Law, Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies - MSc/LLM
Data and the associated technologies that analyse and process it are transforming our personal, professional and public lives. The risk of data security breaches and technological abuse has become a global priority as businesses and governments try to realise their potential. This multidisciplinary course capitalises on Keele’s internationally-renowned expertise in Law and Computer Science, developing your knowledge and understanding of the technological and legal aspects of Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, data protection and privacy law. It prepares you for careers in law firms and tech companies, as data protection officers or advisors on new technologies governance.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2023/24 academic year
- UK - Full time £10,000 per year. Part time £5,500 per year.
International - £18,800 per year.
Duration of study
- Full time - 1 year, Part time - 2 years, Modular - Up to 5 years
Please note: this course is no longer accepting applications from international students for September 2023 entry
Why study Law, Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies at Keele University?
Course summary
From cyber-security protection and regulatory compliance to core data asset rights and the long-term management of technology systems, the list of challenges posed by new and emerging technologies is expanding as rapidly as the technology itself.
Our MSc/LLM in Law, Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies offers the chance to gain a deeper, more systematic understanding of the problems that can arise when businesses and organisations attempt to harness the full power of new technology.
You'll explore issues such as data privacy law, AI and robotics regulation, as well as the underlying principles and concepts of Internet technologies, web-based applications and enterprise and data analytics systems.
Whether you come from a background in law, have an interest in technology or already work for a tech company or a business processing data, it will prepare you to provide appropriate guidance and solutions to successfully manage risks.
Combining the academic expertise of two of Keele's academic Schools, the course provides a unique opportunity to engage with academics who are carrying out internationally recognised research in areas of the law and ethics, AI and big data. Keele School of Law is an internationally recognised centre for cutting-edge, socially relevant legal research, while the School of Computer Science and Mathematics was recently one of only 18 universities chosen as part of a £13m Office for Students initiative to boost the number and diversity of AI and data science graduates.
One of the key advantages of this course is its flexibility, allowing you to personalise your degree to reflect your professional needs and intellectual preferences. You can combine core modules with your choice from a wide range of optional modules offered within both Schools and other faculties. For example, you can study a modern language or focus on subject-specific matter, such as international economic law, transnational commercial law, or the Internet of Things.
You also have considerable freedom when choosing the topic of your master’s level dissertation, addressing a legal or technological problem regarding new technologies, that will be co-supervised by academic staff from both Schools.
You'll graduate with the advanced knowledge and skills to access careers in law firms and tech companies, as data protection officers or advisors on new technologies governance in the national, European and international marketplaces.
Other courses you might be interested in:
Next Steps
Course structure
The MSc/LLM Law, Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies gives you the opportunity to tailor your degree to your individual interests and professional needs by choosing from a wide range of optional modules.
All students study four compulsory core 15-credit modules (overall 60 credits), two focused on Law and two on Computer Science, and the Dissertation (60 credits) on a topic of your choice in Law, Computer Science, both areas or even broader subject matter. You then have flexibility to choose optional modules to the value of 60 credits, either from the School of Law, School of Computer Science and Maths or elsewhere across the University, reinforcing the pervasive and highly interdisciplinary nature of the programme.
While you are strongly encouraged to undertake at least one research training module in Law, Computing or both disciplines, you still have plenty of other options. To increase your range of transferable skills and knowledge, for example, you may decide to learn a language or improve your awareness of European politics or the changing international agenda. If you are interested in writing a dissertation on the use of AI in warfare, you could select optional modules focused on human rights and international humanitarian law. Alternatively, optional modules on environmental law or politics would suit students wishing to research the role that new technologies can play in promoting environmental and sustainability objectives.
You can apply for the LLM or MSc award routes with the opportunity to switch no later than end of Semester 1 and at the discretion of the Programme Director. You will complete 180 credits to obtain the MSc qualification. To be awarded the LLM qualification, you must complete at least 120 of your 180 credits in Law comprising the two core Law modules (30 credits), two optional Law modules (30 credits) and your dissertation (60 credits), focused on a Law topic or inter-disciplinary subject matter.
