Sustainability and Behaviour Change
Master of Science | PG Diploma | PG Certificate
Delve into how we can create the systemic, political and societal changes needed to address the climate and biodiversity crisis on our MSc Sustainability and Behaviour Change.
It’s clear major changes are needed if we are to create a more sustainable future. This course allows you to get to grips with sustainability, social change and behaviour change theories at all levels: personal, organisational, community, institutional and governmental, drawing on theories of behavioural science, and social and system change, and environmental justice.
Key Areas of study
Through studying local, national and global case studies of transformative change, you will develop skills to effectively deliver and communicate sustainable transitions at different levels.
Some of the topics you will study include:
- Sustainability thinking and transformational adaptation planning
- Resilience pathways for cities and communities
- The psychology of behaviour change and systems thinking
- Cities, governance structures and policy, and interventions at community and individual level
- Effective and ethical communication tools to foster just behaviour and systems change
- The skills required to facilitate the necessary behavioural changes through successful communication and engagement strategies.
CAT Stories: Sandy Stevens
Sandy began our MSc in Sustainability and Behaviour Change in 2019 after attending a Zero Carbon Britain course inspired her to pursue further studies at CAT. Since graduating in 2021 she is now working on a PhD at Aberystwyth University, within the area of environmental behaviour change.
Modules
When studying this course as an MSc you will need to study two introductory core modules, plus choose five optional taught modules before undertaking a dissertation. Depending on your pathway through the course, you will also complete the 15-credit Applied Research Design module in the year prior to starting your dissertation. Please click on the descriptions below for information about each module.
Core modules
- 7522CATSCI – Introduction to Sustainability and Adaptation
- 7523CATSCI – Sustainability and Adaptation Concepts in Practice
- 7593CATSCI – Theories of Social and System Change
- 7515CATSCI – Communicating Transformational Social Change
- 7502CATSCI – Introduction to Politics and Economics of the Environment
- 7521CATSCI – Applied Research Design
- 7520CATSCI – MSc Dissertation
Optional Modules
- 7592CATSCI – Buildings for People
- 7504CATSCI – Cities and Communities
- 7524CATSCI – Transformational International Energy Management
- 7507CATSCI – Sustainable Materials in the Built Environment
- 7591CATSCI – Food Systems and Sustainability
- 7509CATSCI – Work-based Project
Our timetable of module dates changes year on year. You can view our most recent version of the Timetable, Programme Specifications, Course Handbooks and Current Student Information on our Current Students page.
FEES AND FUNDING
Tuition fees for this course for a full MSc for Home Students are £9,800 or for Overseas students £12,600. This is the cost payable to CAT for the course tuition. Please visit our Fees and Funding pages to see the tuition fees for other study levels, additional fees and funding opportunities.
Entry requirements
We ask for a Bachelor’s degree or knowledge and skills equivalent to degree standard.
IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required for applicants whose first language is not English.
Why study at CAT?
Benefit from over 50 years of research and sustainability experience
CAT is a world-leading eco centre and a pioneer in Zero Carbon Britain researching and teaching practical solutions for sustainability, with over five decades experience in low-impact building, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable food production, natural resource management and more.
Immersive or distance learning
Students can decide whether they want to study a module on-site or via distance learning.
Our taught modules offer an immersive learning experience through lectures, talks, seminars and workshops delivered by our expert in-house staff, with specialist insights from visiting lecturers from industry and academia. Practical sessions during on-site study visits at CAT, allow you to get hands-on with sustainable building materials, ecological assessments and energy efficiency.
Many modules are shared with our other postgraduate courses, providing you with a rich learning experience. Our teaching resources are available through Microsoft Teams for students taking the module by distance learning and on-site, creating a space for students to interact and share ideas and expertise, adding to the immersive learning environment
Flexible study options
Courses can also 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 your life and existing 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 three years.
Interested in studying this course? Join us for our next open day, contact us for more information or apply today.
This course is created and delivered by CAT and is validated by Liverpool John Moores University.
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APPLY NOW
Apply for our 2025 entry to study on our MSc in Sustainability and Behaviour Change.
Due to high interest we recommend you apply early as we consider applications on a first-come first-served basis. If you have further questions or need support with your application then do get in touch.