
Sustainability and Ecology
Master of Science | PG Certificate | PG Diploma
Optional modules
Environmental Politics and EconomicsThe aim of this module is to develop an informed understanding of the complexity of political and economic opinions, perspectives, constraints and interactions that influence environmental policy and action, from international to local levels.
You will investigate how these factors affect attitudes towards, and actions related to, environmental change, sustainability and transformational adaptation planning and policy.
A mixture of lectures, seminar sessions and debates will provide a thorough understanding of historical political and economic transformations in order that you can critically and systematically appraise the influences on and potential outcomes of the transformations required to deliver sustainability and adaptation.
You will develop a discerning and detailed knowledge of the complexities, interrelationships and interactions that exist between politics, economics and other social sciences so that you can contextualise them with reference to environmental sustainability and adaptation planning.
This is a 15 credit module.
Read more about this module for courses awarded by the University of East London: EV7104 - Environmental Politics and Economics UEL
Read more about this module for courses awarded by Liverpool John Moores University 7502CATSCI - Environmental Politics and Economics LJMU
What’s it like to study at CAT? Read more about the teaching and learning experience.
This module takes an in-depth look at global and local trends in food production, trends in diet and health, and the impact of food production on the environment including climate change.
We explore how food can be produced sustainably, looking at the role of consumer behaviour, economics, technology and legislation.
You will study the complex interplay between global and local food markets, vertical integration of agriculture, consumer diets and health, ‘food sovereignty’, the impact of machinery and transportation, economics, labour and environmental externalities on the sustainable production of food.
You will critically evaluate how current markets, policies and consumer behaviour could be transformed to ensure greater sustainability in food production and resource use.
This is a 15 credit module.
Find out more about this module: 7503CATSCI - Food Production and Consumption LJMU
What’s it like to study at CAT? Read more about the teaching and learning experience.
This module helps develop your knowledge of current research and discourse concerning adaptation planning and sustainability of cities and communities, and their place in current and future environmental contexts.
You will develop a thorough understanding of key elements, infrastructures, maintenance issues, energy budgets, material flows, waste disposal, transportation, and the social dynamics that underlie the development and management of communities and cities.
Following a critical assessment of the complex factors that influence the provision of sustainability and adaptation planning within urban and community focused environments, you will be able to recognise and rationalise the prospects for innovative research and practice for city and community regeneration in the built environment.
This is a 15 credit module.
Read more about this module for courses awarded by the University of East London: EV7105 - Cities and Communities UEL
Read more about this module for courses awarded by Liverpool John Moores University: 7504CATSCI - Cities and Communities LJMU
This module involves a systematic evaluation of the environmental impacts and the wider social and health implications of building materials, looking at the use, performance and usability of different materials.
You will gain a thorough appreciation of how environmentally sustainable materials offer creative opportunities for the use and development of high quality, healthy, effective, and long lasting products that can enhance rather than damage ecosystems.
You will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of different materials, and look at how to use sustainable options in the most effective ways.
We explore issues around the availability, cost, physical properties, construction methods and general perceptions of environmentally responsive materials, looking at ease of use, mainstream acceptance, design limitations, logistical considerations, and economic viability.
Students joining us on-site for the study week get hands-on experience with sustainable building materials in this highly practical module, working with rammed earth, cob, hemp and lime, timber and straw bales.
This is a 15 credit module.
Read more about this module for courses awarded by the University of East London: EV7110 - Sustainable Materials in the Built Environment UEL (394 downloads)
Read more about this module for courses awarded by Liverpool John Moores University 7507CATSCI - Sustainable Materials in the Built Environment LJMU (169 downloads)
What’s it like to study at CAT? Read more about the teaching and learning experience.
In this module we study the biogeography of crops and the importance of geographical climate, soil and water resources; and also the science behind GMOs, energy crops and different approaches to growing food, including organic agriculture, conventional agriculture, permaculture, agroforestry and agroecology, looking at the current and potential use of different systems.
You will use data to analyse the environmental impacts of different food production methods on greenhouse gas emissions, carbon sequestration, soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
You will develop an appreciation of the key scientific advances, debates and uncertainties in the science of sustainable food production.
This is a 15 credit module.
Find out more about this module: 7510CATSCI - The Science of Sustainable Food Production LJMU
What’s it like to study at CAT? Read more about the teaching and learning experience.
This project is designed to deepen your knowledge and understanding of a specialist subject within your chosen field of study.
It involves you in analysing complex evidence generated through the Applied Project, and in developing critical responses to existing theoretical discourses, methodologies or practices within your chosen subject.
This is a practical student-led project and report that will include statistical analyses of ongoing projects. It may take the form of, for example, a case study scenario exercise or a design, fabrication, experimentation and testing exercise.
This is a 15 credit module.
Read more about this module for courses awarded by the University of East London: EV7111 - Applied Project UEL
Read more about this module for courses awarded by Liverpool John Moores University 7508CATSCI - Applied Project LJMU
Based on a project that you are undertaking in practice, for example in your workplace or community, this module allows you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of a specialist subject within your chosen field of study.
You will undertake analysis of complex evidence and develop critical responses to existing theoretical discourses, methodologies or practices within the chosen specialist area.
This is a 15 credit module.
Read more about this module for courses awarded by the University of East London: EV7112 - Work Based Project UEL
Read more about this module for courses awarded by Liverpool John Moores University 7509CATSCI - Work-based Project LJMU

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Our course Sustainability and Ecology is now accepting applications for 2021/22. If you have further questions or need support with your application then do get in touch.