Clarence
MSc Living Planet with Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
I found moving to the UK from Singapore to be straightforward due to the clear guidance and support from Imperial, from obtaining a CAS and a visa to settling in on campus.
From teaching science in Singapore to studying ecology on Silwood Park Campus, Clarence shares how his passion for nature has shaped his journey to Imperial. See how he’s turning his interests into impact as he makes the most of the flexible learning, fieldwork opportunities and the close-knit Silwood Park community.
Before Imperial
I completed a Bachelor of Science with Education at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where I studied biology and chemistry concepts and became more well-versed in educational psychology and pedagogy. After completing my undergraduate degree, I became a biology and chemistry teacher in a local public school.
While working as a teacher, the Singapore Ministry of Education strongly supported my decision to pursue my Master's at Imperial in ecology, evolution and conservation, and generously offered to provide funding support, which led me to Imperial!
Why I applied to Imperial
I decided to apply to Imperial due to its fluid course structure, which was well-balanced between the taught modules and the independent research project, where I’d have the opportunity to learn and work with the greatest minds in ecology and conservation. The flexibility of the course also allowed for ample time for independent study, providing lots of opportunities to explore my research interests and learn more broadly about the current context of ecological and conservation work globally.
In my choice of Master’s, it was important that the research project I committed to had sufficient scope, impact and relevance in today’s society and to the advancement of science. I also wanted to expand my skillset and learn data analyses through coding at a university that is known to be pedagogically strong in data science. So far, I have no regrets and I’m very happy that I picked Imperial for my Master’s!
A few months before I came to the UK, I attended an information session in Singapore where I learnt about Imperial’s culture and the strong support provided by the university to its students. It was comforting to see many other Singaporeans who were going to Imperial and it reassured me that I was making the right decision.
About the MSc Living Planet with Ecology, Evolution and Conservation course at Imperial
So far, I’d describe my Master’s course based at Silwood Park Campus to be dynamic, interesting and unique! It’s inspired me to think more deeply about nature and of the relationship between humans and the natural environment that we live in. It’s unbelievable that our lessons are held on our historical campus grounds, spanning a lake, forests and grasslands. The biodiversity of the campus is incredible and also inspiring, especially for students like me who are in ecology. The best thing about studying at Silwood Park is the amazing community of students and staff. It’s been a home away from home for me, and it’s been great living and studying with new lifelong friends who share my passion for nature and conservation.
I chose ecology as it has been an avid interest of mine since I was young. I hope to deepen my understanding of nature and ecology and reflect upon the best ways to bring back my learning experiences into my teaching practice. My goal is to be able to inspire my students to love and care for nature as deeply as I do.
Imperial's strong partnerships with other institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico has allowed me to work abroad with the rhesus macaques at the Caribbean Research Centre in Puerto Rico for two months, which was a literal dream.
About the MSc Living Planet with Ecology, Evolution and Conservation course at Imperial
So far, I’d describe my Master’s course based at Silwood Park Campus to be dynamic, interesting and unique! It’s inspired me to think more deeply about nature and of the relationship between humans and the natural environment that we live in. It’s unbelievable that our lessons are held on our historical campus grounds, spanning a lake, forests and grasslands. The biodiversity of the campus is incredible and also inspiring, especially for students like me who are in ecology. The best thing about studying at Silwood Park is the amazing community of students and staff. It’s been a home away from home for me, and it’s been great living and studying with new lifelong friends who share my passion for nature and conservation.
I chose ecology as it has been an avid interest of mine since I was young. I hope to deepen my understanding of nature and ecology and reflect upon the best ways to bring back my learning experiences into my teaching practice. My goal is to be able to inspire my students to love and care for nature as deeply as I do.
Imperial's strong partnerships with other institutions such as the University of Puerto Rico has allowed me to work abroad with the rhesus macaques at the Caribbean Research Centre in Puerto Rico for two months, which was a literal dream.
The monkeys that I study on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico
The monkeys that I study on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico
Photograph of a black crowned night heron, taken by me in Puerto Rico!
Photograph of a black crowned night heron, taken by me in Puerto Rico!
The monkeys that I study on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico
The monkeys that I study on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico
Photograph of a black crowned night heron, taken by me in Puerto Rico!
Photograph of a black crowned night heron, taken by me in Puerto Rico!
Being an international student at Imperial
The Residential Services Team and the Student Services Coordinator at Silwood Park have made it their mission to ensure that all students are comfortably accommodated into our lives on campus, so that we can focus all of our efforts on learning and exploring our various interests.
I found moving to the UK from Singapore to be straightforward due to the clear guidance and support from Imperial, from obtaining a CAS and a visa to settling in on campus. Moving abroad alone to study for the first time was definitely a nerve-racking experience, but it was eased and made smoother by the help from the university and student support services.
The community at Imperial has been incredibly welcoming. At Silwood Park, the various socialising events in the first few weeks of the course allowed us to share our common interests and build a strong bond that has been a core pillar of support during my time at Imperial. Being in a global, international community has also broadened my worldview, as I learn about the different perspectives everyone has, stemming from their own lived experiences and culture.
