Regenerative Economics | Dartington Trust

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.

How does the programme provide content to ensure students achieve an understanding of a reasonably diverse set of perspectives on understanding economies?

The Regenerative Economics programme is organised into 4 taught modules and one dissertation module - Ecology and Economics, Beyond Growth, Regenerative Enterprise, and Changing the Frame. Diversity is part of the DNA of the programme. Each of these modules frame an inquiry into the problematics of the current dominant paradigm and explore alternatives across a broad range of perspectives and disciplines. These modules include guest presenters and faculty, and topics include deep ecology, complexity, phenomenology, ecological economics, ‘neo-Schumpeterian’, Degrowth, solidarity economy, complexity economics, Doughnut Economics, wellbeing and care economics, ‘community wealth building’, new municipalism, ‘relocalisation’, etc. 

How does the programme ensure students understand the interaction between economic and ecological systems?

Schumacher College has a longstanding international reputation as an intellectual wellspring for deep ecology, holistic science and related fields of inquiry. Our Regenerative Economics course is unique in that it begins with a deep exploration of these topics with renowned experts, grounding the students in an ecological perspective - the philosophy, science and its applications to new economic thinking and solutions to the planetary crises we face. These foundations are developed, explicated, and tested as the course develops in a recursive and discursive, deepening and broadening ‘regenerative economics’ inquiry. 

How does the programme ensure students understand how to critically explore real-world evidence, both qualitative and quantitative?

As an accredited post-graduate programme we teach and practice a range of research methods. With the resources of our educational partner, University of Plymouth, we have access to a wealth of academic literature. And during the course we welcome the contributions of domain experts many of whom are sharing their research.   

What pedagogical approaches does the programme use to ensure that students examine the historical context, assumptions and values in all economic thinking?

Schumacher College, and this course in particular, have earned reputations for groundbreaking pedagogical methods. Our approach encourages deep reflection, embodied learning, and peer dialogue. The course is now ‘low residential’, which means each module includes two-week intensive teaching at Schumacher College, followed by 4 weeks remote teaching using several platforms forms that enhance the synchronous and asynchronous aspects of the learning process - ‘flipping the classroom’ and putting students at the centre of the experience. Through this approach, the curriculum covers multiple perspectives in examining historical contexts, assumptions and values of both neo-classical and neoliberal capitalism, as well as a range of alternative and heterodox perspectives and practices.

How does the department ensure that the teaching culture and capacity to deliver economic pluralism are continually improving?

Staff undertake training courses to help them stay updated of developments in the field. In addition, there is a high level of cross-fertilisation and collaboration between faculties at the college.

Other information:

This course is at the forefront of new economic thinking, drawing upon diverse disciplines including psychology, anthropology and living system design.

Graduates from this programme will come away with a refined understanding of economics together with tools, methodologies and communication skills to incorporate into their work.

Applications are open for a September 2021 start. This course is at the forefront of new economic thinking, drawing upon diverse disciplines including psychology, anthropology and living system design.

Graduates from this programme will come away with a refined understanding of economics together with tools, methodologies and communication skills to incorporate into their work.

Applications are open for a September 2021 start. This course is at the forefront of new economic thinking, drawing upon diverse disciplines including psychology, anthropology and living system design.

Graduates from this programme will come away with a refined understanding of economics together with tools, methodologies and communication skills to incorporate into their work.

Applications are open for a September 2021 start.