Careers & Progression
Our degree isn’t just to help you understand how we can better meet the needs of society, but to also prepare you for a career in that changing context. BMC students will graduate with a respected interdisciplinary degree, work experience and evidence of impact, having already changed the world a little, and that’s a big deal.
Our BA (Hons) Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology and Systems Change is structured with three ‘Change in Practice’ modules at each level allowing you to progressively apply what you’re learning in real-world settings, culminating in a year-long industry placement and project in year three.
You will also develop academic and practical skills to enact positive and sustainable systems change through real problem-based learning projects in social, business and community settings. This will enable you to succeed and make a lasting difference in a wide range of careers.
Each student is assigned a personal tutor who will advise on careers and future plans. We have a dedicated Student Support team who can provide additional guidance, and of course, you will have access to Cardiff Metropolitan University’s careers service.
Here are some of the employers who’ve expressed an interest in hosting BMC students for challenges and placements or could be interested in hiring BMC graduates:
There are also many opportunities to pursue your own research, civic engagement projects and collaborative ventures with other students around the world through the Open Society University Network (OSUN) and the Ecoversities Alliance both of which we are members. Visit the OSUN website to view what opportunities are currently available.
We expect BMC Graduates entering employment will have sharpened critical skills and facility and experience in communication, creativity, teamwork, and initiative. These skills are highly valued and relevant in any sector you choose to work.
Your Progression options
If you’d like to continue your studies there are opportunities with our partners at Cardiff Metropolitan University, the Graduate School for the Environment – Centre for Alternative Technology, and further afield at universities around the world.
Whether you progress to employment or further study, our degree will prepare you effectively for a rapidly changing world. All sectors will be reshaped in the coming years. Many corporate and public sector bodies are employing ‘climate officers’ and ‘sustainability’ teams – in some sectors, climate reporting is becoming a legal requirement.
Our degree will prepare graduates well for a future career in research and academia.
The preparation means you’ll be ready for many new careers that do not yet exist but may emerge in response to the ecological crisis including but not limited to:
- Agriculture, conservation and land-based industries
- Industries reshaped by climate change in the coming decades – which is nearly all
- Roles in politics, the media, charity, the voluntary sector, and international relations in which an understanding of systems change
- Education
- The Arts for social change
- Roles in politics, the media, charity, the voluntary sector, and international relations in which an understanding of systems change will be essential to shape future policy
As a ground-breaking new institution BMC has a wide network of supporters, experts and professionals in many countries and across many sectors keen to assist future generations in making a difference. As a pioneer at BMC, you will have access to this informal and personal network.
When you graduate, you will become an alumnus of both Black Mountains College and Cardiff Metropolitan University.