This summer, Black Mountains College in Talgarth, Wales, celebrated the graduation of its first cohort from the ‘Sustainable Futures: Arts, Ecology and Systems Change’ degree programme. The college, founded to equip people with the skills to thrive in a climate-impacted future, offers world-class higher education in a rural setting, making it accessible to learners of all ages who might otherwise have to relocate for their studies. Many graduates are now staying in the area, contributing to the local economy and community through the practical skills they’ve acquired.
Franchised and awarded by Cardiff Metropolitan University, the degree is inspired by Wales’ groundbreaking Well-being of Future Generations Act, a legally binding law that requires public bodies to prioritise long-term sustainability. The programme trains individuals to implement this Act in communities, public bodies, and through self-initiated projects and businesses.
The interdisciplinary degree combines ecology, politics, economics, and art, taught in a hands-on, practical manner. Students learn outdoors, engage with real-world issues, and work on community projects, gaining transferable skills and the knowledge to create meaningful change.
Graduate Success Stories
Charlie James, who previously studied Coppicing at the college, acquired a lease on a smallholding as part of the pioneering Sarn project with Powys County Council whilst he was doing his degree. He now runs it with 2 other young people. After a year of local consultation, they began providing veg boxes, now sold in multiple locations. This September, Charlie starts an MSc in Agroforestry, further developing his ability to contribute to food security for local families amid a volatile climate and economy: “Studying the Degree with Black Mountains College helped me to design and build a coherent and practicable path forward in my career that allows me to turn my values into meaningful action.”
Emily, a mother of two from Mid-Wales, never thought a degree was within her reach. During her time with BMC she has researched composting and waste systems and is piloting new processes while considering offers of a PhD to take her ideas further.
Beni, from Bristol, came to BMC after starting work elsewhere as a teaching assistant. His final year project focused on changes to corporate practices and the burgeoning movement of ‘Nature on The Board’ where he interned. He has helped lay the groundwork for welcoming Nature onto the board of the college and has gained valuable legal experience in the process.
Forrest helped establish the BMC student society during their time at the college, including running workshops, concerts, mini festivals and community events. They are now working as a campaigner for the local river charity, Friends of the River Wye.
Student Entrepreneur Fund
The first cohort of the degree programme, along with other graduates of BMC vocational programmes in forestry, coppicing, regenerative horticulture and nature restoration have been eligible for a new fund to support start-up businesses by BMC graduates. The fund of £40,000 has been generously established by an anonymous donor to BMC. Successful projects which are getting underway in October 2026 include: a native tree nursery, a mushroom growing project, an apple juice and cider vinegar co-op, a sustainable natural balm company and a charcoal business.
Accessible Education for All
As a small college with a global network, Black Mountains College brings world-class education to its community’s doorstep. In a time of rising living costs, the college is committed to making higher education more accessible. The programme is designed with flexibility in mind, with teaching scheduled around school hours to accommodate other life commitments and allow for part-tine work if need be. By blending theory with hands-on, practical learning, the skills students acquire are immediately relevant, engaging those who don’t suit the highly academic approach of traditional universities.
