Centre for Alternative Technology

  • Master (6)
  • Short course (5)
  • Course (3)
  • In Powys

Course catalogue

Course subjects

Types

Methods

See all See entire catalogue

Reviews on Centre for Alternative Technology (12)

12
4.8 /5
100%

Reviews

Centre rating

Recommended

Masters of Sustainable Architecture

Former Student

15/11/2016
What I would highlight: I have enjoyed my time at CAT from the beginning to end. The course was very valuable in helping me to develop a new career as a freelancer as a sustainable business advisor.
What could be improved: All good.
Course taken: November 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

Solar P.V. Off-grid Systems

Former Student

15/11/2016
What I would highlight: I must say I utterly have enjoyed doing the MSc. veryone involved with making the course happen have done a great job. I would recommend it.
What could be improved: Not really.
Course taken: November 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

MSc Sustainability and Adaptation in the Built Environment

Former Student

17/10/2016
What I would highlight: It has been a life changing experience! I would do the course all over again if I could! Thank you for everything. You must be very proud of all you have achieved.
What could be improved: All good.
Course taken: October 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

Building with Straw Bales

Former Student

13/10/2016
What I would highlight: I honestly would like to thank all the staff at CAT for the valuable experience taking this course. My understanding of all things environmental has opened doors for me. Overall, the programme is outstanding.
What could be improved: Everything was OK.
Course taken: October 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

MSc Sustainability and Adaptation

Former Student

20/08/2016
What I would highlight: I think no other course in UK can offer similar range of theoretical and practical learning in such important issues.
What could be improved: Nothing.
Course taken: August 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

Biomass for Installers: H005DE (HETAS)

Former Student

20/08/2016
What I would highlight: Overall, the teaching staff was very knowledgeable and patient. Even though I’m an academic and wasn’t completely committed to this course, a great deal of what you taught was absorbed.
What could be improved: All good.
Course taken: August 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

Biomass for Installers: H005DE (HETAS)

Former Student

08/08/2016
What I would highlight: Thank you for organizing everything. I felt welcome since the first time I arrived, whole experience has been brilliant. I enjoyed everything; from the practical studies to the student project debates.
What could be improved: Everything was OK.
Course taken: August 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

Energy Provision (inc Renewable Energy)

Former Student

24/07/2016
What I would highlight: Great course. CAT is such a demanding, stimulating and rewarding place. I have learnt new skills, made good friends and gained much confidence about materials I had no idea about despite my years of experience. A big thank you for you.
What could be improved: Nothing.
Course taken: July 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

Eco Refurbishment

Former Student

11/07/2016
What I would highlight: I’m enjoying every minute of my study. Content is superb as are info and links connected with them.
What could be improved: Not really.
Course taken: July 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

MSc Sustainability in Energy Provision and Demand Management*

Former Student

14/06/2016
What I would highlight: My whole career consists on being an energy research analyst, much of which has focused on macro issues. Getting into the technical aspects, the nuts and bolts, has been amazing.
What could be improved: Not really.
Course taken: June 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

MSc Sustainability and Adaptation

Former Student

14/06/2016
What I would highlight: I think I love the people I’ve met on this course. Staff and tutor from CAT are great too, they have an optimistic and honest attitude to teaching the subject.
What could be improved: Everything was OK.
Course taken: June 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes

MSc Sustainable Food and Natural Resources*

Former Student

04/06/2016
What I would highlight: I feel grateful with everyone involved in my learning process. CAT is an amazing place to learn and undertaking this master has been very important to me. Overall, it has been a unique, engaging and effective experience.
What could be improved: Nothing.
Course taken: June 2016
Would you recommend this course?: Yes
*All reviews collected by Emagister & iAgora have been verified

More information

History

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) was founded in 1973 on the site of the disused Llwyngwern slate quarry near Machynlleth, in Mid Wales.

When founder Gerard Morgan-Grenville started the organisation, he conceived "a project to show the nature of the problem and show ways of going forward." It was originally a community dedicated to eco-friendly principles and a 'test bed' for new ideas and technologies - the Visitor Centre was a later addition.

In the beginning, progress in the quarry was slow, and the early attempts to raise money were frustrating. Volunteers worked long hours, often by candlelight - there was no electricity on the site at that time.

Liz Todd, one of the early volunteers, remembers shrews running across the table during mealtimes and eating from plates. An old engine shed with a leaking roof was the only habitable building on site at that time.

Slowly, increasing numbers of interested people came to CAT, and many stayed as volunteers. As more workers arrived, they brought a wide range of skills and experience.

In 1974, The Duke of Edinburgh visited CAT. After his visit, some members of staff suggested turning part of the site into a Visitor Centre, a permanent exhibition to explain CAT's work and generate interest in alternative technology. It opened to the public in 1975.

Since then, CAT has grown to become Europe's leading eco-centre. It is staffed by 90 permanent staff and volunteers all year round, and a further 60 people during the summer months. We receive around 65,000 visitors every year, who come to learn about our work.

CAT (as a Visitor Centre) celebrated its 30th birthday in 2005. Far from settling down to a quiet life, the Centre is constantly changing and adapting. We continue to produce exciting new projects, schemes and ideas, building on over three decades of knowledge and experience.

Description

Nestled in the foothills of Snowdonia, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) offers positive solutions and training towards making Britain and beyond zero carbon. Our range of postgraduate and practical skills courses draw on more than 40 years of experience in sustainability, renewable energy, architecture and the built environment. Join one of our programmes and gain the practical skills to launch your career in making change happen.

Centre for Alternative Technology