Discover our exciting elective pathways

Many of our courses include the option for you to choose routes of elective study called Global Challenge Pathways. Our pathways offer you an exciting opportunity to work with students and staff from different disciplines to explore topical global issues such as power and conflict, health inequalities, climate change, generative AI, social justice, global citizenship, and enterprise from different perspectives.

Global Challenge Pathways give you the opportunity to:

  • Work with a range of international experts and employers to develop your skills in problem solving, leadership, collaboration and team working.
  • Work on real-world projects, produce creative outputs of direct relevance to business and industry, and learn how to drive change in society.
  • Enhance your digital and creativity skills for the workplace.
  • Link your studies to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which offer a blueprint for a more sustainable future.

Eligible students can choose to take any one of our five Global Challenge Pathways as an integrated part of their degree programme - which is recognised on degree certificates at graduation. These pathways are one of the additional opportunities we provide for Keele students, helping you to be more competitive in the graduate marketplace.

Explore our pathways

From Climate Change and Sustainability to Social Justice, our pathways allow you to explore the global challenges that we face. You will develop the skills to address these challenges with confidence and critical insight. 

Are you interested in how different cultures and global organisations view health? Do you want to understand how different disciplines all play a role in addressing global health inequalities? This pathway is for you if want to learn more about health inequalities and how we can promote quality of life for different populations. Global Health: Understanding Health Beyond Borders.

What are the greatest threats to health globally? How do we work together to decrease health inequalities? In any given population, good access to health care plays only a small part in determining the health of that population. Factors such as poverty, literacy, education, employment opportunities and the environment have far greater impacts. In this module you will develop an understanding of how to improve the living standards and opportunities for people to live happy and healthy lives worldwide.

Modules

Global Health: Understanding Health Beyond Borders

What are the greatest threats to health globally? How do we work together to decrease health inequalities? In any given population, good access to health care plays only a small part in determining the health of that population. Factors such as poverty, literacy, education, employment opportunities and the environment have far greater impacts. In this module you will develop an understanding of how to improve the living standards and opportunities for people to live happy and healthy lives worldwide.

Global Health: Solving Global Health Issues

How do wars, climate change, poverty and political instability influence global health? How can we develop solutions to reducing global health issues and inequalities? In this module you will learn about how we can use data and evidence-based research to develop interventions and propose solutions to improving the quality of life. You will work collaboratively to propose new strategies to reduce global health inequalities, developing skills in leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and communication in the process.

Global Health: Working to Improve Global Health

How can I contribute to improving global health? What difference can an individual make to reducing health inequalities? In this module we will explore the roles of different disciplines in improving global health and reducing inequalities. We will examine the link between the workplace setting and the health of individuals and populations. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your understanding of how to reduce inequalities, and consider what skills are important for improving global health.

Are you interested to learn more about the historical inequalities that shape global injustice? Do you want to promote social justice in your community, workplace or wider society? This pathway is for you if you want to be an agent of change towards a more socially just society.

Modules

Social Justice: Past, Present and Future

What does social justice mean to you? How are your life chances impacted by the past, present and future conditions of social justice? This module will explore how you can engage as an agent of change to transform social justice. Informed by community voices, we will explore past, present and future injustices based on the identity politics of the recognition of race, religion, gender, sexuality, disability and class within the wider framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Social Justice: Strategic Interventions

Is every human born equal in society? How does the UK meet its obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights? How can we monitor and create awareness to strategically intervene in society to ensure schools, universities, businesses, local authorities meet their obligations? In this module you will learn about strategic interventions and develop your skills as agents of change by using the Human Rights Tracker to monitor the UK according to a Convention of your choice.

Social Justice: Transforming Global Perspectives

How can we develop a global justice model in today’s world? Conflict, disaster, poverty, epidemics, displacement and climate change, all present global crises which each disproportionately impact society. Yet are these inevitable or a consequence of longstanding inequalities of colonialism, capitalism, racism and patriarchy? In this module we will hear a range of experiences from the United Nations through to community-based organisations to help us understand the root causes of ‘crisis’. Ultimately, we will consider how to transform perspectives.

Is the digital revolution redefining what it means to be human? Can it make or break the global drive for a more sustainable future? This pathway is for you if you are interested in understanding and actively shaping the digital society of tomorrow.

