Are you ready for a career change, a year doing something completely different, or perhaps looking to move to postgraduate studies after completing your first degree?
For this month’s newsletter, we focus in on our postgraduate programmes which are now open for applications. Alongside our MSc Holistic Science and our MA Economics for Transition which started this academic year, we are excited to announce a pioneering programme – MSc Sustainable Horticulture and Food Production – which is currently in development for 2012.
As usual we’ve had a high number of enquiries already for these small group learning experiences, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information should you need it.
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Are you deeply concerned about the state of the nature and ready for change both as an individual and as an active agent within our culture?
We are seeking highly motivated individuals who want to make a difference in the world.
Join our learning community for this pioneering programme in holistic science which completely re-evaluates our scientific understanding of nature, the ecological crisis we face and our role in widespread ecological, economic and social change.
Our teachers on the MSc include: Stephan Harding, Satish Kumar, Philip Frances, Patricia Shaw, Peter Reason, Henri Bortoft and Margaret Colquhoun in addition to the leading thinkers, practitioners and activists that make up our international visiting faculty.
Read more here about Holistic Science: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/msc-holistic-science
Nigel Topping
I am currently working as the Chief Innovation Officer for the Carbon Disclosure Project. CDP is an international NGO, working to accelerate action on climate change and other natural resource constraints by transforming the global business system.
We do this by running a global disclosure program on behalf of 551 investors with over $71 trillion of assets. On their behalf we engage with the largest companies in the world, asking them to share information on the impact of climate change on their business.
The MSc in Holistic Science has helped me view the global economy (embedded as it is in our finite earth ecology) as a complex adaptive system. In particular, as I seek to accelerate the rate of innovation and the scale of impact of our work, I am much more relaxed about throwing out new ideas and only pursuing those that seem to attract the energy of colleagues and partners.
Terry Irwin
I am the Head of the School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University. I have fiscal, hiring and curricular responsibilities within the school which has undergraduate, graduate and PhD degrees. Currently I am leading the faculty in developing a new mission/vision that puts design for society and the environment at the heart of our curriculum. This process (both in the facilitation/leading people and in developing content for courses) is informed by the things I learned in the MSc for Holistic Science.
It is pretty difficult to sum up what I learned in the MSc in a few sentences. The very short answer is that I better learned how the world works – how the dynamics of life in our three-dimensional reality work. I learned to see myself as embedded in a web of life that is always placed-based. I shifted my focus from things to relationships. And I will for the rest of my life be a student of these dynamics in order to live and design in harmony with them instead of opposition.
Jonannes Jaeger
I was an MSc student at Schumacher in 1999/2000. Currently, I am a group leader in systems biology at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona. The science I am doing now would never be the same had I not had the life-changing experience of the Schumacher MSc in Holistic Science. The MSc was definitely a turning point in my life.
Schumacher gave me the philosophical foundations, and the practical methods, to approach science and life in an integrative way. It also made me conscious of other people out there who are looking for different answers than those provided by mainstream science. It gave me courage and energy to do science my way.
Sophia van Ruth
Myself with two friends from Rotterdam have founded an organisation called Urban Edibles. Personally I’ve been very inspired by databases like the Plants for a Future database but when I show it to city people who are not used to growing plants they find it overwhelming. Our intention is to make a simpler version of a growers database that is specific for growing in pots and caters more to balcony farming, and then to create an easy, fun way of choosing plants that are suited to you. Ongoing funding for research will be from sales of personalised starter kits for urban farmers.
The MSc certainly opened my eyes to new ways of doing business in a complex world. Both the formal teachings and the tremendous networking potential of the College have helped me in forging a professional life that I feel reflects my ideals.
Read more here about Holistic Science: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/msc-holistic-science
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Never has there been a more important time for a new approach to economics.
There is an urgent need for a radical rethink of our economic system. We need a new model that recognises the challenges we face now, rather than following the thinking from previous centuries. It would contain measures to mitigate and adapt to issues we currently face, such as financial instability, food security, poverty, energy resilience and climate change. It would recognise the absolute need for equity and social justice right at it.
This is the intention with our cutting-edge new programme: MA in Economics for Transition. For 20 years Schumacher College has been a catalyst and a forum for new and radical economic thinking and now, in collaboration with the New Economics Foundation, the Transition Network and the Business School at the University of Plymouth we can offer our students the chance to join those at the forefront of change in economic thinking globally.
