Master of Research in Politics and International Relations - Pathway in Global Security

at Keele University United Kingdom

Our programme is designed as a balanced blend of mathematics, statistics and computer science, tailored to understand the business context of AI and data science applications. You will study fundamental statistical techniques alongside modern software development methods applicable in areas of business such as finance and econometrics. You will also explore the ethical, psychological and social aspects of such applications.

In our computing laboratories, you will have the opportunity to apply your learning immediately using authentic datasets. You will undertake significant hands-on projects, including a final year data science dissertation led by academics with research specialties currently in artificial intelligence, big data and statistical modelling. You will explore a range of advanced technical topics which may include game theory, or international finance, as well as academic research, and practical problem-solving in order to become a skilled professional able to manage data complexity in a field in high demand, both in industry and research.

As a History and International Relations student you will develop an understanding of the different approaches to both disciplines and the range of theories and methods used. The programme encompasses a broad range of topics, from societies in the very distant past to contemporary migration, conflict, gender, security, and the EU, in order to understand how social and political organisation today comes from that of yesterday.

The History element of the degree will carry you chronologically from the medieval period to the present, and span the globe. You will be introduced to a wide range of history – from political, social, economic and cultural history to the history of gender, health, sexuality and religion. Throughout your first year, you may engage in modules that encourage you to explore topics such as how European rulers tried to strengthen their authority with the increase of military power between the late fifteenth and late seventeenth centuries, or some of the key defining moments in History which may include the 1720 South Sea Bubble in Britain, the 1791 Haitian Revolution or the 1933 Bauhaus movement.  

Additionally, throughout the International Relations element of the programme, you will study more than just current events - you will explore how history, structures, ideas, power, people and politics all come together to shape and direct the world that we live in. International Relations is everywhere around us, from what we see on the nightly news to the films we watch. It is an interdisciplinary subject that draws on an almost inexhaustable list of disciplines, such as history, politics, sociology, cultural studies, regional studies, anthropology, economics, business, philosophy and gender studies. 

At Keele we pride ourselves on the applicability of our degrees to the work environment graduates are entering. The course structure and ethos have been designed to ensure that you will hit the ground running, giving you the subject and industry knowledge and transferable skills so that you can make an immediate contribution to your employer or indeed your own company.

This course covers the main aspects of pharmaceutical discovery and development, including product formulation, manufacture and quality assurance, and explains how such pure and applied sciences fit into the global pharmaceutical business, legal and regulatory frameworks. This includes elements of clinical development and the role of the pharmaceutical scientist within the industry team that take a drug from research to the clinic. 

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.

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.

You’ll develop your mathematics and computing skills, and apply them to solving a range of problems in the laboratory and beyond (you’ll have access to Keele’s own on-site observatory). We are committed to supporting you throughout your studies, providing you flexible access to our staff to seek advice or feedback.

For the Forensic Science element of the course, you will be taught by academics and forensic professionals, and gain valuable lab and crime scene experience, helping you to stay ahead in this fast-moving science. You will be taught in our modern laboratory facilities and have access to equipment and our dedicated Crime Scene House.

This course will provide you with a broad education in the core areas of forensic science. Your studies may explore key topics in forensic chemistry, analytical science, forensic biology and criminalistics science. You will develop your analytical science skills, enabling you to analyse a variety of evidence. 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.

Our forensic science combined honours programmes are recognised by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. 

Our Environmental Science combined honours course at Keele draws on the expertise of scientists within the disciplines of life sciences, chemical sciences and geosciences to emphasise the role and importance of scientific understanding and practical skills in the analysis and management of environmental problems. 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. You’ll also have the opportunity to do fieldwork and gain valuable work experience or study abroad at one of our partner institutions.

You’ll use mathematics to describe the physical world, and learn to plan and conduct investigations before reporting your results. Your course will be informed by the research interests of your teaching staff and laboratory sessions will enable you to investigate unfamiliar phenomena and acquire specialist techniques, but you’ll also develop invaluable transferable skills such as communication, IT and interpersonal skills. We are committed to supporting you throughout your studies, providing you flexible access to our staff to seek advice or feedback

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.

Philosophy and politics share a range of contemporary concerns, including environmental matters, genetic engineering, and relationships with the  developing world. In addition to Political Philosophy, Philosophy also introduces you to more general problems about knowledge, the nature of the world and the mind, and to questions about beauty, consciousness and religion. You will study these from both historical and contemporary perspectives, critically considering the work of philosophers from around the world as well as developing your own views. The clarity and precision provided by a training in philosophical analysis complements the wide-ranging scope of political concerns, many of which have profound ethical implications of the kind dealt with in moral philosophy. You will be encouraged to formulate and defend your own ideas, as well as to understand why others disagree, and to present your position in a variety of ways.

Our Data Science graduates are 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 labora

You will undertake significant development projects, including a final year data science dissertation led by academics with current research specialities in artificial intelligence, big data and statistical modelling. You'll explore a wide variety of 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. tories.

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 develop a solid foundation of theory and practical skills, building to cover advanced concepts and contemporary issues in chemistry in later years. You will learn to use chemistry in problem solving and to to present your theories and findings confidently and imaginatively. You may also have the opportunity to tailor your studies to reflect your interests, and learn how to pursue your own research, as well as gain experience with scientific instruments and techniques.

Environmental Science at Keele draws on the expertise of scientists within the disciplines of life sciences, chemical sciences and geosciences. This course aims to develop your scientific understanding and practical skills needed to help 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.