Black Mountains College Campuses

The Brecon Outreach Campus of Black Mountains College serves as a regional hub for accessible education, specializing in part-time and vocational courses tailored to the needs of local communities in the Brecon Beacons National Park area. This smaller campus emphasizes lifelong learning and professional development in fields relevant to rural Wales.

• Certificate in Rural Tourism Management: This short course covers visitor management, heritage interpretation, and sustainable tourism practices. Participants learn to develop tours highlighting the Black Mountains' history and ecology, with practical training in customer service and digital marketing for small businesses. Ideal for locals entering the tourism sector.
• Diploma in Environmental Health and Safety: Focused on workplace safety in outdoor and agricultural settings, modules include hazard assessment, first aid, and compliance with UK regulations. Hands-on simulations address mountain rescue protocols and farm safety, preparing students for certifications in health and safety roles.
• Foundation in Welsh Language and Culture: Aimed at beginners, this program introduces conversational Welsh, folklore, and cultural studies of the region. Classes incorporate multimedia resources and community events, fostering cultural preservation and integration for residents and newcomers alike.
• Vocational Training in Horticulture and Landscaping: Students gain skills in organic gardening, native plant propagation, and landscape design suited to hilly terrains. The course includes greenhouse work and site visits to local estates, leading to qualifications for employment in landscaping firms or self-employment.
• Short Courses in Digital Skills for Rural Businesses: Covering web design, social media, and e-commerce, these workshops help rural entrepreneurs bridge the digital divide. Practical projects involve creating online platforms for selling local crafts or promoting eco-friendly services.

This campus features flexible scheduling, online-hybrid options, and partnerships with local councils for real-world placements. The intimate setting encourages community engagement, with events like cultural festivals and environmental workshops. While not offering full degrees, it provides pathways to the Main Campus programs. The curriculum prioritizes practical, employable skills, reflecting the college's mission to support sustainable rural economies. Instructors are industry professionals from the area, ensuring relevance. Students often complete projects benefiting the community, such as trail maintenance guides or cultural heritage maps. This outreach model democratizes education, empowering individuals to thrive in their local environment while contributing to regional vitality.

Black Mountains College's Main Campus offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs focused on environmental sciences, sustainable development, and creative arts, reflecting the natural beauty and ecological significance of the surrounding Black Mountains region in Wales.

• Environmental Science and Sustainability: This program delves into climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy solutions. Students engage in fieldwork studying local ecosystems, learning about habitat restoration and policy-making for sustainable land use. Courses include Ecology of Mountain Regions, Sustainable Agriculture, and Environmental Policy Analysis, equipping graduates for roles in conservation organizations and green technology firms.
• Creative Writing and Literature: Inspired by the rugged landscapes, this course explores narrative techniques through the lens of nature writing. Workshops cover poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, with modules on Welsh literary traditions and ecocriticism. Students participate in residencies where they write about the mountains' folklore and history.
• Outdoor Education and Adventure Studies: Designed for aspiring leaders in experiential learning, this program teaches mountaineering, navigation, and risk assessment. Practical sessions involve hiking the Black Mountains trails, rock climbing, and team-building exercises. It prepares students for careers in adventure tourism, youth development, and outdoor therapy.
• Business and Entrepreneurship in Rural Economies: Focusing on sustainable business models for rural areas, courses address eco-tourism, social enterprises, and community development. Students develop business plans for local ventures, learning about funding for green initiatives and ethical marketing in natural settings.
• Visual Arts and Design: This studio-based program emphasizes landscape art, digital design, and sustainable materials. Inspired by the dramatic vistas, students create portfolios featuring painting, photography, and graphic design projects that promote environmental awareness.

The campus fosters interdisciplinary learning, with collaborative projects that integrate arts and sciences. Facilities include eco-friendly labs, art studios, and outdoor simulation areas. With small class sizes and expert faculty, students gain hands-on experience, often culminating in capstone projects like community sustainability audits or artistic exhibitions. Graduates are well-prepared for impactful careers in a changing world, emphasizing the college's commitment to fostering stewards of the natural environment. The curriculum also includes Welsh language and culture modules to honor the region's heritage. Overall, the programs at Main Campus blend academic rigor with practical application, encouraging innovation and responsibility towards the planet.