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 helping you think about future study or employment. 

Human and Physical Geographies for a changing world
This module explores the heart of Geography, connecting Human and Physical topics to help you achieve a detailed understanding of our increasingly complex world. Geography is an integrative subject, and we combine the study of landscape, climate change, and natural hazards with topics such as social exclusion, modernization, identity politics and (counter-) urbanisation. Putting this material in the context of big ideas like scientific uncertainty and Geography’s colonial framing, the module provides a strong foundation for further study in the subject.  

Earth System
You will learn about the Earth’s major systems, including the solid earth (geosphere), biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, and how they integrate in terms of physical, geochemical and environmental processes. You will also appreciate some of the anthropogenic causes of global environmental change in the context of the sustainable future of planet Earth. You will gain useful experience of a range of employability skills within a geoscience context. 

Earth and Life Through Time
In this module, you'll explore the basics of geological time and learn about the history of life and evolution, the changing climate, and shifting tectonic plates. You'll become familiar with the terminology, classification, and interpretation of major fossil groups, and understand how fossils help us date rocks and determine their formation environments. A residential field course will teach you how to collect and document geological information in the field, essential geoscience skill you'll develop throughout your degree. 

Minerals and Rocks
Rocks and minerals record the Earth’s history. The detailed study of them allows us to not only reconstruct this history, but also interpret what may happen to our planet in the future. This module develops your understanding of description, classification and interpretation of solid Earth materials by examining these in hand specimen and up close using a petrological microscope. An emphasis is placed on the development of  accurate description of minerals as well as igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, including their proportions and inter-relationships, and the recognition and petrographic and textural description of rocks.

Optional modules

Geoscience Data Interpretation, Analysis and Visualisation
You will learn a variety of digital techniques for the acquisition, interpretation, analysis and visualisation of geological and geophysical data, including the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to integrate spatial geological data as well as digital techniques and specialist software applications for the acquisition and interpretation of field data. You will also learn how to use remote sensing techniques to enhance satellite images for geological interpretation. The module also introduces Python programming for geoscientists.  

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 about 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. 

Compulsory modules

Geological Field Skills
This module combines field skills with structural geology, geophysics, GIS, surveying, and lab-based data analysis. You will learn to plan field projects, including logistics, health and safety, and data review, using tools like Google Earth and satellite data. Emphasising fieldwork, the module teaches core field skills and modern digital lab methods such as GIS and 3D modelling. This prepares students for independent research and meets the needs of employers and funders in geology.

GIS and Remote Sensing 
Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing are essential tools and techniques for spatial data analysis and visualization. In this module you will learn to collect, manage, and interpret data from satellite imagery and aerial photography. The course covers GIS software applications, spatial analysis, and map creation, emphasizing 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. 

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 
This module provides you the chance to apply geochemistry and experimental systems to understand igneous rock suites and their global formation processes. Learn isotopic techniques for identifying magma sources and age dating. Study metamorphic rocks in detail, focusing on how initial composition, fluid migration, and temperature and pressure variations influence their mineral assemblages.   

Reconstructing past environments 
How do we reconstruct ancient sedimentary environments using rocks and their modern equivalents? You'll learn sedimentological and stratigraphical methods, facies analysis, and techniques for studying sedimentology and stratigraphy. The module covers various sedimentary environments and their rock record relationships. Skills gained include sedimentary logging, rock succession interpretation, report writing, teamwork, problem-solving. The module includes local fieldwork. 

Earth’s Changing landscape 
Glaciers, volcanoes, coastal erosion, floods... studying Earth’s spectacular landscapes is increasingly significant in the context of climate change and its impacts on human and physical environments. Landscapes tell us about Earth’s past, but also help us face the future as we battle natural hazards such as landslides and work to safeguard resources such as fresh water. This module explores Geomorphology, the science of landscapes, using a global range of examples supported by student-led analysis of remotely-sensed imagery and new scientific research. 

Optional modules

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.  

Palaeoclimatology and Quaternary Studies 
The study of Quaternary deposits and how they can be interpreted allows you to understand the processes that caused their formation, as well as understanding them as indicators of palaeoenvironmental conditions. The module will also cover the occurrence, evidence for and possible causes of climate change over geological time. A field excursion will be included to provide an understanding of how surface processes have affected landscape development during the Quaternary and to cover a variety of field techniques for identifying and mapping superficial deposits.

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.  

Students may choose to study either Flexible Work Placement (Level 5) OR the Global Challenge Pathway (or neither of them) 

Compulsory modules

Independent Research Dissertation 
For the capstone research dissertation 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 emphasizes 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. 

Optional modules

International Geographical Field Course 
This international field course gives you the opportunity to put your learning into practice in an international setting. Our current location is Geneva and the French Alps where you can explore diverse geographical phenomena in a renowned mountainous region. Through hands-on fieldwork, you can investigate topics such as glacial processes, alpine ecosystems, and cultural landscapes. Field activities may include observational data collection, geographical mapping, and environmental analysis. This immersive experience enhances your understanding of geographical concepts and methodologies while fostering problem-solving skills in challenging terrain. 

Applied GIS 
This module with 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 not only gain essential skills in acquiring, analysing, and displaying spatial data but also 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.  

Engineering and Applied Geology
This module explores key concepts in geotechnical engineering, including the physical and engineering properties of soil and rock. It covers geotechnical and geo-environmental sub-surface hazards, focusing on both anthropogenic and natural subsidence. The study of hydrogeology is integrated, emphasizing groundwater flow and its effects on stability. Practical skills in site investigation, slope stability assessment, and ground engineering are developed using our campus as a site for investigation.

Structures, Sub-surface Processes
In this module you will learn how geological basins and reservoirs, and their related geological resources, form. Geological reservoirs are a vital source of water, minerals and geothermal energy. This module covers a range of large-scale geological processes including advanced sedimentology, stratigraphy, geodynamics, structures, fluid flow and geophysics. You will develop modelling and programming skills and gain vital experience needed in many geoscience career paths.    

Extractive resources and Critical Minerals  
In this module, you'll explore ore geology and geological resources, focusing on the geological processes that form these resources and the methods for their exploration, extraction and management. You'll also examine energy resources, including fossil fuels and renewables like wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower. Gain insights into the environmental and societal impacts of resource extraction, and understand the challenges and opportunities for sustainable and responsible extraction of natural resources. 

Geomorphology: Earth Surface Processes and Landscapes 
Earth’s spectacular landscapes are impressive and fascinating. They also provide a record of past environmental change and reveal the interconnected hydrological, atmospheric and terrestrial processes that are changing the planet’s surface right now. Focusing on case studies such as glacial and coastal geomorphology, we will learn about landforms and the processes that create them. Looking at sediment transfer from source to sink at local and global scales we will explore landscape as an integral part of the global environmental system. 

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.

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. 

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.  

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. 

Students may choose to study ONE (or none) of the following modules: Flexible Work Placement (level 6); Professional Experience in Education; Global Challenge Pathway. The options you choose should result in 60 credits being studied in SEM 1 and 60 in SEM 2 – in certain circumstances you may wish to take more credits in one semester than the other – please talk to your Academic Mentor if you are considering doing this.