About MSc Sustainability and Ecology, MSc - at Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT)

Great changes have occurred in human society in the past 200 years, but much of this has come at the expense of the natural systems and species that keep us all alive and healthy.

Even in remote environments, evidence of anthropogenic pollutants shows that nowhere remains unaffected.

Through the Sustainability and Ecology programme, gain a scientific understanding of the issues surrounding the protection and rehabilitation of nature whilst maintaining essential or useful ecosystem services.

Explore landscape management and local habitat management practices with a view to maximising environmental sustainability benefits. Critically evaluate the potential values and limitations of habitat restoration, rewilding, species reintroduction, biodiversity, conservation, health and nature, and urban green infrastructure.

CAT is situated in a UNESCO Biosphere, with easy access to a wide range of habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, high mountain pasture and woodland, heathland, riverine, coastal and transitional waters – many of which are represented at CAT itself.

CAT’s unique study experience combines hands-on practical learning with rigorous academic study and flexible study options.

Key areas of study

Gain a broad and contextual understanding of global and local scale ecological sustainability and how it relates to:

• Ongoing demands of modern society
• The integrated nature of the systemic drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss
• Ecological worldviews
• Land use, biodiversity (species) needs for conservation and ecosystem service provision
• The political and economic bases for sustainability in resource sourcing, use and management
• Behaviour change relevant to delivering transformational environmental change

Modules

When studying this course as an MSc you will need to study the 30 credit Sustainability and Adaptation: Concepts and Planning module plus 3 additional core modules and 3 optional modules before undertaking a dissertation. Please click on the module descriptions below for information about each module.

Core modules

• Sustainability and Adaptation: Concepts and Planning
• Ecological Assessment
• Restoration Ecology
• Ecosystem Services: Land Use, Water and Waste Management
• MSc Dissertation

Optional modules

• Environmental Politics and Economics
• Food Production and Consumption
• Cities and Communities
• Sustainable Materials in the Built Environment
• The Science of Sustainable Food Production
• Applied Project
• Work-based Project

This course is created and delivered by CAT and is validated by Liverpool John Moores University.

Why study at CAT?

Benefit from over 40 years’ sustainability experience

CAT is a world-leading eco-centre and a pioneer in researching and teaching practical solutions for sustainability, with over 40 years’ experience in low-impact building, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable food production, natural resources management and more.

Immersive learning

The taught eight-week modules offer an immersive learning experience through lectures, talks, seminars and workshops delivered by our expert in-house staff, with specialist insights from visiting lecturers from industry and academia.

Practical sessions are part of the programme of module teaching weeks at CAT, allowing you to get hands-on with sustainable building materials and energy efficiency.

Many modules are shared with our other postgraduate courses, providing you with a rich learning experience with your peers.

Distance and blended learning

Students can decide on a module-by-module basis whether they want to study on-site or via distance. Allowing you more flexibility to fit study around your life and existing commitments.

Our distance learning resources are also available to students studying on-site. Students studying on-site or via distance will be able to interact and share ideas and expertise via the online learning environment and discussion apps, helping to create a richer learning environment.

Flexible study options

Courses can be studied full or part time and our courses structure allows you to choose the mode and level of study that suits you, helping you fit your studies around other commitments.

Full-time study at MSc level will allow you to complete the course in 18 months. Part-time study at MSc level will allow you to complete the course over a recommended 3 years.

Interested in studying this course? Join us for our next open day, contact us for more information or apply today.

Visit the Sustainability and Ecology MSc page on the Centre for Alternative Technology website for more details!

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) to find course entry requirements.

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