Engage with sustainability in a hands-on, transformative environment and unlock a world of opportunities through postgraduate study. Myfi Fenwick explores the reasons why you should study at CAT’s Graduate School of the Environment.

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) provides a unique and enriching approach to sustainable education by providing future changemakers with the vital knowledge, skills, and networks to make a real difference in their chosen field. Our courses are characterised by diverse modules that combine theory with hands-on learning and with eight programmes to choose from, with flexible teaching options, there are a whole host of reasons to study a postgraduate course with us.

“The need to action justice, power and knowledge in our response to the climate crisis makes sustainable education more important than ever. CAT has over 50 years’ experience in climate solutions and our courses draw on this providing students with the skills and knowledge to action positive change.” – Dr Adrian Watson, Head of the Graduate School

1. A Living Laboratory

Our location at the edge of the Eryri National Park, within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, makes CAT a truly beautiful place to study and the site is testimony to over 50 years of expertise in environmental education. Our world-renowned sustainable buildings function through a diverse range of installed renewable technologies whilst acres of regenerated woodland and organic gardens function as a valuable teaching resource for students.

CAT’s facilities are characterised by large classrooms and workspaces that allow for flexible study space and our 200-seat, rammed earth, circular lecture theatre is the perfect setting for learning about sustainability from our expert academic staff and diverse external speakers.

2. Learning by Doing

Our unique teaching approach allows postgraduate students at CAT the opportunity to learn about climate solutions experientially through real-world projects, community engagement and by using the CAT site.

Practical learning can range from working with sustainable building materials, visiting local crop breeding programmes, to collecting and mapping data on biodiversity.  For putting theory into practice, we also offer a wide range of monitoring equipment to facilitate fieldwork and case studies.

“I was able to use the buildings on site as real case studies, including undertaking air pressure testing and thermal imaging on the Self Build House, undertaking experiments with green roofs and building a prototype timber frame disaster shelter on site.” – CAT Student

3. Pushing Intellectual Boundaries

The courses on offer through the Graduate School are thematically diverse, ranging from Sustainability in Energy Provision and Demand Management, Green Building and Architecture, to Sustainability and Ecology, Behaviour Changeand  Sustainable Food and Natural Resources.

We also recognise that a sustainable future requires a creative and interdisciplinary approach. To address this, our modules cover emerging and established critical approaches, with lecture topics spanning from theories on decolonisation and ethics to economics, urban ecologies, and feminism.

Students can also opt to study a range of these topics through optional modules on our broader Sustainability and Adaptation course.

“The whole experience was fantastic. From the practical studies to the student project debates and the invaluable lectures. The enthusiasm and energy that radiated from everyone was just a total BUZZ” – CAT student

4. Flexibility

We take a learner centric approach to higher education and our flexible learning options enable students to explore their passion for sustainability alongside other commitments in their lives. Our Masters programmes prioritise accessible learning and individuals can choose between part-time and full-time study, on-site or distance learning (or a blend of the two for our MSc and MRes students).

“The course structure made it feasible for me to study. With brilliantly intense on-site teaching weeks coupled with remote study, I could fit my studies around parenthood, while still being able to immerse myself in, pull inspiration from, and find close new friendships in the one-of-a-kind CAT site at regular intervals.” -CAT Graduate, Elliot Harker Dempsey

5. Grow your Green Career

As adaptation to climate change becomes more pressing, we need a workforce with green skills who can implement climate solutions. Through a CAT Masters, students develop the skills necessary to address the climate crisis and move into a green career.

Our ever-growing graduate network shows that over 2,500 CAT graduates have gone on to excel in an expanse of fields, from business startups, working with international NGOs, undertaking PhD’s, sustainability consulting, and advising local authorities and governments on policy.

“My studies at CAT have literally been life changing, I would never have had the courage to take on such a high-profile Cabinet role without the grounding that the Masters has given me.” -CAT Graduate, Joanne Ainscough

Many individuals return to CAT to lecture, sharing their knowledge and specialism with current students. Among our graduates is Tom Robinson, co-founder of the award-winning company Adaptavate which uses innovation to decarbonise construction. On a recent visit back to CAT, Tom described his time studying an MSc course at CAT as “The perfect balance of theory and practice with really inspirational people.”

6. Expert Lecturers and Guest Speakers

Alongside expert academic staff, regular guest lectures from internationally renowned thinkers, specialists and practitioners ensure that students are equipped with the latest intellectual paradigms.

Recent lecturers have included Kevin Anderson, climate scientist, Sumita Singha, former chair of the RIBA, Pavan Sukhdev, CEO of Gist-impact and President of WWF International, and Judy Ling Wong CBE, Honorary President of the Black Environmental Network. You can join and get a taster of some of these guest lectures through our regular free public lectures.

7. Life-long Community

Once a graduate, you’re always part of the CAT family, and an invaluable part of studying with us is the opportunity to build meaningful social connections and networks. Our students and graduates continue to nurture these connections through informal meetups across the UK as well as active social media groups which provide valuable platforms for sharing ideas, advice and inspiration.

“Studying for an MSc gives me the breadth of knowledge I need to put my day job into context and a supportive student and graduate community to share ideas with. CAT is such a unique place to study, and it supports so many changemakers in Wales and beyond. It has helped me to appreciate the benefits of living here and why we need to protect what we have left.” – CAT student, Rachel Embury

8. Study in the heart of Mid Wales

Mid-Wales is home to a rich tapestry of Welsh culture, language and tradition and CAT’s location and surroundings offers learners a truly unique student experience.

Machynlleth was the first town to declare a climate emergency in 2019 and local groups and events are in abundance. From community-led organic growing projects like Mach Maethlon, co-founded by CAT volunteer Katie Hastings to local music events and the internationally renowned Machynlleth Comedy Festival, CAT students enjoy joining and contributing towards a vibrant wider community.

If you’re inspired to embark on your transformative journey by studying at CAT to become a future changemaker join us on an open day or get in touch with our Admissions Team to make an enquiry today.

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