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PIR-30176 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 06 October 2026

PIR-30176 - Global Futures: Environment, Security and Development
Coordinator:
Lecture Time:
Level: Level 6
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27


Aims

1. Equip students with cutting edge analytical tools to interrogate the complex nexus between security, development and the environment in multiple global contexts.
2. Enable students to develop theoretical and empirical expertise in the field.
3. Equip students with professional skills for their post-degree careers, achieved through the weekly activities and assessments.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critically and analytically engage with emerging trends in the security-development-environment nexus in world politics.: 1,2,3
Synthesise empirical data to produce creative and concrete arguments in a video format relating to a major case in the security-development-environment nexus in world politics.: 1
Critically evaluate existing analytical frameworks in the security-development-environment nexus literature.: 1,2
Create and design a funding proposal for a research project pertaining to a major issue in the security-development-environment nexus in world politics.: 3
Engage and evaluate your role in a simulation exercise pertaining to a current or potential event in the security-development-environment nexus in world politics.: 3

Study hours

1. 48 hours of seminars/workshops throughout the year (2 hours per week).
2. 252 hours of independent study:
a. 120 hours weekly preparations (e.g., readings, summarising, notes organisation).
b. Vlog 30 hours.
c. Portfolio 51 hours.
d. Proposal 51 hours.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Video Blog weighted 20%
Vlog of around 10-15 minutes
Students will choose a current case study in the field and produce a Vlog of around 10-15 minutes in which the empirical findings are presented in a creative and digitally-orientated format. The Vlog can be filmed on students' laptops/tablets/phones and include the following: 1. Context to the chosen case study. 2. Engagement with at least 2 major theoretical approaches, including an evaluation of their applicability. 3. Discussion of any potential policies and solutions to the chosen case study. Guidelines for the assignment will be provided and the module guide will include a list of case studies, but students can choose a different case following consultation with the module leader.

2: Portfolio weighted 40%
2000 words Critical Reading Portfolio
Students will choose 3-4 key readings, critically evaluate the readings' main arguments and contributions while also reflecting on their learning process throughout the relevant weekly seminars and activities. The portfolio will be divided into 3-4 main sections as per the 3-4 key readings.

3: Research Proposal weighted 40%
2000 words funding research proposal
Following a simulation activity on a contemporary/potential event in the field, students will write a 2000 words funding research proposal. Emphasis will be given to how students frame their subject and research questions, their aims and objectives, methodology and the funding required to achieve the project's goals. Students will be asked to reflect on their role in the simulation as the basis for their proposal.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 06 October 2026