The course can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September start date. It is also possible to study more flexibly part-time on a modular basis, accumulating degree credits by taking individual modules over a period of maximum of five years.
The schedule below is indicative of one year of full-time study and the list of modules indicates those offered in the 2021/22 academic year. We expect to offer the same modules in the future but this may change due to staff availability. If the modules change we will inform you during the admissions process.
Compulsory core modules
LAW-40066 Regulating Data and the Digital World (15 credits, Semester 1)
You are introduced to the key legal frameworks regulating personal data and information technologies. This will provide you with a systematic understanding of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), its legal and practical consequences, and the major jurisprudential developments on data privacy. A European Union regulation, GDPR is arguably the most advanced data protection law worldwide and remains applicable to the UK post-Brexit. Teaching will cover a range of additional topics, such as legal and regulatory issues raised by information technologies such as the regulation of social media, accountability of Internet intermediaries, eCommerce and Intellectual Property (IP) in the digital environment.
LAW-40068 Robots and AI Law (15 credits, Semester 2)
This module focuses on legal and ethical issues relating to different aspects of the development, application and use of robots and AI. You'll be introduced to the definitions of robots and AI, questions of responsibility and liability when it comes to robots, and the ethical and socio-legal implications of AI. You will learn about the regulation of AI and key challenges that arise in this respect, for example, how the law should regulate self-driving cars or AI- facial recognition technologies.
LAW-40070 Dissertation (60 credits, Semester 3)
You will have the opportunity to write a master’s level dissertation addressing a legal or technological problem regarding new technologies, supervised by academic staff. The interdisciplinary nature of the course means you have considerable flexibility when coming up with potential topics. You could focus on a more technical project examining how user algorithms can predict performance for a specific employer, or try to solve an AI problem by developing a computer science solution. Alternatively, you could identify potential legal or ethical issues that might arise, for example, as a result of automated weapons or machine learning.
Which core module you study of the two below depends on whether or not you have a background in computer science.
CSC-40044 System Design and Programming (15 credits, Semester 1)
This module must be studied by students without a computer science background. It provides a comprehensive introduction to system design and programming for those who did not graduate from a computer science or related programme. You will be able to develop programs in a major programming language using principles taught on this course. This module covers: the principles and practice of system design in the context of an available set of requirements; an introduction to programming (algorithms, data structures, data storage and manipulation and user interfaces); an introduction to object oriented programming; the development of computer programs using appropriate technology and including accessing data over the internet; and the use of user interfaces to manipulate and display data.
OR
CSC-40072 Mathematics for AI and Data Science (15 credits, Semester 1)
For students with a computer science background, this module provides an introduction to the mathematical concepts relevant to AI and data science for students from non-mathematical backgrounds. You will learn to evaluate various mathematical approaches when analysing any given data set, selecting and applying suitable techniques, including periodic functions, to solve relevant AI and data science problems in calculus, linear algebra, statistics and probability.
Elective core modules
You will chose one further module from the following:
CSC-40038 Collaborative Application Development (15 credits, Semester 2)
In the modern world of Internet and web technology, professionals need to be able to function effectively as part of a development team, as well as the relevant technical analytical, design and web development skills. On this module, you have an opportunity to work with real-world clients to produce an application, experiencing all the practicalities of working with and to a client’s brief. Apps that have been developed previously by students include a sustainable living application for students in halls of residence, a fundraising optimisation application for the County Air Ambulance Trust, a theatre ticket booking system application and an e-commerce application for an eBookstore services.
CSC-40050 Research and Consultancy Skills (15 credits, Semester 2)
Even the most technically gifted computing professionals need to communicate and plan effectively if their ideas are to be realised. There is also increasing need for an understanding of the wider implications computing has on society and how legal and ethical issues relate to software development and deployment. This module therefore aims to enhance your skills and knowledge in areas such as communication and problem solving; ethical, legal, and social issues; modern group working techniques specific to computing; design and management of research and consultancy activities, and selecting suitable formats and styles of presentation.