Modules

Digital Society: Living through a Revolution

What does the digital revolution mean for us as humans? Are we on the verge of a new human society? This module dives into the digital revolution's impact on our lives and the paths that brought us here. Explore how the internet and the web, the multi- and meta-verse, and generative AI are reshaping our identities, communities, and societies. Unpack the ethical dilemmas, explore emerging opportunities, and gain essential skills to thrive in a digital world.

Digital Society: People, Spaces and Data

How can we harness digital innovation to create sustainable futures whilst minimising risk? In this module we will explore the present and future(s) of humanity at the intersection of unprecedented technological revolution and extreme sustainability crises. You will participate in debates on how social media, and AI are transforming our lives and gain skills in data visualisation and digital storytelling. Through real-world projects, you will explore solutions to sustainability challenges that balance digital innovation with freedom, equality, and justice.

Digital Society: Digital Citizens with a Purpose

What does it mean to be a responsible digital citizen and how can this become a catalyst for a more sustainable future? Through this module discover strategies that fuse digitally-empowered action with social responsibility and impact; and navigate complex ethical decisions in the pursuit of a better future for humanity. From combating misinformation to fostering community, this module invites you to become a responsible, forward-thinking change-maker in an increasingly interconnected world.

Do you want to enhance your employability and professional skills? Are you keen do so whilst exploring important global issues including sustainability, decent work and economic growth? This pathway is for you if you would like to grow your enterprising skills and mindset to navigate the changing and dynamic world of work and enterprise.

Modules

Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Employment: Future Ready

How is the world of enterprise and entrepreneurship changing? How do we drive innovation and be entrepreneurial in a digital world? This module explores the evolving dynamics of business, innovation, and work in a rapidly changing world. We will examine emerging trends, such as digital transformation, sustainability, and the gig economy, while emphasising the skills needed to navigate future challenges. By fostering critical thinking and adaptability, you will be better prepared to lead and innovate in tomorrow’s business landscape.

Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Employment: Challenges and Opportunities

What is the role of businesses and entrepreneurs in addressing global sustainability issues? What innovative strategies can organisations offer for sustainable development? In this module we explore the environmental, social, and economic challenges organisations face. You will analyse real-world case studies, assess sustainable business models, and explore the balance between profitability and responsibility. By fostering critical thinking and creative problem-solving, you will be equipped to understand the future challenges and opportunities for enterprise, work and employment.

Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and Employment: Designing Change

How can we address critical sustainability challenges through innovative and responsible action? This module explores the intersection of business, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, emphasising the role of individuals as catalysts for change. Through practical projects, collaborative learning, and real-world case studies, you will develop strategies to create social, environmental, and economic impact. By fostering creativity and leadership, this module will prepare you to lead transformative efforts in enterprise and employment for a sustainable future.

Are you passionate about climate change and want to make a difference? Do you want to engage with sustainability professionals working in different roles in different countries? This pathway is for you if you want to make a difference to addressing climate change and sustainability.

Modules

Climate Change and Sustainability: Global Perspectives

Do you want to explore the impacts of climate change in different countries? Do you want to engage with sustainability professionals working towards solutions? This module explores climate change impacts and the solutions being adopted on a global scale. You will hear from different sustainability professionals, understand how climate change integrates with other sustainability challenges and learn about the role of various disciplines in addressing these issues. We will also examine the United Nations' response to climate and sustainability crises.

Climate Change and Sustainability: Driving Change

What is the role of activism in addressing sustainability? How can activism be used to drive positive change in society? This module integrates theory and practice and explores the history and debates within sustainability activism, drawing on diverse disciplinary perspectives, experiences, and global case studies. You will develop the skills to critically evaluate the role of activism in sustainability and have opportunity to design, execute, and evaluate your own project to drive positive change.

Climate Change and Sustainability: Skills for Sustainability

What skills do we need to engage and thrive in a more sustainable world? How can I pursue sustainability in my future personal and professional life? In this module we will consider the importance of 'green skills' in the workforce and development of 'sustainability competencies' in education. The module addresses the challenges in defining and achieving green skills across various employment pathways. Through peer learning activities, you will support each other to assess and develop you own skills for sustainability.