To tackle the climate and nature crisis, people need the skills, knowledge and tools to take action across the world for a better future. Meet a current CAT student using their learning to make positive change happen.

Rachel is currently a student on CAT’s MSc in Sustainability and Adaptation course. Alongside her studies, she works for an environmental charity in the Brecon Beacons, which works in collaboration with landowners to improve biodiversity, build ecological resilience and increase levels of tree planting.

Rachel’s passion for the environment was grounded before she began her studies, after leading a horticultural therapeutic project that involved helping people grow plants and learn about the outdoors. Having visited CAT in the past, a chance conversation with a CAT student drew her to come on an open day. She had never considered doing an MSc before, but she was impressed by the diversity of students from different backgrounds and subjects, the amount of support available, and the flexibility of the modules which allowed for part-time study.

Upon application, she was awarded with the Ethel and Gwynne Morgan Trust bursary which is offered to students who aim to apply their skills and knowledge in combatting the climate and nature crisis in Wales. This is enabling her to study and work simultaneously throughout the MSc. Studying at CAT has already given Rachel knowledge to support her in her work and has helped her realise the importance of the work she now does and the wider impact regeneration has on the ecosystem.

She says: “I feel incredibly lucky to be doing a job I love with a wonderful team. Growing things is always a challenge but there is never a dull moment and so much still to learn. I have the opportunity to do something positive every day. 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.”

If you would like to share your CAT story, email members@cat.org.uk to tell us how CAT has influenced your work, volunteering or daily life, and what the community means to you.

Related Topics

• Graduate School
• Masters of Science
• Education