A Journey of Curiosity, Connection, and Environmental Insight

For Rowan Moses, a graduate from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s  (UWTSD) Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change degree programme, the path to environmental studies was one rooted in both practical experience and deep personal conviction. 

With a background in horticulture and a lifelong curiosity about nature, Rowan has navigated their academic journey with an unwavering interest in how the natural world works, all while managing the challenges of ADHD, fibromyalgia, and autism. This Summer they graduated with a first-class honours degree.

Growing up near Carmarthen, Rowan’s passion for the environment took shape early, leading them to a two-year apprenticeship at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. It was there they honed hands-on skills in horticulture and began to recognise a desire to delve deeper into the theoretical aspects of environmental science.

“I wanted to study the more theoretical side of environmental topics after my practical apprenticeship,” Rowan explains. “But I also knew I needed a university that was small, local, and disability-friendly.” Their decision to attend UWTSD was carefully considered, balancing academic ambition with the need for a supportive and accessible learning environment.

Rowan was particularly drawn to the broad scope of UWTSD’s Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change course. “I wanted to be able to explore as many different aspects of environmental studies as possible,” they say. The course’s flexibility allowed them to follow evolving interests, encouraging an exploratory approach to learning that suited their inquisitive nature.

Their enthusiasm for learning is palpable. “I’m just really interested in how things work and wanted to learn as much as possible!” Rowan shares. It’s this relentless curiosity that has driven them through the highs and challenges of higher education.

One of the standout features of the course for Rowan has been seeing how the different disciplines within environmental studies intersect. “The most exciting thing to me is when the different topics in modules start to come together and overlap to form a complete picture,” they say. “Seeing a new perspective on something you already know about is very cool.”

Their studies also included unique field experiences, such as observing massive wind turbine components before installation, giving Rowan an up-close view of renewable energy infrastructure. “They’re much bigger than you’d think!” they add.

Rowan’s academic journey hasn’t been without obstacles. “Being autistic, the world is not set up for people with my kind of brain,” they explain. “Everything is so much more exhausting for me.” Despite this, they credit the university’s support services and inclusive environment for helping them navigate the demands of higher education. Their story is a testament to the importance of accessible, student-centred learning spaces and to the power of resilience.

When asked if they’d recommend the course, Rowan doesn’t hesitate: “The lecturers are really lovely and supportive, and it’s ideal if you want a small scale, personal experience in my opinion.”

While Rowan hasn’t mapped out their next steps just yet, they remain open to wherever life might lead. “I don’t have specific plans. Just seeing where the world takes me!” they say with a sense of openness that reflects both their curiosity and grounded optimism.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071