CSC-40046 Web Technologies and Security (15 credits, Semester 2)
Provides a practical and theoretical understanding of contemporary developments in the design and construction of distributed applications with particular emphasis on mobile web applications and security aspects on both the server and client side. You’ll produce a design overview for a preferably mobile web-based application requiring secure access and rich interactivity. One coursework assignment required students to create a specialised version of Facebook aimed at foodies called 'Afterchef', which enabled users to upload pictures of meals or other food as part of a post, allowing other users to reply with comments about that post.
Optional modules
You will choose optional modules to the value of 60 credits. To be awarded the LLM, at least 30 of these credits must be in areas of Law and you should read the course structure which outlines the full requirements.
Optional modules (Law)
LAW-40052 Socio-legal Studies: Approaches and Themes (15 credits, Semester 1)
You’ll be introduced to a range of interdisciplinary approaches in law and society research such as, for example, in Law and Ethics, Regulation Studies and Legal History, as well as methodological approaches, such as Fieldwork in Law, Archives and Documents, and Researching Elites. You’ll also consider a number of themes central to law and society research, such as law in action, resistance (e.g., political imprisonment) legal research and activism (e.g., penal abolitionism).
LAW-40045 International Humanitarian Law (15 credits, Semester 1)
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is one of the oldest fields of international law. It seeks to regulate the conduct of hostilities, primarily through control of the means and methods of warfare, and to protect certain categories of individuals who are not, or are no longer, actively engaged in hostilities (civilians, persons hors de combat, prisoners of war and so on). This module introduces you to the key concepts, rules and institutions of IHL, addressing contemporary issues such as the 'war on terror', asymmetrical conflict, the relationship of IHL with international human rights law, or so-called 'lawfare'. Additionally, you will examine the means by which IHL is monitored, implemented and enforced, with particular emphasis on the development of international criminal law, war crimes tribunals, and the International Criminal Court.
LAW-40038 International Law and Human Rights (15 credits, Semester 1)
This module offers a perspective of both the normative standards defining international human rights and the means by which they are monitored and implemented. You will acquire a strong theoretical and practical understanding of the design and development of modern international human rights law. Special attention will be given to the work of UN human rights bodies and of regional organisations. We will also examine the so-called ‘dark sides of virtue’, i.e., the unforeseen consequences, biases and ambiguities of the human rights project, and the ways in which well-intentioned human rights interventions can at times create as many problems as they solve.
LAW-40040 Foundations of International Law (15 credits, Semester 1)
This introduction to public international law provides you with an opportunity to look beyond the domestic sphere and examine how law helps to govern relations between sovereign governments. The module provides a general overview of the nature of international law as a legal system, its subjects, sources and general principles, as well as an introduction to more specific themes such as the law governing the use of force, sovereign immunities or the settlement of international disputes.
LAW-40060 Transnational Commercial Law (15 credits, Semester 1)
Transnational commercial law is any rule that relates to cross-border economic activity, or economic activity with cross-border effects. In other words, it is the legal side of the globalisation of commerce. It seeks to resolve problems that arise when the nation state responsible for regulating commercial activities is no longer easily identifiable; and it gives legal certainty to international traders while maintaining the necessary regulatory framework in global context. This module will combine a private with a more public law approach to commercial law and theory, focusing on international disputes and the key challenges in resolving them.
LAW-40048 Foundations of Human Rights (Law, 15 credits) (Human Rights pathway)
Focusing on gender, sexuality, race, class, ethnicity, religion and power in relation to human rights, you will develop a practical and theoretical understanding of human rights law, politics and philosophy at domestic, regional and international levels. You will explore historical, philosophical and structural aspects of human rights, including Enlightenment perspectives, theories of rights/history of rights theory, universalism/relativism debates, sovereignty and non-intervention concerns and other ‘structural’ issues pertinent to international law and relations. This broad foundation module provides a background in which to study and critique human rights theory and practice.