Teachers on the MA include: Jonathan Dawson, Julie Richardson, Andrew Simms, David Boyle, Rob Hopkins, Naresh Giangrande, David Wheeler, Derek Shepherd, Atul Mishra, Lynda Rodwell, Peter Harper, Eve Mitleton-Kelly and David Bent.
Click here fore more details: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/ma-in-economics-for-transition
Ruth Potts has been working work as campaign manager for The Great Transition at the New Economics Foundation and has a background in activism, campaign and media.
I chose this MA because I think that in order to make the Great Transition, we need practical examples of how to make change happen. I thought the Schumacher College combination of broad theoretical exploration, practical creativity and community living seemed the perfect combination for delivering that change in the wider world. I hoped the College would be an ‘action training centre’ for Transition and the people and practices here have far exceeded my expectations.
Tabata Marchetti Villares has been working as International Affairs Adviser at the Ethos Institute and UN Global Compact. She has a background in cultural marketing, corporate social responsibility and international affairs.
The transition is happening inside and outside. My values are changing and what is important in life is becoming clear. This experience is the best thing I have chosen in my life. I knew that coming here would be a transition and that it would help me to take a step forward. Now I’m here, there’s no way back. It’s choosing a new life, something that’s more real than life was before.
Chris Tittle has been working with AmeriCorps VISTA, a US National Service programme focusing on community capacity building and poverty alleviation.
Thus far, as a total experience, the course has been excellent. The content has been very stimulating and the format has been sufficiently diverse to allow many ways of seeing and exploring the topics. The group dynamics are a large part of why the experience has been meaningful.
Professor Eve Mitleton-Kelly from London School of Economics is a regular teacher on the programme, specialising in complexity theory and organisational learning.
The ethos of Schumacher College, the strong link to ecological sustainability and an approach that is based on co-creation of ideas are exactly what makes it such a good place to rethink economics. It offers a fundamentally different model of education that we can learn from and apply to the economy and to other areas of our lives. It’s about looking at things holistically, being open to new ideas and experiments and not being frightened by uncertainty.
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Join the growers, leaders and change agents at the forefront of new thinking in Horticulture for resilient and healthy food systems.
This new and exciting MSc, which is still in development, grows out of our craft-level courses which have run in collaboration with Duchy College. It will explore the frontiers of research and practice that will meet the social, ecological and economic challenges our food systems face in the 21st Century.
We offer you a highly unique and transformative blend of academic and practical learning opportunities from Schumacher College, the Eden Project and the Centre for Alternative Technology.
More information will be available on course content and teachers over the next few weeks so please register here to be kept up to date,
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I did one of the first Level 2 Courses in Sustainable Horticulture at Schumacher College. I’d been looking for a course like this for years and it has completely changed my life. I am now working as a full-time gardener and I absolutely love it.
Alison, Sustainable Horticulture, Level 2
What I really love about the course – the thing that makes me deeply, simply happy – is having my hands in the soil. It feeds me at every level: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It’s like coming back to what really matters.
Sue, Sustainable Horticulture, Level 2
There is no similar course available that provides the insights and tools to facilitate the transition of the horticultural sector towards a resilient future. The coalition of Schumacher College, the Eden Project, and the Centre for Alternative Technology draws together complementing strengths and is an impressive line-up.
Andrew Brown, Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Garden, Hong Kong, China
The course is practical and stretching, both technically and philosophically, and should result in an increased number of well informed and forward thinking existing and aspiring growers – exactly what the horticultural sector needs to face the interest and challenges ahead.
Phil Stocker, Soil Association
This course, and the exciting collaboration behind it, will break new ground in providing an opportunity for growers of the future to safeguard our ability to produce into the long term. Food security depends utterly on environmental security which in turn depends on people. The course makes these connections and looks at food in a truly sustainable way from the perspectives of production, ecology and people.
