Masters in Sustainability and Ecology

Great strides have been made in human development in the past 200 years, but much of this has come at the expense of the species and natural systems that keep us all healthy and alive. Even in remote environments, evidence of anthropogenic-derived pollutants shows that nowhere remains pristine. On this flexible Master’s degree immerse yourself in gaining a contextual understanding of global and local scale ecological sustainability and explore ecological worldviews from across the globe and gain a scientific understanding of the issues surrounding the rehabilitation of nature whilst maintaining essential or useful ecosystem services. 

This Master’s degree tackles these themes through a combination of academic study, discussion and hands-on practical work. We give our MSc students the knowledge, skills and experience needed to develop a career in the environmental sector and make an impact. The programme draws on our expert staff and a wide selection of academics and specialist guest lecturers; people who have made exceptional contributions to environmental thinking and action.

Taught at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), situated in a UNESCO Biosphere, you'll have 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. Students will be able to choose modules which will explore landscape management and local habitat management practices with a view to maximising environmental sustainability benefits and also evaluate the potential values and limitations of habitat restoration, rewilding, species reintroduction, biodiversity, conservation, health and nature, and urban green infrastructure.

How is the course taught?

Our MSc programme is taught either by distance learning or through residential blocks in one of the most imaginative environmental buildings in the UK, or in a mixture of the two.

What qualification will you receive?

Successful completion of the programme MSc Sustainability and Ecology at the Centre for Alternative Technology leads to the award of Master of Science (MSc) by LJMU. The programme is also available to study as a Postgraduate Certificate and as a Postgraduate Diploma.

Modules include

• Introduction to Sustainability and Adaptation
• Sustainability and Adaptation Concepts in Practice 
• Ecological Assessment
• Restoration Ecology
• Ecosystems and Ecosystem Services
• Introduction to Politics and Economics of the Environment
• Food Production and Consumption
• Cities and Communities
• Sustainable Materials in the Built Environment
• Sustainable Food Production: Techniques and Practices
• Work-based Project
• Applied Research Design
• MSc Dissertation

Why study at CAT?

Studying at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a truly unique experience. For the past 50 years CAT has been at the forefront of the environmental movement, pioneering low-carbon living and renewable technology. At the Graduate School of the Environment (GSE), students benefit from our extensive practical and academic knowledge, graduating with the skills needed to become leading players in the sustainability sector. Find out more about our facilities here.

Hands-on learning

At CAT, hands-on learning takes place side by side with academic study. Residential on-site block learning weeks are taught at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), an inspiring learning environment. Nestled in a disused slate quarry on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, CAT is a living laboratory for practical, sustainable solutions. It contains some of the most innovative and renowned environmentally conscious buildings in the country, as well as one of the most diverse range of installed renewable technologies, on site water and sewage treatment, sustainably managed woodland and acres of organic gardens.

Flexibility

Courses can be studied full or part time and our course 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.

Our modules are taught in blocks taken either with an intensive residential stay of five or six nights at the centre, or completely by distance learning. MSc students are free to choose between these teaching modes for every module. There is a choice of modules, each 8 weeks long, taken over one year or two, followed by a dissertation. It is a masters degree designed to give you the best possible experience whilst also meshing neatly with the pressures of modern professional and family life.

Immersive learning environment

Optional residential module weeks include lectures, seminars, group work and practicals. Applied work tends to dominate later in the week once we have laid the theoretical groundwork. These module weeks provide a truly immersive environment to escape daily life and apply yourself to new learning. Many eminent experts give guest lectures or hold seminars during these modules, as it is a course which seeks to draw on the expertise and learning of the whole environmental sector.

Is this the course for you?

Interested in studying this course? Join us for our next open day or contact us.

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

Find out more about the course on the CAT website.