Centre for Alternative Technology in profile
Centre for Alternative Technology is a university. Profile, courses, entry and funding at a glance.
About CAT
Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is a university.
It is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so its degrees are nationally recognised. It is based in Llwyngwern Quarry, Pantperthog, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9AZ.
Numbers & facts
The key facts about CAT at a glance.
Ways to study
How you can study at CAT:
Full-time
The standard route at CAT, a full timetable of teaching, typically three years for an undergraduate degree (four with a placement or year abroad).
Part-time
Spread the same degree over more years and study alongside work or other commitments. Available on selected courses.
Applying from school or college
With A-levels, Scottish Highers or Advanced Highers, a BTEC, T-level, IB or another accepted Level 3 route, you apply to CAT through UCAS, up to five choices in one application, by the late-January equal-consideration deadline. Offers are usually conditional on your predicted grades, confirmed on results day.
Returning to study
If you're 21+ or don't have traditional qualifications, CAT considers an Access to HE Diploma, relevant work experience and contextual factors. Many courses also offer a part-time route, and a foundation year can bridge the gap where entry requirements aren't yet met.
Applying from outside the UK
International applicants apply to CAT through UCAS too, with an English-language qualification (typically IELTS) and international fee status. An International Foundation Year is a common entry route if your qualifications aren't a direct match.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Programmes at CAT
1 programmes at CAT. Search live or filter by subject, level and study mode:
| Course | Award | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Architecture | MArch | Architecture |
No course found. Browse courses at every UK university.
Complete programme list for CAT; full-time, part-time and delivery variants are grouped (1 programmes, 2026).
Campus & locations
CAT is a campus-based university in Powys.
Teaching runs on campus: lectures, seminars and labs alongside libraries and study spaces, with a student community of societies, sport and events around them. The day-to-day exchange with tutors and coursemates is a big part of the experience.
Typical campus facilities; the university’s own pages are authoritative.
Students & campus life
Who you’d study alongside at CAT in Powys. The student body in numbers, from official HESA data.
Ethnicity of UK-domiciled students (HESA); international students not shown here.
Is CAT right for you?
A particularly good fit if you …
- want a recognised UK degree with student finance eligibility
- like the idea of student life in Powys
- prefer campus teaching with societies, sport and people around you
Less suitable if …
you need a fully flexible, distance-learning degree alongside a job. Check whether the individual programme offers online or part-time study.
For parents
The questions parents ask most about CAT, answered briefly.
A recognised UK degree
Centre for Alternative Technology awards its own degrees and is regulated in the UK higher-education framework. Its degrees are nationally recognised and a basis for postgraduate study.
Regulated fees & student finance
Tuition is set under Wales’s own student-finance system. For eligible Welsh-domiciled students, Student Finance Wales can cover tuition and offers a mix of grant and loan for living costs.
A clear, structured route
Fixed term structure, defined assessment rules and academic support give orientation from day one.
Support from day one
Personal tutors, wellbeing and careers services accompany students from enrolment to graduation.
Career prospects
Graduate outcomes are tracked in the national Graduate Outcomes survey. Every course page here shows real earnings and employment data where available.
Structure & campus life
A fixed term rhythm in Powys with in-person teaching, exchange and campus life gives structure and motivation.
Accreditation & recognition
How to read CAT’s formal standing, the seals and what they mean:
Centre for Alternative Technology awards its own degrees, which are accepted nationally and are the basis for Master’s and doctoral study.
Courses at recognised providers may qualify for tuition and maintenance support; eligibility depends on the student, course and home-nation system.
Admissions & entry routes
Fees & funding
CAT is in Wales. Your funding route depends on where you normally live, not only where you study. Eligible Welsh-domiciled students apply through Student Finance Wales. The main routes:
Tuition Fee Loan
For eligible Welsh-domiciled students, paid directly to the university by Student Finance Wales.
Maintenance support
A mix of grant and loan, weighted to household income.
Scholarships & bursaries
University-specific awards for grades, subjects or circumstances. Check the university’s funding pages.
Repayment
Only above the income threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
Tuition fees vary by course and fee status (Home vs International). Please check the university's own course page.
Frequently asked questions about CAT
Is CAT officially recognised?
What can I study at CAT?
How do I apply to CAT?
Request information about Centre for Alternative Technology
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