LAW-40047 Equality, Discrimination and Minorities (15 credits, Semester 1) (Human Rights pathway)
This module focuses on the main issues of equality and discrimination in international human rights policy and practice. Using the thematic of religion, race, ethnicity and caste/descent, you will examine and critique particular inequalities in international human rights policy and practice, such as geographical and governance inequalities. Exploring equality issues through particular case studies, you will analyse UK and comparative perspectives of global and regional norms on race discrimination, for example, rights of caste groups, minorities and indigenous peoples, and standards on prevention and punishment of genocide. You will reflect on the ways in which aspects of a person’s social and political identities combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege, for example, the intersectional ties of gender and indigenous peoples/minorities, and gender and sexuality.
LAW-40046 Human Rights and Global Politics (15 credits, Semester 2) (Human Rights pathway)
The overall focus of this module is on exploring evolving political and legal strategies to advance human rights in a global political framework. You will be introduced to the main debates on the ways that political structures shape human rights: the relationship between democratisation, development, human rights and violence; the possible emergence of a global civil society to understanding human rights practices; the expansion and role of transnational human rights monitoring and activism; and the need for an understanding of political violence and terror to assess and address causes of human rights violations. To deepen your understanding of the connections between global and local causes and responses to contemporary human rights issues, you will examine a number of key issues, such as the responsibility to protect (r2p), humanitarian interventions, aid and development, security in the post 9/11 era and more.
LAW-40043 International Environmental Law (15 credits, Semester 2)
This module offers a critical perspective on the development of international environmental law. It provides a grounding in the legal norms, institutions and processes of the field, and explores current environmental global issues such as biodiversity loss, transboundary pollution, toxic waste dumping, trade and environment, food security, animal rights or climate change through specific treaty regimes. Drawing on a range of legal, policy and other literature, you’ll be introduced to key challenges facing the regulation of the environment on the international stage today.
LAW-40042 Introduction to International Economic Law (15 credits, Semester 2)
Providing a general introduction to international economic law, this module considers the role played by international economic institutions like the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank or, at a regional level, the European Union (EU), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). It covers substantive areas of international economic law, with particular emphasis on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), WTO law, international investment law and state-investor arbitration. You will be encouraged to think critically about the structures of international economic law, and their relationship with the environment, human rights, development and social justice.
Optional modules (Computer Science)
CSC-40045 Distributed Intelligent Systems (15 credits, Semester 1)
Intelligent systems are increasingly present in our life, including the home and industrial environments. These systems include intelligent household appliances, wearable computing devices (e.g., health and fitness monitors), computers, sensor networks in cars, buildings, and complex engines, and so on. This module provides the knowledge and skills required to develop applications to control intelligent systems in a distributed and collaborative context, including the programming of robots or intelligent home appliances such as, for example, a TV or fridge that are equipped with embedded computers.
CSC-40054 Data Analytics and Databases (15 credits, Semester 1)
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge of database operations and a variety of tools and statistical techniques, such as clustering, dimensionality reduction, regression, to enable you to make sense of the exponential growth of big data. You learn to apply and evaluate big data issues, advanced analytics and statistical modelling techniques appropriate to different types of problems.
CSC-40041 Research Horizons (15 credits, Semester 1)
Provides you with the knowledge and skills required to be able to undertake a simple literature review of a research topic related to the Division's research in AI and data science, and to develop a novel research idea and plan for a research proposal.
CSC-40043 User Interaction Design (15 credits, Semester 1)
Providing you with a comprehensive knowledge of user interaction design and related techniques, you’ll learn to analyse, understand, and design user interactions and experiences and implement appropriate applications to support user needs. Topics covered include: the systematic use of requirements engineering for user interaction and user experience design; the psychological and social-psychological foundations for understanding user interactions; the experimental design and evaluation of user experiences; and the development techniques and technologies for creating user interfaces for web-based and mobile applications.
CSC-40064 Fundamentals of Computers and Networks (15 credits, Semester 1)
If you do not have a background in computing, this module will provide you with an overview of the core concepts of the discipline, and act as a foundation for other modules in the programme. It will enable you to understand the links between different modules on your course, and to understand them in context. The module provides valuable transferable skills in critical thinking and problem-solving and the content is applicable to those who are seeking careers in computing research, network security, network management and other digital communication and network areas.