David Riddle, National Trust
We are looking at various ways of delivering our masters programmes to make them more accessible to different people. If you are interested in taking part in our postgraduate programmes on a more flexible basis, we would really welcome your help by clicking here to complete a 2-3 minute survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MDFGDHF
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Naresh Giangrande, Rob Hopkins, Sophy Banks, Julie Richardson and Jonathan Dawson
Increasing numbers of people are waking up to the urgent need for major changes to our way of life and the systems that support it. The business as usual mentality does not take account for the finite resources which support our unsustainable trajectory and the damage this does to our planet. So what should our response be? What can we as individuals and communities do to prepare for the inevitable insecurity our futures hold?
With few resources the Transition movement has inspired effective action in hundreds of communities across the world – from major cities to rural hamlets, from wealthy towns to the slums of Sao Paolo – to work towards inclusive, relocalised and sustainable ways of living. This two week course is taught by the pioneers and leaders of the Transition movement and looks at what it is about Transition that has created such widespread engagement around changing how we live.
“Transition is the most vital social experiment of our times. The Transition movement has already motivated thousands to begin to adapt their lives to the twin challenge of peak oil and climate change.” Tim Jackson author of Prosperity without Growth
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We invite you to join us during the pre-Christmas period and escape from shopping, sales, piped music, and exhortations to buy more! Come and slow down, reflect, and enjoy the simple winter pleasures of baking, craft and conviviality.
Whether you choose to walk amongst the gardens and woodlands of the Estate or relax in the College’s many tranquil spaces, staying and taking part in College life will give you a place to structure your time as you wish and connect with friends old and new. The retreat also offers the opportunity to:
The retreat also coincides with the unveiling of a new portrait of College founder Satish Kumar. All those attending the retreat will have the opportunity to be part of this College-wide celebration.
We hope you can spend time with us.
Click here for more details: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/yule-retreat-and-celebration
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Jenny Mackewn and Toni Spencer return to the College to deliver their highly successful 3 week programme on Ecological Facilitation. This is an emerging field which uses our understanding of healthy, dynamic ecosystems for guidance in approaching change and leadership.
This highly experiential and practical course takes an ‘action research’ approach to developing participants’ work alongside theories of group process, leadership and change. The course draws on the following range of fields to support the fuller engagement of all: participatory arts, ecopsychology, embodiment work, practical sustainability and dialogue.
Click here for more details: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/ecological-facilitation-a-gritty-and-creative-approach-to-leadership-2
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Many thanks to those of you who helped pass on information about our first six month programme: Cultivating an Ecoliterate Worldview, which combines a 2 week residential with facilitated online learning.
Because of your assistance, we managed to fill this course very quickly and already have bookings for March 2012.
We are delighted to offer this course which is a concentration of all we believe and teach here at the College. It is particularly aimed at those of you who would like to immerse yourself in an in-depth investigation of your relationship with the ecological world, but don’t have time to spend more than two weeks at the College.
Please click here for more information about the course which will run every 6 months. http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/courses/cultivating-an-ecoliterate-worldview-person-place-and-practice-2
On the Cutting Edge of Chaos – Chaos and Complexity, Creativity and Innovation in Business
Ex-MSc student Simon Robinson looks at chaos and complexity.
Read more here: www.transitionconsciousness.wordpress.com
Schumacher Centenary Festival, by Inga Page
Inga Page writes about the recent Schumacher festival which celebrated the centenary of EF Schumacher. Speakers at the weekend long event included Rob Hopkins, Satish Kumar, Polly Higgins and Diana Schumacher.
Read more here: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/blog/schumacher-centenary-festival-by-inga-page
Cultivating An Ecoliterate Worldview – by Emily Ryan
Emily Ryan, facilitator and co-designer of the new programme: Cultivating An Ecoliterate Worldview, Person, Place and Practice, talks about how this exciting course came into being.
Read more here: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/blog/cultivating-an-ecoliterate-worldview-by-emily-ryan
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If you have been to our website recently you may have seen some cosmetic changes to the way it looks.
Thanks to Dartington web manager Ed Oliver and the College communications team, we have redesigned the site to make browsing easier for you.
Over the next few months we will be redeveloping aspects of the website to enhance user access and create new spaces to help you find out more about all that is happening.
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The Encounters Transition Youth Theatre
This new Youth Theatre is a unique opportunity for young people to work with professional theatre artists Encounters to express through drama, writing, music and movement your ideas about our world today.
What’s it like to be alive now? What are your hopes for the future? What makes you smile? What do you fear? What might the world be like in 2030? What is your role in the bigger picture?
