Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Governance and Policy

at Keele University United Kingdom

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.

You will study educational topics such as the nature of learning, the history of education, and educational policies and practices that aim to promote inclusion and social cohesion. Studying Education at Keele, either on its own or with another subject, will help you explore the many ways that education can change and effect modern society.
The course further examines topics such as changing ideas around childhood and learning, digital technologies, citizenship, race, play, work, the political nature of schools, and the impact of poverty on both the results and experience of education.
You may also have opportunities to explore these issues abroad by doing an International Year, which can lead to an enhanced degree title in BA (Hons) in Education with International Year.

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.

You will reflect on the ways in which individual and business consumers are affected by, and drive the development of, a range of marketing and communications techniques. Looking at this from local, national and global perspectives, you will explore the role of consumers in society and will learn how to understand and communicate with them. You’ll also examine the impact of marketing on the culture of businesses, governments and other organisations. In the marketing modules you’ll learn how to plan and implement a successful marketing strategy.

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

You'll explore a range 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.

On this programme, you will also combine the key principles of Neuroscience with more specific areas of the subject such as neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology and neuropathology.

Working in diverse ways, including our well-equipped labs, you’ll develop independent research skills as you learn to acquire, interpret and analyse data from multiple sources. You will also understand how neuroscience can help us understand medical problems and improve the quality of life. 

For the Computer Science element of this course, you will learn the underpinning theories of software, hardware and computing techniques – and how to apply them in the real world. 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 research, and we also reflect what’s happening now in industry.

You'll have the opportunity to explore topics linked to a range of specialisms which may include information systems, evolutionary systems, or creative computing. You’ll have access to our own computing labs, based on Microsoft Windows and Linux, plus a wide range of software.

Studying Neuroscience, you’ll explore a range of topics which may include how we learn and remember, how the brain controls the body, and how the brain can be targeted by disease but in some instances can repair itself. Within the course are interesting related disciplines such as neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology and neuropathology. 

Working in diverse ways, including in our well-equipped labs, you’ll develop your independent research skills as you learn to acquire, interpret and analyse data from multiple sources. You’ll also understand how neuroscience can help us understand medical problems and improve the quality of life.

Our Environmental Science with Work Placement Year course at Keele draws on the expertise of scientists within the disciplines of life sciences, chemical sciences and geosciences. The course emphasises the role and importance of scientific understanding and practical skills in the analysis and management of environmental problems; targeting and encouraging employment in the environmental sector.

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 in the UK and gain valuable work experience or study abroad at one of our partner institutions. This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), meaning students can gain free membership of the IES to support their personal and professional development in the environmental sector. The course is also accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

Studying Geography and History at Keele will enable you to develop your appreciation of various global histories, and an array of world issues whilst enjoying the rich history of our local area. In your spare time, you might find yourself exploring the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon metalwork most likely deposited in the 7th century in the then Kingdom of Mercia. The Staffordshire Hoard provides a window to England in the 6th and 7th centuries and also to the warrior elite that existed during these times and now rests less than 5 miles away from Keele.

The History element of the programme 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.

Throughout the Geography element of the degree you'll focus specifically on your preferred area of human geography. 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. Our staff's diverse research interests and creative methods reflect a 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.

This highly interdisciplinary course will enable you to explore contemporary societal issues such as health and migration from political, economic, social and cultural perspectives. This will fit well with exploring the concepts and debates within our business modules, adding depth to subjects such as leadership, change management, strategy and business processes.

The Geography element of the course at Keele allows you to focus specifically on your preferred area of human geography, or to explore Geography as an integrated discipline concerned with people and their environment. 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.

Does de-constructing narratives and considering the context of literary works capture your imagination? Do you enjoy analysing literature from the Renaissance through to the present day? Throughout your studies, you may study the work of William Shakespeare and Emily Bronte, explore new ways of reading texts from postcolonial or feminist perspectives, and engage in stimulating debates about the value of literature in the modern world. English Literature and Creative Writing at Keele encourages you to explore iconic literary works, whilst learning about the creative process, and compiling your own portfolios of creative writing.  In the beautiful surroundings of Keele Hall, you can enjoy readings from an exciting range of published poets and novelists.