Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physics with International Year

at Keele University United Kingdom

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.

The programme's interdisciplinary approach to understanding some of the world’s most pressing problems means you’ll study a wide range of subjects, including the social sciences, arts, humanities and the natural sciences. We adopt an innovative approach to teaching, for example, previous students have engaged in 'living labs' where students have explored local issues and their potential solutions through field trips.

You will have the opportunity to apply knowledge and generate evidence and understanding by engaging with living communities and landscapes. Students will pursue hands-on research into Britain’s industrial, social, economic and cultural history as well as current/future-oriented issues which may include economic regeneration, social and political challenges and environmental sustainability, citizenship and creativity with opportunities for learning analytical, communication, presentational, writing and research skills. Whilst hosted in the School of Social, Political and Global Studies, Liberal Arts is closely associated with the Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences (ILAS). As part of ILAS, our Liberal Arts students are encouraged to engage fully in the Institute's lively events programme, including the Grand Challenges Lectures series, interdisciplinary workshops, discussion groups and research seminars.

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.

In addition, this course prepares you to help solve problems at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology. The goal of Medicinal Chemistry is to support the search for new drugs to treat conditions such as heart disease and cancer. You’ll work in well-equipped laboratories, and learn to conduct effective independent research. This will enable you to develop essential skills for employment, such as problem solving, presentation and communication.

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.

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.  You'll explore and research why humans feel, think and act in the ways that they do. You will learn about what the latest psychology research, including studies published by our own friendly and approachable staff, tells us about human behaviour from social, developmental, biological and cognitive perspectives. We will show you how to design and conduct your own psychological studies in our well-equipped labs using a range of techniques including interviews, surveys and experiments.

The creative industries are now well-established as one of the fastest-growing and increasingly important sectors of the world economy, generating some $2,250 billion in revenues and representing 3% of world GDP, according to 2020 figures from Ernst & Young. Yet to manage creative activities and enterprises successfully requires both creative expertise and business acumen.

Combining media, cultural, management and business studies, our course provides a unique insight into global media and culture from both a corporate and creative perspective. Delivered jointly by the School of Humanities and Keele Business School, it considers production, distribution, marketing, consumption and regulation across a broad spectrum of creative industries, from advertising, gaming and publishing to art, fashion, music, film and TV.

Our practical approach means that you’ll learn about relevant theories, principles and concepts in real-world contexts and actively apply them – whether designing a communications campaign from a client brief for D&AD’s New Blood Awards or undertaking a ‘live’ consultancy or work placement project. One previous student mocked up a digital recruitment campaign for his employer, England Golf, the governing body for amateur golf, while another produced a set of online marketing videos for the World of Wedgewood visitor attraction.

You’ll benefit from our close links with a wide range of local arts and cultural organisations, such as the New Vic Theatre, which ensures content remains relevant and up-to-date. We will examine how social, political and corporate attitudes to media, entertainment and culture have changed over time and how form, content and distribution has been affected as a result. We’ll share case studies from our own research, as diverse as Korean cinema or South American rap.

For the Medicinal Chemistry element of the course, you'll develop deep understanding of the complex chemical and biological processes involved in the design and manufacture of drugs and other therapies for treating disease. This course prepares you to help solve problems at the intersection of chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology.

The goal of medicinal chemistry is to support the search for new drugs to treat conditions such as heart disease and cancer. You’ll work in well-equipped laboratories, and learn to conduct effective independent research. You’ll develop valuable skills for employment, such as problem solving, presentation and communication.

For the Neuroscience element of course, you will explore a range of topics which may include the mystery of the human brain: the central nervous system, the impact of drugs upon it, and the molecular biology of diseases and disorders of the brain. You’ll consider areas such as how we learn and remember, how our brains control our body, and how the brain regenerates and repairs itself.

You could study interesting disciplines such as neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology and neuropathology. Working in diverse ways, including in our superb 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.

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.

Studying Single Honours Psychology and Education is perfect if you are interested in the social and cognitive aspects of learning and studying.

While the Psychology modules focus on cognitive, developmental and social psychology, Education modules complement this by emphasising their policy or school-based applications. You will be able to study both quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Together these subjects provide a great opportunity to gain in-depth understanding of psychology in action, in a vitally important aspect of life and society.

On this course you will study a range of educational topics which may include the nature of learning, childhood and educational inclusion, as well as the history of education. You will also explore a range of psychology topics concerned with the systematic investigation of mind and behaviour. Many areas in psychology are relevant to education including developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology and applied psychology. This course is informed by cutting-edge research and will develop your own critical thinking and research skills. 

Our Single Honours programme builds upon the core topics defined by the UK Institute of Physics to provide breadth of study, modules informed by the research of our astrophysics staff, with additional emphasis on mathematics and computing as tools for (astro)physical problem-solving.

The language of the universe is physics and mathematics. You will explore these, along with computational and statistical techniques, and apply these skills to tackling problems as diverse as stellar interiors, galaxies, black holes and the evolution of the universe itself.

You will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of physics and the essential ability to plan investigations, analyse results and present your work. Regular laboratory sessions, including access to our on-campus observatory, enable you to investigate unfamiliar phenomena and develop valuable transferable skills such as scientific writing and programming.

Psychology will teach you how to design and conduct your own psychological studies in our well-equipped labs using a range of quantitative and qualitative techniques. You will share closely the excitement of new discoveries in psychology working alongside academic staff on research projects like brain electrophysiology to studies on alcohol, and from conflict resolution and forgiveness to how young people respond to advertising. 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.  You will conduct a range of assessments and learn to reflect broadly on situations and to contextually apply what you know.