Sustainability and Behaviour Change

Masters in Sustainability and Behaviour Change
It is becoming clear that major systemic, political and societal changes are necessary to move towards true sustainability to address the serious consequences of environmental and climatic change. On this flexible Master’s degree immerse yourself in examining sustainability and behaviour change theories at all levels: personal, organisational, community, institutional and governmental, drawing on theories of behavioural science and social and systems models.

This degree tackles these themes through a combination of academic study, discussion and practical work where you'll develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to develop a career in the environmental sector. The programme draws on our expert staff and a wide selection of academics and specialist guest lecturers in the field.

Taught at the Centre for Alternative Technology, which pioneered sustainability practice and theory in the UK, explore behaviour change and learn about the skills required to facilitate the necessary behavioural changes through successful communication and engagement strategies. Students will be able to choose modules which will focus on cities, governance structures and policy, and interventions at community and individual level, and in which they will examine the role of public perceptions of environmental risk management and attitudes to behaviour change and transformational social change.

How is the course taught?
Our MSc programme is taught either by distance learning or through residential blocks in one of the most imaginative environmental buildings in the UK, or in a mixture of the two.

What qualification will you receive?
Successful completion of the programme MSc Sustainability and Behaviour Change at the Centre for Alternative Technology leads to the award of Master of Science (MSc) by LJMU. The programme is also available to study as a Postgraduate Certificate and as a Postgraduate Diploma. This course is created and delivered by CAT and validated by LJMU.

Modules include:
Introduction to Sustainability and Adaptation
Sustainability and Adaptation Concepts in Practice
Theories of Social and System Change
Communicating Transformational Social Change
Introduction to Politics and Economics of the Environment
Buildings for People
Cities and Communities
Transformational International Energy Management
Sustainable Materials in the Built Environment
Food Production and Consumption
Work-based Project
Applied Research Design
MSc Dissertation

Why study at CAT?
Studying at CAT is a truly unique experience. For over 50 years CAT has been at the forefront of the environmental movement, pioneering low-carbon living and renewable technology. At the Graduate School of the Environment students benefit from our extensive practical and academic knowledge, graduating with the skills needed to become leading players in the sustainability sector.

Hands-on, flexible and immersive learning
At CAT, hands-on practical learning takes place side by side with academic study, group work and lectures during residential on-site block learning weeks taught at the CAT, an immersive learning environment. Nestled in a disused slate quarry on the edge of the Eryri National Park, CAT is a living laboratory for practical, sustainable solutions. It contains some of the most innovative and renowned environmentally conscious buildings in the country, as well as one of the most diverse range of installed renewable technologies, on site water and sewage treatment, sustainably managed woodland and acres of organic gardens. It is a flexible degree with a choice of modules, each 8 weeks long, taken over one year or two – meaning the degree can be part time. It is a masters degree designed to give you the best possible experience whilst also meshing neatly with the pressures of modern professional and family life.

Interested in studying this course? Join us for our next open day or contact us.