CSC-40056 The Internet of Things (15 credits, Semester 1)
Provides a practical and theoretical understanding of IoT technologies and their applications in a variety of industries. This includes advanced communications, data analytics and security issues involved in IoT systems and evaluation of their applicability for different types of problems.
CSC-40048 Visualisation for Data Analytics (15 credits, Semester 2)
The information age is characterised by large amounts of data generated as part of an ever-widening range of day-to-day activities. When properly analysed this data can lead an organisation to better decision-making, insight, and competitive advantage. This module equips you with an appropriate understanding of the use of data analytics within areas such as health, security, science and business and with a variety of data visualisation techniques to interpret trends and patterns in big data.
CSC-40070 Applications of AI, Machine Learning and Data Science (15 credits, Semester 2)
This module equips you with knowledge and experience of a variety of cutting edge AI and machine learning techniques applied to ‘real-word’ problems and datasets. For example, in recommender systems or for adversarial learning, image or face recognition.
CSC-40039 Cloud Computing (15 credits, Semester 2)
In recent years many organisations have migrated applications to cloud computing providers. This module explores the underlying technologies, the practical and ethical issues involved. Reliability and performance concerns are addressed, together with the crucial issues relating to the security and privacy of data stored and managed remotely. Key is the ability to analyse and objectively assess claims made by global software companies relating both to the efficacy of their products and compliance with global objectives in environmental impacts. Putting your knowledge into practice, you’ll design and implement a cloud-based application, producing a technical report to outline the features implemented and evaluating its performance. Previously, for example, students have assessed the benefits of a Cloud infrastructure when developing web-based or big data related applications.
CSC-40066 Software Engineering (15 credits, Semester 2)
This module provides you with knowledge of the techniques and processes to participate in team-based software engineering. You will undertake agile software development with design/code and evaluation/testing activities, culminating in a presentation of a software engineering report with your findings. This gives you experience of end-to-end team software engineering.
CSC-40068 Advanced Programming in Python (15 credits, Semester 2)
You'll gain a deeper understanding of object-oriented programming and of the concept of parallelism and concurrent programming. The Python programming language is used as a vehicle for teaching advanced concepts, but what you learn is readily adaptable to any other general-purpose contemporary computer language. In addition to high-level programming, you will cover system design in the context of an available set of requirements.
Next Steps
Entry requirements
Academic entry requirements
You should have a first or second class honours degree (or foreign equivalent) in Law or a related discipline. Applications are welcome from current legal practitioners or any other person with appropriate professional qualifications and/or experience.
English language entry requirement for international students
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of a qualification in English language. The minimum score for entry to the LLM is academic IELTS 6.5 (or TOFEL 91). Students who have taken one of the English language qualifications but did not achieve the required grade may be admitted to the programme provided that they study on a pre-sessional English Language course before they start their degree studies.
Keele University currently accepts Tofel iBT tests that have been taken outside of the United Kingdom. All Tofel iBT tests will need to be taken no longer than two years prior to your start date at Keele and must be verifiable with ETS. If you have taken your Tofel iBT test in the UK please contact the admissions team for more information.
View more information about the Postgraduate English Language Requirements at Keele.
Next Steps
Funding
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and will help to reduce your living costs.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2023 start date falls in the 2022/23 academic year. Please see the 2022/23 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2023.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries webpage for more information.
Next Steps
Your career
Recent legal developments, such as the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the importance of compliance worldwide for transnational data transfers, means that data privacy law and emerging technologies issues are now a primary concern for businesses, public bodies and NGOs alike. As a result, there is a significant demand for people with high-level expertise in these areas.
The knowledge gained through this programme will place you in a unique position to access careers in law firms, local and national government bodies, law enforcement and justice agencies, think tanks, and tech companies. You could find roles as a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or advisor on new technologies governance and best practice models with significant chances of employment in the national, European and international marketplace.
By developing your ability to undertake critical analysis, problem solve and present rational, coherent and accurate arguments orally and in writing, you’ll graduate with essential skills valued by legal and non-legal employers alike.
