Regenerative Economics

Some qualifications are offered part-time – these are indicated below.

To get the most out of their course and of being part of our learning community, many students choose a fully immersive experience for the residential taught periods of their course, staying on our stunning 1,200 campus on the banks of the River Dart with full board accommodation.

MA Regenerative Economics challenges and offers alternative perspectives to mainstream economics programmes by looking through the lens of ecology, as if both people and planet mattered equally.

The programme adopts an interrogative approach, exploring diverse global economic philosophies and models. The low-residency structure of this programme enables professionals to combine work and study.

On this course, you’ll explore alternative economic models, many of which were once considered marginal but could now help us radically rethink our existing economic systems. What changes are needed to make our societies more resilient in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss and our reliance on fossil fuels and to address financial instability, food insecurity and poverty?

In recent years we have seen huge political and social upheaval around the globe, bringing our societies to a critical point which now calls for a new way of economic thinking. Schumacher College has developed a reputation for pioneering radical new thinking, attracting leading international teachers, practitioners and activists. Our economics programme has inspired and supported numerous organisations and people in their endeavours to achieve a more sustainable and equitable world.

We continue to maintain our partnership with the Business School at the University of Plymouth.

Hosted by highly respected radical economists and complemented by an international visiting faculty of teachers and practitioners, this programme offers the opportunity to join those at the forefront of new ecological, economic thinking.

Schumacher College and its founder, Satish Kumar, were recently awarded the RSA 2023 Bicentenary Medal for an “outstanding, regenerative and impactful contribution ….. enabling people, places and planet to flourish in harmony.”

Skills you’ll gain on this course

• develop an understanding of how living system design principles can be applied in the socio-economic realm – in short how we can ecologise economy rather than economising ecology
• co-create theoretical principles for a new approach to economics – exploring what a post-growth economy might look like and charting pathways to get there
• work alongside new economy pioneers in the creation and refinement of qualitatively new, mission-based enterprises and other economic structures
• develop the capacity to communicate complex ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences
• explore new economic systems and behaviours not just in abstract theory, but as an engaged participant using head, heart and hands
• enhance your skills as a researcher in the domain of new economics

Qualification(s) required for entry to the MA

BA/BSc (Honours) Degree A first degree
Where the first degree is not a 2.1, or in an unrelated subject, further support of the application or experience may be required.

Other non-standard awards or experience
A willingness engage with the field of Regenerative Economics. Candidates will be considered with prior credited learning and prior experiences subject to interview.* Candidates will be considered with appropriate APL (UoP Regs) subject to interview.

Interview requirements
All applicants are required to attend an interview, either at the College or online. During the interview we will look for: evidence of intellectual clarity during interview; a clearly formulated purpose for taking the course; focused interests and a clear understanding of the ethos and philosophy of the College; readiness and ability to live and work in a communal setting.

*For further information please contact our admissions team at admissions@dartington.org.

 For full details on our fees, plus information about scholarships, student loans and bursaries, click here.

This programme is eligible for Chevening Scholarships for international students. Find out more via this link. 

Guest lectures

Graduates leave to work in:

• Start-ups and local enterprises
• Community organisations
• NGOs: especially those tackling climate emergency
• Ethical Business: making systems more sustainable and socially just
• Economics: analysing how markets responds to various stressors
• Education: teaching in a multi-disciplinary setting

alumni stories