Course summary

Masters in Green Building A flexible Master’s degree designed to develop a deep understanding and confidence around sustainable design principles and sustainable materials, their regulatory and legal requirements and their practical use. Taught at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), which pioneered sustainability practice and theory in the UK, you will get hands on practical experience alongside in-depth academic study to gain a rigorous understanding of the social, practical, political, economic and environmental aspects of green building. This Master’s degree tackles these themes through a combination of academic study, discussion and hands-on practical work. We give our MSc students the knowledge, skills and experience needed to develop a career in the environmental sector and make an impact. The programme draws on our expert staff and a wide selection of academics and specialist guest lecturers; people who have made exceptional contributions to environmental thinking and action. The MSc course uses the concepts of sustainability and adaptation transformation to frame an analysis of environmental and climate change policy and its implications for society. Students can then choose modules from a wide range of topics which cover the practical uses of sustainable building materials and methods, the theory behind the selection and use of materials, energy flows, building design, planning and retrofitting, waste management and policy and planning issues 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 through a mixture of the two. What qualification will you receive? Successful completion of the programme MSc Sustainability and Adaptation at the Centre for Alternative Technology leads to the award of Master of Science (MSc) by UEL. 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 UEL. Modules include: Introduction to Sustainability and Adaptation Sustainability and Adaptation Concepts in Practice Sustainable Materials in the Built Environment Ecosystems and Ecosystems Services Introduction to Politics and Economics of the Environment Energy Flows in Buildings Cities and Communities Low and Zero Carbon Buildings Energy Provision Circular Building Applied Research Design MSc Dissertation Why study at CAT? Studying at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a truly unique experience. For the past 40 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 (GSE), students benefit from our extensive practical and academic knowledge, graduating with the skills needed to become leading players in the sustainability sector. Find out more about our facilities here. 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 Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), an immersive learning environment. Nestled in a disused slate quarry on the edge of the Snowdonia 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. Is this the course for you? Interested in studying this course? Join us for our next open day or contact us.