It will also equip you with research skills in both Law and Computer Science, providing a strong foundation for pursuing further study at doctoral level for those interested in doing so. You could easily then move into a teaching career within secondary, further or higher education.
Positions may include:
- Academic
- AI strategy manager
- Analyst
- Applied AI developer
- Business analyst
- Data analyst
- Data protection officer
- Database administrator
- Data manager
- IT consultant
- Lecturer
- Project manager
- Senior technical manager
- Solicitor
- Teacher
- Technical assistant
- Technical consultant
Next Steps
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
The programme is delivered through a variety of learning and teaching activities designed to develop a blend of academic, professional and practical skills. In addition, you’ll have one-on-one meetings with individual academic supervisor, which may take place online or face-to-face.
Formal lectures are used to introduce key concepts, supplemented by smaller group tutorials and practical sessions dependent on the topics being covered in the module. This helps to consolidate your understanding of the material and the practicalities of its application in a modern business environment. For example, when learning about data protection, you'll look at various policies and terms and conditions to assess if they are compliant. When studying AI, you might participate in a mock 'future' trial where a robot has harmed a human, considering all issues that arise and how defend one position or other.
Though there are taught components to the course, we place a strong emphasis on student-led learning and research to help develop your independent research skills and technical skills, with support from teaching staff and technicians. All students are expected to engage in independent study for the duration of the programme and each week we will post digital resources line for you to work through before teaching sessions. Our Virtual Learning Environment gives you online access to a range of digital resources and tools, which includes relevant academic texts via the IEEE Xplore® digital library and eBooks.
You will be taught by experienced, well-qualified staff who are research-active within the disciplines, accomplished at working on research-funded projects nationally and internationally, and eager to share their teaching, research and professional experience to help you achieve success in your studies.
Recognising the importance of engaging first-hand with practitioners, where possible, we also invite guest speakers from industry and business to give you a real-life perspective on the topics you’re studying.
How you’ll be assessed
The course is assessed through a range of different methods including formal examinations, research essays, case reports, reflective logs and simulations.
Next Steps
Keele Postgraduate Association
Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.
Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.
Our expertise
Teaching staff
Both Schools benefit from strong undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and internationally recognised research in areas of law and ethics, AI and big data.
With a critical and inter-disciplinary approach to law and social justice, the School of Law is an internationally recognised centre for legal research with a longstanding tradition of excellence in moral philosophy, applied ethics, doctrinal, and socio-legal scholarship. The School has undertaken a number of innovative projects over the years that have societal impact and have informed public policy.
The School of Computer Science and Maths has a long, well-established history of industry-focused teaching and internationally recognised research: Mathematics was one of the University’s inaugural subjects back in 1948, while Computing has been taught since 1972, one of the first programmes in the UK. It has worked with a large number of companies and public organisations that have a strong interest in developing their software development and IT management capabilities.
Teaching team includes:
Dr Laura Higson-Bliss (Programme Director), Lecturer – Laura joined Keele Law School in 2021 as a Lecturer in Law, having previously held a Teaching Fellowship at the University of Birmingham. Prior to that, Laura was a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) at Edge Hill University. She has extensive teaching experience in Criminal Law, Media Law, Human Rights and Criminal Justice and Public Law. Laura’s research primarily focuses on the use of the criminal law to control inappropriate behaviour online. She has twice appeared as a panellist on the BBC’s The Big Questions as an expert on social media and freedom of expression, and has been interviewed for both local and national radio on the impacts of online abuse. She has also had a number of publications with The Conversation.
Dr Awol Allo, Senior Lecturer – Prior to joining Keele in 2016, Awol taught at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). His research interests are in the areas of human rights and social justice, drawing on a wide range of fields including the sociology of law, socio-legal studies, critical social and legal theory, and post-colonial perspectives. He is also interested in understanding and explaining how law constitutes and regulates the social world by observing how its discourses, practices, and institutions operate in the real world and generate social and political effects.
