The principal aim of this Masters course is to develop your generic and specific research skills in an area of the Geosciences or related scientific disciplines, which will enhance your employment prospects. On completion of the programme you will: Have a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the chosen research area in Geosciences; Gain a conceptual understanding to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline area; Be able to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses; Possess developed scientific skills and knowledge, and transferable skills, in a UK-based or international workplace setting; Have a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to your own research; Attain organisational and commercial awareness. A distinct feature of our programme is the opportunity for UK students to complete a placement with a UK-based industrial partner or at one of several European and North American partner institutions, all of which have established research links with Keele staff. International students undertake their research and placement at Keele University under the supervision of international experts in their chosen research area. The emphasis on the substantial ‘hands on’ research training with the provision of an international placement option makes this programme unique within the Higher Education Sector in the UK and will thus increase your employability. We believe that this will help to develop future employees with an international outlook.