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

at Keele University United Kingdom

Politics is not just a concern of politicians. It is about big issues such as the environment and human rights. Political engagement can change lives and encourage changes in government in the UK and elsewhere. Politics at Keele seeks to understand society and the events and forces which shape it, engaging with questions of power, justice, conflict, legitimacy, accountability, and governance. You will explore why citizens are increasingly disillusioned with politics; what a democracy is; when and how it’s legitimate to protest; and the effects of different models of government. You can tailor your studies to your interests, whether theoretical, historical or oriented to specific issues. You can study abroad for a year, or learn a language as part of your course. Politics at Keele is informed by our research expertise which currently includes environmental politics, security studies, European and American politics, and international relations.

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. 

One of the oldest industries still in existence, ever since the first bartering and exchange systems the role of banking has been constantly evolving. Now, ground-breaking technology – the driving force behind new developments like digital lending, neobanking, automated and personalised customer experiences – is making a career in the financial services more exciting and rewarding than ever before.

Fundamental to the design of our programme is the emphasis on practical skills needed to work in the banking sector. While learning about retail and private banking, banking regulations, capital markets, econometric analysis and finance in a global markets, you’ll tackle multiple financial scenarios and work with real-world data in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Suite, which features industry-leading technology and information captured from the world’s largest financial organisations.

You will develop a rigorous understanding of modern banking challenges faced by industry and wider society, following the latest research in the field of banking and finance.

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

This MSc Banking and Finance will be suited to those aspiring to or currently working within the banking sector and wider financial services. Achieving this qualification will demonstrate to employers here in the UK and overseas that you have advanced your knowledge in financial management, particularly in core banking activities, financial planning, investment, liquidity and risk management.

Content of this master’s degree has been purposefully designed to meet the criteria set out by the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI). It is our intention to apply for accreditation as soon as the relevant conditions to do so have been met.* Long-term, if you want to progress up the ranks within retail banking or corporate/private banking, Chartered Banker status is considered the ‘gold’ standard. Holders of the title are recognised as highly qualified, professionals with a detailed knowledge of the modern banking sector and its ethical and professional requirements.

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 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. Working in diverse ways, including 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.

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 will focus on 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 forensic 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. You may be able to study abroad for a semester (dependant on subject scheduling) or a year at one of our partner universities.

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.

Is your imagination captured by the literature of the Renaissance and the Victorians, or the opportunity to know more about postcolonialism or postmodernism? As an English Literature student at Keele, you'll be encouraged to delve deep into a range of literary works, which may include authors such as Emily Bronte, Aphra Behn, Tsitsi Dangarembga and J M Coetzee.

Our intellectually stimulating and engaging approach to exploring novels, poetry, drama, graphic novels and other types of literature produce intelligent, perceptive, socially aware and compassionate individuals who are able to make a real impact. English Literature at Keele is a vibrant community of staff and students who are passionate in their belief that literature and culture are vital to understand the world around us.

We offer a range of pathways which are designed to develop and enhance the application of specialist knowledge and skills to your relevant area of clinical practice. Alternatively, you can choose from a range of modules to make up a generic degree programme. You can choose to specialise your degree in one of the following pathways:

• General
• Critical Care
• General Practice Nursing
• Rheumatology
• Neonatal Nursing  

The programme is delivered through a range of blended learning approaches including online and face-to-face teaching. (Due to the pandemic, most teaching will be delivered online whilst face-to-face teaching will be facilitated for those modules with significant clinical skills elements, with appropriate measures in place).

At Keele, we have a dedicated health library, clinical skills labs, individual and group study learning spaces and Student Services.

Our academic staff and pathway leads come from a range of clinical backgrounds and have the relevant knowledge and experience in supporting you throughout the duration of the programme. 

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.