Compulsory modules

Academic, Fieldwork and Professional 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 and Shropshire. 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. 
 
Earth Structure 
In this module you will learn about geological structures, materials and processes ranging in scale from smaller than individual atoms to larger than planets. Lectures introduce the Earth as a planet, the geology of the Earth's Moon, the terrestrial planets and the moons of the gas giant planets in our solar system. They also introduce geological processes such as plate tectonics and how these processes relate to geological structures.  Practical workshops and a local field course place emphasis on the development of essential geological skills, including the writing of geological technical reports and the accurate description and classification of geological structures, as well as their recognition and recording on geological maps. 
 
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. 
 
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 skills you'll develop throughout your degree. 
 
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. 
 
The 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.

Optional modules

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, and including a residential field course, 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. 
 
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. 

Human Impacts on the Environment, Scientific Perspectives 
Humans impact processes, conditions and components of our planet and biosphere on global, regional and local scales. Scientific understanding is key to manage these for better environmental and human well-being. We cover issues from climate change and circular economy futures to concerns including pollution, biodiversity loss, and ocean health. Students produce an essay outlining the context of human impacts and then evaluate in a literature review the scientific debates and consensus for strategies to manage key examples. 

Reconstructing Past Sedimentary 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. 

Environmental Analytical Methods 
Environmental investigations and monitoring activities require robust sample collection and processing procedures plus accurate laboratory analytical techniques. The ability to accurately interpret and evaluate data is also essential. This module provides 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.  

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. 

Optional modules

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.   

Earths 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.  

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 analyze 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. 

Frontiers in Environmental Geosciences 
You will explore "cutting-edge" research literature on environmental geoscience, critically evaluating these articles in terms of their strengths, weaknesses and significance for both the discipline and society. By the end of the module, you will have further developed your research skills, have acquired in-depth knowledge of environmental geoscience topics at the forefront of the discipline, have acquired the necessary skills to design and produce a web site to a professional standard and have further developed your scientific communication skills. 

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. 

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. 

Optional modules

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.  

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. 

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