Sustainability and Ecology
Master of Science | PG Diploma | PG Certificate
Explore how we can protect and rehabilitate nature whilst maintaining essential ecosystem services on our MSc Sustainability and Ecology.
Great changes have occurred in human society in the past 200 years, but much of this has come at the expense of the natural systems and species that keep us all alive and healthy. Even in remote environments, evidence of anthropogenic pollutants shows that nowhere remains unaffected.
During this course you will gain a scientific understanding of the issues surrounding the protection and rehabilitation of nature, essential or useful ecosystem services and explore solutions.
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:
- Landscape management and local habitat management practises with a view to maximising environmental sustainability benefits
- Values and limitations of habitat restoration, rewilding, species reintroduction, biodiversity, conservation, health and nature and urban green infrastructure
- Global and local scale ecological sustainability and how it relates to the ongoing demands of modern society, the integrated nature of the systemic drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss and ecological worldviews
- Land use, biodiversity needs for conservation and ecosystem service provision
- The political and economic bases for sustainability in resource sourcing, use and management
- Behaviour change relevant to delivering transformational environmental change
CAT Stories: Marina Rees
Marina studied an MSc in Sustainability and Ecology at CAT in 2022 and now works for Natural England, the governments’ independent advisor for the natural environment in England. As a Marine lead advisor, she provides the advice on working near or within Marine Protected Area’s (MPA’s), which includes licensing, conservation and restoration management.
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
- 7514CATSCI – Ecological Assessment
- 7594CATSCI – Restoration Ecology
- 7506CATSCI – Ecosystem and Ecosystem Services
- 7521CATSCI – Applied Research Design
- 7520CATSCI – MSc Dissertation
Optional modules
- 7502CATSCI – Introduction to Politics and Economics of the Environment
- 7504CATSCI – Cities and Communities
- 7507CATSCI – Sustainable Materials in the Built Environment
- 7591CATSCI – Food Systems and Sustainability
- 7590CATSCI – Sustainable Food Production: Techniques and Practices
- 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 2026 entry to study on our MSc in Sustainability and Ecology.
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.