Compulsory modules

Academic, Professional and Field Skills 
This module will introduce you to the essential skills required of Geographers, Geologists and Environmental Scientists. To introduce these skills to you we will explore our ‘living lab’ campus and take you on a series of four, one-day field courses in Staffordshire. The module will help you develop your own academic and professional practice, providing you with the foundations for not only completing your degree successfully, but also helping you think about future study or employment.

Environment and Sustainability
Understanding and managing environmental issues, from global to local scales, requires multiple disciplines and interdisciplinary approaches for effective action. You will evaluate some of society’s main environmental, ecological, and sustainability problems and how we can address them and develop reflective practice skills to support learning. You will also develop report writing skills from case study workshops and formative feedback.

Planet Earth – our environment
This module explores the dynamic systems of Planet Earth, focusing on the interconnections between the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. You will examine geological processes, weather and climate, oceanography, ecosystems, and be introduced to environmental analytics. Emphasis is placed on human impact on these systems, environmental sustainability, and contemporary issues such as climate change and resource management. Through lectures, lab work, and field studies, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of Earth's environment and the challenges it faces.

Sustainable Staffordshire
In this module you will explore sustainability within Staffordshire (Keele’s local area). Topics include environmental issues, renewable energy, and community-led conservation efforts. You will examine regional case studies, engage with local sustainability initiatives and learn how these activities build on Staffordshire's rich geology, geography and history. Through interactive learning on and off campus, you will develop your knowledge of sustainability practices and identify strategies to enhance Staffordshire's ecological resilience and community well-being, and how these can be implemented beyond Staffordshire.

Optional modules

Conservation policy and practice 
Whether it is natural resource depletion, changing climate, protecting wilderness, saving endangered species, or living during a pandemic, we worry about the impacts society has on nature and vice versa. Conservation practices have emerged to safeguard the parts of the natural world we particularly value. However, our ideas about nature are often multiple and contradictory, and discussions about our duties to nature often disguise deeper claims about economic benefits and social equity. This module engages with interdisciplinary ideas about nature, focusing on conservation approaches in policy and practice.

Compulsory modules

Environmental and Sustainability Impact Assessment: Methods and Research Design 
Enhance your employability with this hands-on module. You will acquire the specialist field, laboratory, social survey and computer-based research skills required to work in the environmental sector. You will acquire these skills by completing an Environmental and Sustainability Impact Assessment on Keele campus. By completing the module, you will gain the research, fieldwork and data analysis skills required to conduct your third-year research project. 

Lake District Field Course 
The Lake District field course provides you with hands-on experience in one of the UK's most iconic landscapes. This module involves a weeklong intensive field study focusing on the region's unique physical geography, ecology, culture and built environment. You will conduct various fieldwork activities, including data collection, environmental analysis, and ethnographic observation. This immersive experience enhances practical skills in geographical and environmental research and fosters a deeper understanding of the interactions between natural environments and human activities within the Lake District

GIS and Remote Sensing
Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing are essential tools and techniques for spatial data analysis and visualisation. This module will teach you to collect, manage, and interpret data from satellite imagery and aerial photography. The course covers GIS software applications, spatial analysis, and map creation, emphasising practical skills through hands-on projects. By the end of the module, you will be proficient in using foundational GIS and remote sensing technologies to solve real-world geographic and environmental problems.

Human Impact on the Environment 
Humans impact processes, conditions and components of our planet and biosphere on global, regional and local scales. Scientific understanding is key to managing these for better environmental and human well-being. You will explore issues from climate change and circular economy futures to pollution, biodiversity loss, and ocean health concerns. By the end of the module, you will be able to articulate the context of human impacts and evaluate the scientific evidence for potential solutions. 

Environmental Analytical Methods 
Environmental investigations and monitoring activities require robust sample collection, processing procedures and accurate laboratory analytical techniques. The ability to accurately interpret and evaluate data is also essential. In this module you will gain hands-on practical experience and theoretical understanding of experimental design, sampling strategies, sample processing and preservation, use of analytical instruments to characterise environmental media (e.g. water, soil, biota) and the interpretation of data. The knowledge and skills developed are highly relevant for careers in environmental management, regulation, consultancy and research.

Optional modules

Geoethics and Environmental Justice 
In this module you will investigate the ethical dimensions of geosciences and their impact on environmental justice. Topics include principles of geoethics, the role of geoscientists and geographers in society, and the ethical challenges in resource extraction and management. The module addresses environmental justice issues, focusing on the distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, the rights of indigenous and marginalized communities, and the development of sustainable practices. Case studies and interactive discussions will highlight real-world applications and ethical dilemmas. 

Water in the Environment
In this module you will explore key concepts and processes relating to water within the context of different Earth systems. You will learn about the need for responsible and sustainable use of our global water resources, and how to manage water in the environment to this affect. You will develop skills in presenting, interpreting and analysing numerical data through working with real-time data from, for example, the global ARGO network and the Environment Agency.  

Flexible work placement (level 5) 
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement around existing demands. 

