Students on both pathways must complete all four compulsory modules listed below:  

ESC-40113 Applied Ecology and Conservation (30 credits)

Through lectures, lab exercises and a week-long field course, this module aims to develop your advanced skills in the practical application of ecology and conservation. You will be encouraged to demonstrate your awareness of current key issues, as well as developing a critical approach to understanding and proposing solutions across various contexts. Typical content will include species and site conservation, protected areas, priority areas and holistic approaches to landscape conservation.

LSC-40125 Biodiversity Skills (30 credits)

Develop your research skills and field techniques in preparation for effective and critical assessment of biodiversity. On this module, you will build specialist skills in the identification of selected taxon to species level. You will also review scientific literature, investigate methodology and fieldwork techniques, and apply statistical techniques to biodiversity data, building core skills in problem solving, analytical thinking and investigation.

ESC-40093 Research Design (15 credits)

Helping you to prepare for independent research, this module enables you to build key skills to design and conduct high quality, ethical research. Your awareness of various research methods will inform your approach to understanding complex data and information that will further advance your skills for future academia and/or employment.

ESC-40109 Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing (15 credits)

This module aims to develop your skills and understanding of the concepts and practical application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing. This will involve using industry-standard software and cloud-based applications for mapping, spatial data acquisition and analysis. GIS and spatial analysis are core elements of conservation ecology and help to provide insight into species distributions, protecting area siting and prioritising conservation areas. 

Students will take two 15-credit optional modules across Semester 1 and Semester 2 from the first four modules listed below.
Please note: depending on the pathway,  Dissertation (ESC-40089) or Dissertation - VMU Lithuania Pathway (ESC40115) must be taken in addition to the two 15-credit modules.  

Joint Keele & VMU Pathway students will have additional modules to choose from at Vytautas Magnus University, taught in English. Vytautas Magnus University will provide students considering the Joint Keele & VMU Lithuania pathway with information on potential project areas, modules, supervision and regulations via an online information workshop and programme documentation.

ESC-40060 Climate Change Science (15 credits)

Are you intrigued by human-induced and natural climate change? This module covers the various factors affecting the climate and the influences of these changes on our planet, exploring how climate change has developed and how we can prevent it. You will develop high-level skills in basic modelling, data analysis and how to interpret complex information and evidence related to climate change.

GEG-40034 Development and Climate Justice (Masters) (15 credits)

Explore some of the current debates in human geography and learn more about economic development and climate adaptation. You will be introduced to some of the key challenges across political, economic and developmental geography through the evaluation of case studies from across the globe. This will develop your geographical understanding of economic and environmental history, such as green grabbing, conservation and mitigation measures. 

Law-40043 International Environmental Law (15 credits)

This module offers a critical perspective on the development of international environmental law. It provides a grounding in the legal norms, institutions and processes of the field, and explores current environmental global issues such as biodiversity loss, transboundary pollution, toxic waste dumping, trade and environment, food security, animal rights or climate change through specific treaty regimes. Drawing on a range of legal, policy and other literature, you’ll be introduced to key challenges facing the regulation of the environment on the international stage today.

ESC-40101 Collaborative Project (15 credits)

This module provides the opportunity to work on real-world issues as you work with Keele University staff to identify and approach collaborative partners, define projects and gain essential employability skills and experience. You will be supported to lead collaborative discussions to co-define and co-design a project scope and to review the project's progress and outcomes. You will also develop highly desirable skills in project planning and management, effective communication in a professional setting, and problem solving.

ESC-40115 Dissertation - VMU Lithuania Pathway (60 credits)

Build upon your general and subject-specific research skills acquired throughout the programme in the form of a research project, comprising a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation. In collaboration with Keele and VMU staff, you will identify and develop your own research question and implement the appropriate methods and techniques to provide insights and evidence for your rationale.

ESC-40089 Dissertation (60 credits)

Build upon your general and subject-specific research skills acquired throughout the programme in the form of a research project, comprising a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation. The module is delivered via a combination of one-to-one meetings with the project supervisor(s), independent research and self-learning techniques.