually stimulating journey as a Data Scientist.

This course examines the geological aspects of the Earth, its structure, formation, composition, history, processes, resources and hazards. There is particular emphasis on the geoforensic analysis of earth materials and how it can be applied to a range of criminal, civil and environmental criminal applications. You will learn how geoforensic trace evidence can be used to link material or an offender to a crime scene. The course also includes how to undertake a multi-phased geoforensic search for missing persons, suspected murder victims, environmental/wildlife crime and to recover items of forensic interest.

Geoforensics is a practical subject requiring the use of applied problem-solving, laboratory and field skills where you will learn how to collect and analyse geoforensic data, and conduct geoforensic search for a range of items of forensic interest. This course provides a diverse range of specialist options. We focus particularly on applied research skills and you will learn to carry out your own research using specialist software and equipment. All of our single honours students are offered a work placement module in year 2.

You will acquire a wide range of transferable skills, including communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills, and the ability to research, evaluate and synthesise information from diverse sources.

You’ll learn to use technology to create new opportunities and to solve a wide range of problems, benefiting every aspect of society from the home to business, government and beyond.

Our teaching is informed by our cutting-edge research, and we also reflect what’s happening now in industry. There’s a strong emphasis on programming – but don’t worry if you don’t have Maths A-level, because the course covers what you need to know. You’ll have access to our own computing labs, based on Microsoft Windows and Linux, plus a wide range of software. Our excellent central location is ideal for industrial placements, with over 40 companies situated on the Keele Science Park alone.

Technical expertise allows developers to understand problem situations and undertake developments in these technical areas, however, to actually create high quality systems requires effective management of software engineering activities. The Software Engineering specialism therefore equips you with the techniques and processes to undertake team-based agile development of software systems, based on the needs of clients and users.

Studying this course will allow you to cover the forensic process from the collection of evidence at the crime scene, to its presentation in court. You will explore key forensic areas such as genetics, anthropology, toxicology, ballistics and arson, alongside newer fields such as digital forensics. You will also develop your analytical science skills, so that you are able to analyse a wide variety of evidence types. This is complemented by additional emphasis on professional practice and an understanding of the roles of the crime scene investigator and the forensic scientist as an expert witness in the court.

Physics is a fundamental, curiosity-driven discipline, with applications in many other areas of science and technology. You will gain an understanding of the subject fundamentals such as quantum mechanics, relativity and electromagnetism, and will apply this knowledge to solve problems, plan investigations and report your work.

By combining Physics with Education, you will learn how social, political and economic factors may impact on the application of physics knowledge in schools. You will explore the present and future developments in education and professional practice, which will prepare you for a career in teaching.

Studying Physics for three years as part of a combined programme will lead to a degree accredited by the Institute of Physics.

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 might include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our well-equipped labs. Complete this course over three years, or it may be possible (subject combination dependant) to add an extra year with an applied life sciences work placement or a one year study abroad placement between the second and third year.

With increased regulations around financial reporting and an unstable global economy, accounting and financial management is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects in any business. Long-term success requires the ability to?think both strategically and critically, skills we build in our students through?creative and innovative teaching and learning practice.

This master’s course is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), which means that with further relevant study and professional experience, you could go on to become a fully qualified certified accountant or management accountant. Alternatively, you can pursue a PhD or a variety of careers in almost any industry in financial advice, management, auditing or risk.

Combining the rigorous examination of core accounting and financial management with a wide range of practical applications, you will learn to work confidently with both numerical quantitative and qualitative financial analysis and reporting. You’ll draw on real-life data and case studies in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Suite, which features industry-leading technology.

Studying alongside a diverse international body of students from a wide range of national and social backgrounds, you’ll develop as a global citizen, vital in today’s globalised world of work. You’ll expand your professional networks and learn to appreciate different cultural backgrounds and personalities.

The theoretical and technical knowledge and skills required to become a professional accountant means that you can choose to transfer to this career from a range of different disciplines, especially since accounting and financial management is needed in every industry – from sport and leisure, the arts and entertainment to social work, engineering and the natural sciences. Each year, we welcome applicants from a wide range of undergraduate disciplines, some already working, who either want to divert to a financial career and/or recognise the benefits of gaining a postgraduate education in a subject which will improve their contribution to businesses. Past students have joined us having studied subjects as diverse as chemistry and history, as well as business.