Compulsory modules

Independent Research Dissertation 
For the capstone research dissertation project, you will conduct independent research on a topic of your own choice within your field of study. Guided by an academic advisor, you will establish research objectives, undertake fieldwork or data collection, and analyse your findings. This module emphasises critical thinking, methodological rigor, and effective communication of results. Completing the dissertation allows you to demonstrate your expertise, contribute to subject knowledge, and prepare for professional careers or post-graduate study.

Professional Environmental Field Skills
There is a graduate skills gap in the ecology and environmental sector. This module aims to bridge that gap by giving you advanced plant and animal identification skills and hands-on experience with industry-standard field survey techniques, focusing on UK-protected species and habitats. Crucially, you will have the opportunity to earn a FISC qualification (see here), which is highly valued by employers, boosting your employability and equipping you to conduct UKHab surveys. 

Optional modules

Sustainable Futures Consultancy
The Sustainable Futures Consultancy module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to address environmental and/or societal challenges through sustainable practices. Focusing on a real-world application you will work with other students on a consultancy project to develop strategies for sustainable solutions in a particular sector. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, stakeholder engagement, and practical implementation, preparing you for careers in regional planning, sustainability consultancy or environmental management.

Applied GIS 
This module will provide you with the broader context of GIS applications to address a range of real-world societal and environmental issues within human and physical geography, geology and environmental sciences. You will gain essential skills in acquiring, analysing and displaying spatial data and explore how GIS can be integrated with environmental impact assessment and be used to support decision-making. By the end of the module, you will gain GIS skills that are important across all sectors in business, government, and science, thereby enhancing your future employability.

Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment
What concentration of substance X will cause environmental harm, and what will not? Ecotoxicology and risk assessment is how we determine the answers and, ultimately, develop environmental quality standards that underpin environmental regulation and assessment. Through this module you will gain knowledge, skills and hands-on experience in conducting ecotoxicology laboratory protocols (terrestrial and aquatic systems), constructing and interpreting dose-response curves, sourcing and evaluating ecotoxicology data, deriving Predicted No Effect Concentrations (PNECs); and ecotoxicological risk assessment.

Global Environmental Change
This module explores Earth's dynamic environment throughout the Quaternary period and examines key debates surrounding past environmental change and the relationship between global changes and surface processes. You will learn how past environmental change is reconstructed using proxy evidence and geochronological controls, and why this knowledge is crucial for predicting future shifts in our climate. Through critical analysis, this module will enhance your understanding of the planet’s evolving environment, preparing you to address the challenges of future environmental change.

Blue Economy: sustainable futures with an ocean focus
Growing interest in ocean and coastal development needs collaboration because marine spaces and ecosystems are interconnected. Blue Economy approaches are presented as “sustainable” but are contested. You will explore the wonders and complexities of our blue planet and develop evidence-based analysis of, and advocacy for, a sustainable ocean. You will develop knowledge through concepts derived from exploring case studies, ocean advocacy and solutions for an ocean-focused sustainable future.

Natural Hazards
Explore the study of natural hazards in this comprehensive module.  You will delve into the origins and impacts of various natural disasters, from minor disruptions to catastrophic events, triggered by both natural and human activity. You will assess risks, learn how these phenomena affect society, the environment, and the economy, and discover strategies to predict and mitigate their devastating effects. Get ready to tackle real-world challenges and make a difference in disaster prevention and management.

Clean Technology
Learn about how to accelerate energy transitions away from fossil fuels with a specific focus on: energy efficiency, clean energy generation and storage, electrification and their integration within smart energy systems. You will develop and enhance your energy literacy skills, which will equip you for careers and research opportunities available in the sustainable energy sector.

Extinction!
This module explores the causes and consequences of extinction events throughout Earth's history. You will investigate mass extinctions, such as the Permian and Cretaceous events, and explore the role of factors like climate change, asteroid impacts, and human activities. You will learn about evolutionary biology, palaeontology, and conservation science, highlighting current biodiversity crises and strategies for species preservation. Through lectures, seminar projects, and case studies, you will gain an in-depth understanding of extinction dynamics and their implications for the future.  

Case Studies in Biotechnology
In this module, you will explore some of the applications of biotechnology to address global issues. Guided by seminars and case studies, you will tailor your research to your own interests, picking an overarching theme and selecting papers from the primary literature showcasing biotechnology. You will develop scientific writing skills to introduce your theme, summarise the chosen papers and justify why you think they are important with a focus on communication skills and demonstration of critical insight into contemporary biotechnology approaches.

Flexible Work Placement (Level 6)
In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhance your employability skills, and provide valuable insights into the professional world. You will be supported via a range of activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement around existing demands. 

Professional Experience in Education
This module gives students interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career the opportunity to gain experience in the world of teaching in schools and colleges. You will develop skills highly valued by employers such as communication, and interpersonal skills, whilst learning to address individual needs and developing engaging teaching materials. You will be supported via a range of activities to prepare for your placement and have the choice to source your own placement or apply to university sourced roles. 

BSc Geology students must choose to study EITHER Independent Research Project OR Geoscience: Independent Field Project 
BSc Geology students must choose to study EITHER Advanced Geological Field Techniques OR Volcanic and Magmatic Processes 

Students may only choose a maximum of one (or none) of the following modules: Flexible Work Placement (level 6); Professional Experience in Education; Global Challenge Pathway.