Centre for Human Ecology (CHE) and University of Strathclyde launch continuing professional development courses for people seeking effective, enduring change for ecological sustainability and social justice.

The first courses, which start in September, are Ethical Enterprise, Food Culture & Agri-Culture, and Spiritual Activism. The programme continues in the new year with Action Research, Sustaining Ecosystems and Ecopsychology.

Designed for people working with business, government, communities and the more-than-profit sector, the courses bring together insights from ecological and social perspectives, and explore how we can each be more effective agents of change – in our organisations, our communities and in the wider society.

Osbert Lancaster, executive director of CHE, and leader of the Ethical Enterprise course, said “Each courses focuses on a specific aspect of sustainability and justice. Ethical Enterprise looks at how values-led organisations can successfully address these issues through commercial activity. Food Culture & Agri-Culture addresses how food and agriculture influences our lives and impact on the world in which we live. Spiritual Activism explores how spiritual bodies of knowledge may guide and inspire people working with social and ecological justice.

“Underlying each of these different courses is the common thread of head, heart and hand: bringing together knowledge and critical thinking, insight and compassion, and the skills for practical action.”

Professor David Miller, Head of Department of Geography and Sociology, said “These new courses strengthen the partnership between the department and CHE. The emphasis on head, heart and hand reflects the university’s commitment to useful knowledge – and the department’s desire to put academia at the service of the environment and the public interest.”

Jamie Whittle, a graduate of the MSc in Human Ecology and now an environmental lawyer practicing in Scotland, said of his experience of CHE: “I know of no university course in the world that offers the honest critique and mind-expanding exploration of environmental and social issues that can be found at CHE.”

Most of the courses are based around two intensive two-day workshops in Glasgow, with additional private study and project work. Osbert Lancaster explains “We find this structure means participants from all over the UK can participate, just needing to travel for the workshops.”

Successful completion of the courses lead to the award of Certificate of Professional Development by the University.

For details click here