Biodiversity and Conservation MSc

Learn the skills needed to kick-start your career in this exciting and rapidly-evolving field. This programme balances evolutionary biology, ecology, statistics, and conservation and restoration, with an emphasis on practical applications and training in biodiversity research. Modules cover examples from freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and are taught by leading experts based at Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.

The programme starts with a set of core modules that are designed to introduce you to concepts and cutting-edge topics in biodiversity research, ecology and conservation. In particular, you will learn about the challenges and possible solutions surrounding biodiversity loss and conservation, including international policies and frameworks. You will also gain critical skills in data handling and statistical analysis, which you will be able to apply in your research project and future career.

You will then have a choice of elective modules that cover themes such as habitat management, ecosystem assessment, spatial analysis, emerging technologies, and conservation policy. By selecting between modules, you will be able to customize the MSc to pursue your personal interests and aims, with the opportunity to focus on restoration ecology or animal-based surveys, or to remain broad.

An important part of the programme is the overseas field-course, which is designed so that you can consolidate your skills, training and knowledge in either a terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem setting. Currently, we run three field-courses, from which you will select one. The first of these takes place on the island archipelago of Cabo Verde, off the west African coast. Here, working alongside Queen Mary staff and local communities, you will gain hands-on training in the study and long-term monitoring of marine vertebrates, including a globally important population of loggerhead turtles. The other two field-courses are both run in the rainforests of Borneo, and will provide you with an immersive experience of tropical biodiversity. The first of these options focuses on conservation and habitat restoration and is run by Kew staff, and the second focuses on animal ecology and conservation, and is run by Queen Mary staff.

Finally, you will complete an extended six-month individual research project, based and supervised at either Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. We try to be flexible with project topics, and will accommodate students’ personal interests wherever possible.

Additional costs

Field trip costs are included in the course fees.

Application deadlines

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This MSc offers excellent preparation for students who wish to pursue a career in  biodiversity research or the environmental sector. Opportunities include work in NGOs, government bodies, consultancies, charities, botanic gardens, publishing, and a wide range of public and research organisations, including universities and private companies. A substantial proportion of our MSc graduates go on to complete PhDs, while others move directly into permanent employment. 

Our graduates can contribute to conservation, influence policies, conduct assessments, engage in community-based initiatives, preserve and restore biodiversity, pursue cutting-edge research, and make a meaningful impact on conservation and sustainability. The programme offers a rewarding professional journey with the skills, expertise, and network necessary for success.