Graduate School of the Environment
The Graduate School of the Environment at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a community of people with a commitment to sustainability and specialist knowledge of architecture, low impact building, renewable energy engineering, climate change and environmental science. For the last 40 years CAT has pioneered sustainability practice and theory in the UK, and it promotes an integrated understanding of environmental solutions.
Based at a stunning setting in the Welsh hills, CAT offers flexible Master's courses that can be taken either through a series of five-night residential visits, or in some cases by distance learning.
Sustainable Architecture
MArch: Sustainable Architecture
A Masters in Architecture taught at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), the pioneer of sustainability practice. It replaces the ARB Part II validated course, the Professional Diploma in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies, which has been running successfully since 2008.
Renewable Energy
MSc Sustainability in Energy Provision and Demand Management
This degree examines renewable energy provision, the science and engineering behind sustainable energy, global and local energy markets, energy and resource management, and the role of actors across scales in achieving energy security and sustainability. Distance learning available.
Environmental Science and Policy
MSc Sustainability and Adaptation
An integrated degree covering politics and economics; urbanisation; communities; biodiversity and ecosystem services; energy in buildings; sustainable materials; environmental assessment and renewable energy. Distance learning available.
Successful completion of one of these course at the Centre for Alternative Technology leads to the award of Master of Science (MSc) or Masters of Architecture (M.Arch) by the University of East London (UEL)
Food and Environmental Science
MSc Sustainable Food and Natural Resources
A Masters designed to develop a rigorous understanding of transformational responses to the pervasive effects that economic structures and environmental change are having on diet, health, sustainability and community empowerment. The course will cover globalisation, corporate and economic control, increasing global population and the effects of industry-scale agriculture and materials production on ecosystems and our environment. Distance learning available.
Successful completion of this course at the Centre for Alternative Technology leads to the award of Master of Science (MSc) by Liverpool John Moores University.
These Master's programmes combine academic study, discussion and hands-on practical. CAT provides Masters students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to develop a career in the environmental sector and make an impact.
Flexible and distance learning
All courses can be studied through a series of residential visits to the unique centre in the foothills of Snowdonia. Some courses are also available by distance learning, meaning all the course materials are available online.
MSc courses offer a choice of modules, taken over one year or two - meaning the courses can be full time or part time.
Residential visits typically last five nights and provide a truly immersive environment for students to escape daily life and apply themselves to new learning. Teaching takes place in our iconic educational building - The Welsh Institute for Sustainable Education named building of the year by the Telegraph in 2010, it also won a internationally recognised RIBA award in 2011. Many eminent experts give guest lectures or hold seminars during these modules, as CAT course seek to draw on the expertise and learning of the whole sector.
