Sustainability and Ecology MSc, PgCert, PgDip

Centre for Alternative Technology

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

Students can also take the course as a PgCert and PgDip.

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.

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

This course contains a description of the course as it is currently delivered, and some modules may be updated before the start of the 2022 academic year. The information will be updated in 2022 to reflect any changes that have occurred, all new applicants will be notified of these changes.