Master of Science in Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience

at Keele University United Kingdom

In Astrophysics, you will learn to formulate and tackle problems – from below the level of the atomic nucleus to astronomical scales. 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.

Education at Keele is distinctive because of its strong focus on contemporary issues in education and policy making. Studying Education means considering its relationship to the economy, its historical evolution, its impact on people’s life chances and identities, how education is organised, and how learners learn. Keele aims to introduce you to many of the big questions concerning education and schooling both in the UK and also internationally. Why do we go to school? What should we learn? How should we learn it? What is the main aim of education? How is educational success linked to students' gender, race and socio-economic background?

In looking at these types of 'big' questions and thinking historically, sociologically and philosophically, the course thinks critically about all aspects of education including primary, secondary and university levels. Whether you are intending to teach or just have an interest in education, this course will explore your assumptions about learning and consider your own school experiences. 

For the Forensic Science element of the course, you will gain an in-depth understanding of forensic science, taught by academics and forensic professionals, as well as gaining 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.

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 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.

For the Physics element of the course, 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.

On this course, you will integrate understanding of our physiology with the holistic and behavioural approach of psychology. You'll cover a broad range of topics which may include health and disease, social, cognitive and biological psychology and research methods. Human Biology provides a broad understanding of the physiology of the body’s major systems as well as human health and disease and the relationship between the human body with the environment.

You will be challenged with exciting ideas and findings from psychology and human biology. In Psychology, you will deal with social and developmental psychology, cognitive and biological psychology and research methods. You will explore issues that relate to our ever changing lifestyles and will be taught through a multidisciplinary approach that is supported by input from experts in their field. You’ll benefit from a supportive environment as well as fantastic lab facilities and equipment.

On this Combined Honours degree you will learn about different methodological approaches to understanding individuals and the societies in which we live.

The psychological content of this degree will challenge you with exciting ideas and findings from across the psychology curriculum. Of particular relevance are the study of developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology and individual differences. Indicative topics include school bullying and the social dynamics of crowds.

The psychology modules on this course are accredited by the British Psychological Society, a necessary first step for many professional careers in psychology, such as clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, occupational or sports psychology, and a prerequisite to becoming a Chartered Psychologist.

The compulsory sociology modules will provide you with a grounding in the key areas of the discipline which may include: inequalities, social theory, and research methods. Our programme covers a wide range of topics such as families, health, activism and protest, social media, globalisation, and urban life. Studying Sociology will enable you to think independently, critically, and imaginatively about the issues that shape our everyday lives and our futures.

At Keele, you’ll develop a deep appreciation of human disorders and diseases from a scientific and pathology practitioner’s perspective. Your studies will integrate human physiology, biochemistry, pathology, immunology, neuroscience, and molecular and cell biology, benefiting from research-led teaching. Your degree will be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and the Royal Society of Biology, assuring you of the quality of the programme as preparation for a career in Pathology.

You may be eligible to engage in a placement opportunity which may include a one year work placement or a summer’s research in the UK or abroad.

Based within the School of Life Sciences, our excellent academic staff ensure that we remain at the forefront of international research. You’ll love working in our fantastic labs, working with state-of-the-art equipment and developing cutting-edge techniques.

Previous students have enjoyed our opportunities for studying abroad, industrial placements and international projects. It all adds up to superb preparation for your future career, whether you choose to work in industry, healthcare, research or academia, or go on to further study.

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.

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 strenghten your skillset which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our well-equipped labs.

On this course, you’ll be studying life at the molecular level, investigating the most exciting areas of contemporary life science and medical research. You might explore the secrets of the human genome, or the individually tailored molecular therapies of the future.

Particular emphasis is placed on human and mammalian biochemistry, especially relating to health and disease. This Single Honours course includes more Biochemistry modules and also includes choices from a pool of elective modules (either directly related or free choice). You also have the opportunity to do a work/industrial placement year between the second and third year, making it a four year degree. 

The MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology is designed to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of environmental challenges whilst giving you the opportunity to specialise in several sustainability themes related to geosciences, energy generation, ecology, green information technology, environmental policy and politics, and project management.

As a student on the course you’ll gain

• An understanding of knowledge in the areas of science, technology, policy and green political theory relevant to environmental sustainability
• Experience in analytical and computer techniques to equip you with the skills to contribute to the solving of environmental challenges
• A conceptual understanding to critically evaluate current research and advance scholarship in environmental sustainability
• A comprehensive understanding of experimental design, planning and scientific techniques within your research project
• Problem-solving and team-working skills relevant to the implementation of sustainable technologies and policies.

You will learn about the history of the Earth, its past and present environments, and the planet's resources and hazards. We look at the Earth as a global system, including the causes and effects of global environmental change. There is strong emphasis on developing both laboratory and fieldwork skills.

Combining fieldwork, practical classes, tutorials and lectures, this course provides a diverse range of specialist options. You will focus particularly on research skills and aim to collect, analyse and interpret different types of data, and to carry out your own research using specialist software and equipment.

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.