The Youth Theatre will work weekly with Ben Yeger of Encounters to create a public performance in March 2012. Everyone involved will have a say and make a contribution to the performance.
When – Wednesday evenings 6-9pm, November 2 – 28 March
Where – Studio 20, Dartington Hall, Totnes
Cost – £150 (£100 low incomes) for all sessions
Contact – info@encounters-arts.org.uk, 07977 449901, www.encounters-arts.org.uk
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Budding entrepreneurs in the South West can now get the help they need to set up their socially-minded business ideas, thanks to the Dartington School for Social Entrepreneurs, which is running a series of free taster events around the South West region. Click here for more details
If you would like to attend one of these events, please register by contacting Sam Haydock at sam.haydock@dartington.org or by phoning the school on 01803 847066.
If you are a budding Green Entrepreneur then there is still a chance to take part in our course Green Entrepreneurship in Action which is run in conjunction with DSSE and will feature a host of inspiring entrepreneurs including: Maddy Harland, William Lana, Nigel Lowthrop, Guy Watson, Colin Crooks and Tim Macartney. Click here for more details>>
Your chance to tell your story in a new book by Joanna Macy
Are you are engaged in activities and projects that aim to contribute to building a more life-sustaining world? Would you like to share your work through creative writing? If so, we invite you to propose a chapter for this book.
Stories of the Great Turning is edited by Peter Reason and Melanie Newman, with an introduction by Joanna Macy. The book is a collection of stories of how individuals and groups are contributing to this revolution. You do not have to be a skilled writer to contribute, but you do have to be willing to rise to the challenge of telling your story beautifully. For more information about how to get involved see http://www.valapublishers.coop/stories-of-the-great-turning
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This film features farmers, agroforesters, permaculture activists, urban gardeners, agro-ecology experts, “food sovereignty” activists and founders of local currencies. Capturing their experiences in France, England and Cuba the film provides a valuable insight into the people who have inspired many others to embark on the path of Transition towards greater food sovereignty, relocalised economies and resilient food production system.
Watch the trailer here: http://www.milpafilms.org/home.html
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Many of you will be familiar with Resurgence, the publication which celebrates its 45th anniversary this year as a magazine focusing on the environment, spirituality and the arts.
Edited by Satish Kumar, Visiting Fellow at Schumacher College, it is published six times a year and is packed with interesting and informative articles that reflect the content of courses we run. Previous contributors have included HRH The Prince of Wales, The Dalai Lama, Antony Gormley, Annie Lennox and Jonathon Porritt.
The November/December issue is entitled Wellbeing: Happy People, Happy Planet. Contributors include Robert Holden, Rob Hopkins, Richard Ryder, Richard Layard and Anthony Seldon.
Resurgence has worked closely with Schumacher College for many years and is providing an exciting offer for new members. Join for £30 in the UK or £40 overseas, before the end of December 2011 and you will get 6 copies of the magazine for the year. £5 of your membership will be donated to Schumacher College.
To take advance of this offer, please phone Resurgence’s membership office on +44 (0) 1208 841824 and quote SC when making your payment.
January 29 to February 13, 2012
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Links with India is offering a unique small-group trip to India in 2012, to explore the many inspiring and innovative projects in sustainable living being pioneered by the individuals who are leading a renaissance in Indian civil society.
In association with Schumacher College, the aim of this two-week journey is to build learning bridges that enable the sharing of ideas and best practice. This will be achieved by spending a few days at some of the leading organisations in this area, participating in their daily running and reflecting on how the lessons learned can applied to practices at home.
Links with India has been created by experienced educators Andrew and Maggie Alexander who have led many student groups to the country.
Cost: £2000 (includes accommodation, food and internal travel)
Flights, VISAs and insurance extra
There are only 10 places available on this trip so please book early on www.linkswithindia.com or by contacting Andrew and Maggie on 07825 417332, 07785 233656 or info@linkswithindia.com
Bill McKibben: Saving the Planet from the Bottom Up!
Jonathan Dawson: The Global Ecovillage Experience
Kate Pickett & Richard Wilkinson: The Big Idea – Why Equality is Better for Everyone
Visit: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk
Email: admin@schumachercollege.org.uk / Tel: +44 (0)1803 865934
