Welcome

Since its establishment nearly 20 years ago, the Faculty has expanded considerably, becoming a major driver of growth within the University and developing effective partnerships with local acute and community-based NHS and Social Care partners. The four schools are focused on developing excellent practitioners whether they be doctors, midwives, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiographers, counsellors, social workers, public health practitioners or rehabilitation & exercise specialists. Research has also enjoyed significant success, with Keele now seen as a major international centre for clinical and translational studies into musculoskeletal disorders, primary care and regenerative medicine.

The Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences has first-rate Schools of Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery, Pharmacy and Bioengineering, and Allied Health Professions so is able to offer the full range of clinical professional programmes normally only found in much larger universities. We are fortunate in having relatively small cohorts, allowing Schools to focus on high quality education and training allied to a sector-leading student experience. Programmes are underpinned by research-led teaching and delivered by dedicated staff working in modern, purpose-built facilities. The quality of training is reflected in feedback from the professional bodies responsible for validating degree courses, and in the excellent rankings enjoyed by all four Schools in disciplinary league tables and the National Student Survey.

In seeking to graduate excellent practitioners who are confident in their ability and prepared for their first jobs in caring for patients, the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences also undertakes leading edge research that is attracting international acclaim. Our laboratory-based research is necessarily limited with a focus on diagnostics, genetics, and regenerative medicine. Programmes of applied health research in musculoskeletal disorders are unquestionably world-class as reflected in grants awarded, a Queen’s Prize for Higher Education, and designation as the Arthritis Research UK National Primary Care Research and Development Centre. Primary care research is world leading and Keele now hosts the NIHR School for Primary Care which moved from Oxford University in 2021. The faculty is working closely with our local NHS and Social Care providers to support and guide the development of a strong research culture which will grow research outputs across the area.

The 3,200 undergraduate and postgraduate students across the faculty enjoy excellent staff support and small group teaching in superb surroundings with access to the latest technology and facilities that include state-of-the-art anatomy, community simulation suites including the newly commissioned Health House & Health Bungalow plus training ambulance and 3D virtual reality. Nationally prominent academic units include those responsible for medicines optimisation, clinical leadership and pedagogy. The faculty also has links with a number of health-related commercial companies located on the adjacent Keele Science Park.

Clinical and practice-focused education and research is dependent on effective partnerships with those organisations responsible for delivery of care. To this end, the faculty works closely with a range of NHS and Social Care organisations and other providers, including its principle academic partner UHNM, which manages around 1500 beds. Students spend time in NHS organisations including University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Midlands Partnership trust, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare trust, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals trust, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt NHS Trust as well as NHS providers across the local health economy of West Midlands and South Cheshire. In addition, students access a range of non-NHS placements across the region including local authorities, social care providers and the private, voluntary and independent sectors.

We hope you will consider the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences at Keele for your undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Professor Christian Mallen