I would like to give a shout out to the Residential Services Team and the Student Services Coordinator at Silwood Park who have made it their mission to ensure that all students are comfortably accommodated into our lives on campus, so that we can focus all of our efforts on learning and exploring our various interests. It’s not an exaggeration to say that my life at Silwood Park would be drastically different without the thoughtfulness and effort put in by all the staff here.
I knew that Imperial was the right place for me when I found myself sharing many core memories with the friends I made here, and when I get excited sharing things about my life at Imperial on Silwood Park Campus with my friends back home in Singapore. I know that the one year that I will have spent here will be an unforgettable memory for the rest of my life.
Student life at Silwood Park Campus
Living on Silwood Park Campus is an experience that will be different to Imperial students based in London. I take a trip or two to London every two weeks to catch the musicals and plays on West End and eat some Southeast Asian food whenever I miss the taste of home. I love how multicultural London is and how it provides an opportunity for each of us to share a piece of our local culture and heritage on a day out.
At Silwood Park, I spend most of my time on campus where my friends and I come together to cook and bake after lessons. The daily dinners together have allowed us to bond and learn more about each other’s countries and cultures. In our free time, my friends and I also put out camera traps to see what local mammal and bird life is on campus, and we also go out for birding regularly – on the campus grounds and beyond – to be more attuned to nature.
We also play pickleball regularly on the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). It’s been a nice way to keep fit in the colder winter months and is also a great opportunity to improve my pickleball skills before I play again with my friends in Singapore!
For any students coming to Silwood Park, take your time, appreciate nature and enjoy your new life with the friends that you have around you. I would strongly recommend the Sun Cafe located in Sunninghill, which provides an excellent selection of cafe food from Hong Kong – I'm drooling just thinking about it now! There are also a couple of thrift stores and local shops in Sunninghill that have many interesting trinkets for you to take home.
My friends and I during Bonfire Night at an event organised by the Residential team at Silwood Park
My friends and I during Bonfire Night at an event organised by the Residential team at Silwood Park
Bonfire Night on Silwood Park Campus!
Bonfire Night on Silwood Park Campus!
On a trip to Beddington Farmlands with the Conservation Club
On a trip to Beddington Farmlands with the Conservation Club
A Mediterranean chameleon captured by me during an informal Conservation Club trip to Faro, Portugal!
A Mediterranean chameleon captured by me during an informal Conservation Club trip to Faro, Portugal!
The Conservation Club on an outing to Chobham Commons to find the Dartford Wabbler!
The Conservation Club on an outing to Chobham Commons to find the Dartford Wabbler!
Societies and clubs at Silwood Park Campus
My friends and I helped formalise the Conservation Club at Silwood Park, allowing us to officially attend many events such as the University Mammal Challenge with the backing of the university. This has allowed us to loan out one of Imperial’s minibuses to do various birding and wildlife spotting activities in our local area. We have been to many RSPB Nature Reserves so far which wouldn’t have been possible without the support from Imperial. Joining the Conservation Club has also inspired me to dive headfirst into wildlife photography with my fellow club members. We also have an unofficial Pickleball Club which hosts regular games and practice, keeping me active and healthy all within campus.
My tip for incoming students is that your extracurricular life can be as spectacular as you hope it to be. Imperial has numerous societies, clubs and activities that cover a wide range of interests and you can join as many of the clubs as you want!
Silwood Park Halls and postgraduate accommodation
I currently live in John Smith Hall which is one of the dedicated postgraduate halls that Imperial runs on Silwood Park Campus. The halls of residence is well maintained and has all the amenities that I need. In winter, the heaters are nice and toasty and keep us comfortable while we drink hot chocolate and play board games together.
If you meet all the entry requirements for your course and will be studying at Silwood Park Campus, you’ll automatically receive an email invite to apply for accommodation using their online system called AccHub. I applied through this online system and then got support from the Student Accommodation Office to secure my place in Silwood Park halls.
What's life at Imperial really like?
Connect with current students and explore the vibrant community that makes life at Imperial so unique.
How Imperial is supporting my career goals
After graduation, I’ll be returning to my local education ministry with a role involving data analytics and policy planning. My time at Imperial and the data science skills I have learnt will be extremely helpful for helping me succeed and thrive in this career.
My advice to future Master’s students is to use the time provided for independent study to hone your skills and look for opportunities that serve as a convergence between your interests and your skillsets. There will always be a role out there that is suited for you, so always remember to not lose hope and don’t give up!
Why Imperial?
If I were to sum up my experience at Imperial so far, I’d say that it has been life-changing and refreshing. As a postgraduate student taking on his Master’s at the age of 28, this has been a breath of fresh air that has allowed me to look upon life through a fresh lens and view my lifelong work as an educator from new perspectives.
For anyone thinking about applying to Imperial, take your shot – you never know what may happen! Be confident in yourself and think about how the course you’re applying for best resonates with your interests and values.
For anyone who is thinking of studying the MSc Living Planet with Ecology, Evolution and Conservation course, remember that we’re blessed to look upon Earth through the eyes of a naturalist, with an undying curiosity of the natural environment we live in. Stay passionate and remember to always spend time in nature. When in doubt, a walk through the forest may provide you with some clarity (as it has for me on numerous occasions)!
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