Dr Theo Kyriacou, Senior Lecturer – Theo joined Keele in 2007, following three years working as a post-doctoral research at the University of Essex. His research interests lie in the fields of biologically-inspired robotics, data-mining/machine-learning, systems modelling and computer science education, which he has applied in the areas of health and rehabilitation, chemistry, biology, medicine and learner analytics.
Dr Alastair Channon, Reader (Computing) – Alastair worked in the software industry (at Micro Focus) before embarking on his academic career, which included lecturing at the University of Portsmouth and University of Birmingham prior to his move to Keele University in 2007. His primary research interest is in the open-ended evolution of neurally controlled animats and he is best known for having created the only closed system other than Earth's biosphere to have passed the enhanced statistical ‘ALife Test’ for open-ended evolution. Alastair's recent publications have included significant results on the relationship of mutation rate to population size, with clear implications for biological extinction events, and to fitness, computed over both abstract and biological fitness landscape.
Dr Sandra Woolley, Reader (Computing) – Sandra leads Software and Systems Engineering Research in the School. She is a Fellow of the British Computer Society (FBCS), a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (SMIEEE) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Sandra originally trained as a graduate engineer with Lucas Aerospace UK before completing a Data Engineering PhD at The University of Manchester, sponsored by both British Gas (Pipeline Inspection) and ICI ImageData. Prior to joining Keele, she lectured at the University of Birmingham and worked as as a researcher at the US-based National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). She has strong multidisciplinary research interests around human-computer interaction (HCI), digital technology and ‘fair digital living’, and she leads and contributes to international multidisciplinary research collaborations.
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Facilities
With a critical and inter-disciplinary approach to law and social justice, the School of Law is an internationally recognised centre for legal research with a longstanding tradition of excellence in moral philosophy, applied ethics, doctrinal, and socio-legal scholarship.
Supported by a specialist Law Librarian, the Law library in the main University library has an extensive range of electronic resources and online legal databases, and stocks a range of law journals, professional resources, case reports, statutes, text books and research monographs. You’ll have access to copies of core texts within the School.
Based in the main Chancellor’s Building, right at the heart of campus, we offer a range of additional student learning resources and facilities. This includes our Moot Room, a model courtroom used for extra-curricular mooting activities, and a refurbished room dedicated for postgraduate taught students on the second floor. Equipped with networked pcs, an adjustable workstation and a meeting table, it’s great place to continue your discussions or chat between classes.
The School of Computer Science and Mathematics was established over 50 years ago and is recognised today as being at the forefront of computer science education and research. Proud holders of the Athena SWAN Bronze Award, it has embedded equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within both the School and our programmes.
Located in the Colin Reeves Building, facilities currently house seven computer laboratories comprising around 200 desktop PC, accessible 24 hours a day, every day. Every PC has the current hardware and software needed for all modules on our degree programmes and provide both Microsoft Windows and the Linux operating system. Facilities also include a dedicated VR lab, gaming lab, our own Makerspace with 3D printers, a Vicon motion-tracking system, Raspberry PIs, Arduinos and dedicated PCs. We provide various web servers and a cloud computing facility for student use.
Central Science Laboratory (CSL)
An entire floor of the University’s £34m Central Science Laboratory (CSL) is fully equipped with PCs featuring all our necessary software and is used for practical lab sessions. CSL opened its doors to students in September 2019 and provides 5,300m2 of modern, co-located science laboratories. Over £2m alone has been spent on industrial research-grade analytical and laboratory equipment that will be used by students in their day-to-day laboratory teaching. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and high specification equipment will ensure you are well prepared for scientific or industrial employment post-graduation. The environment mirrors the multi-faceted nature of working life and the shared space allows group working and collaboration between disciplines, building the skills and experience much valued by employers.
Digital Society Institute
Keele’s new Digital Society Institute is a collaborative research centre focused on data and digital technology that will allow companies in the business, health, and cultural sectors to innovate and expand in a competitive and dynamic business environment. Launching in 2022, the Institute will be based within IC7 and will have access to a Data Visualisation Suite, office space, and hi-tech meeting and collaboration space. The facility, which will enable businesses to keep pace with fast-changing technologies, is expected to support over 400 SMEs over an 18-month period.
Next Steps