CAT Graduate School courses revalidated by University of East London

We are pleased to announce that three of CAT’s MSc programmes run through our Graduate School of the Environment have been recently revalidated following our 5-year course review with our validating partner, the University of East London.

The three postgraduate courses, Sustainability and Adaptation, Green Building and Sustainability in Energy Provision and Demand Management, are all delivered and run by CAT and validated by the University of East London (UEL). The courses offer students a way to gain the skills, knowledge and experience that will help them find positive solutions to environmental issues. The newly updated courses will be available to students from September 2022.

Adrian Watson, Head of the Graduate School at CAT said:

‘‘The revalidation and review of our University of East London courses follows a successful period of student recruitment to CAT’s postgraduate courses, as interest in the solutions to the climate crisis has increased. Through the review and revalidation process, we were able to introduce new modules based on student and industry feedback and update our course content to ensure we are offering students the most relevant skills and knowledge for a zero carbon future. We have nearly 50 years of experience working in sustainability at CAT, and by delivering our environmental education and our postgraduate courses we can continue to play a unique role in the environmental education sector and higher education in Wales, the UK and internationally.”

Three architecture students work on a computer

What’s new?

The programme that has seen the most updates is Sustainability in Energy Provision and Demand Management, which now offers greater focus on global energy provision and the application of renewable energy. These new modules have been specifically designed for the programme and will bring together teaching from leaders in these fields with CAT’s usual mix of practical, informative, accessible teaching.

Sustainability and Adaptation now offers a broader pathway, giving students the ability to study a wide variety of topics including energy, adaptation, buildings, food systems, social change, and ecology. Green Building has been updated to offer a more distinctive pathway for those interested in sustainable construction and the built environment. A new Applied Research Design module will also allow students to develop further research and employability skills through individual and group projects. More information about each module can be found on the updated course pages on the CAT website.

Tim Coleridge, Programme Leader for the MSc courses recently revalidated by the University of East London, said:

“CAT’s MSc programmes are open to students from across the world, not just the UK, as our mixture of on-site, distance or blended learning allows for study no matter where students may live. We have flexible study options allowing for full time or part-time study which appeals to students who may continue to work or have other commitments alongside their education.

“Through our links in industry and our network of over 2,000 CAT graduates we have been able to tailor the topics and skills we teach to meet the issues currently facing us and focus on the solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis using existing technologies. Our updated MSc programmes will continue CAT’s mission to offer students the knowledge and skills to transition into new careers, or enhance existing ones, in sustainability, renewable energy and construction.”

Past CAT graduates include founders of the award-winning businesses Adaptavate, and IndiNature, which are developing innovative new environmentally sensitive building materials based on research conducted during their Masters degrees. Cambridge Solar, a renewable energy company with over 12 years of experience in installing and operating renewable energy systems, mainly solar PV, was also founded by a CAT graduate.

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Other programmes on offer

CAT’s Graduate School of the Environment also offers a Part 2 MArch course in Sustainable Architecture, accredited by the ARB (Architects Registration Board), which also underwent small amendments during the review. We offer three further MSc programmes validated by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) – Sustainable Food and Natural Resources, Sustainability and Behaviour Change and Sustainability and Ecology, which share teaching with the UEL validated courses, creating a rich mix of learning opportunities and network building. Because of the changes to our UEL validated courses we have also had the opportunity to propose some small amendments to our LJMU validated courses, which we will confirm once these are approved by LJMU.

The next entry onto our postgraduate courses is September 2022, with MSc applications closing on 02 May. For more information about studying with us get in touch or sign up for our next Virtual Open Day on 25 March 11am.