Computational Ecology and Evolution
Bring cutting-edge quantitative methods and biological concepts together to solve research problems.
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
1 year
Start date
October 2027
Study mode
Full-time
Delivered by
Location
-
Silwood Park
-
Minimum entry standard
2:1 in a Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or Engineering subject.
Course overview
Train in cutting-edge quantative techniques in Ecology and Evolution in this practical, solutions-focused MSc.
You will leave with skills in data science, computing, mathematical modelling, statistics and state-of-the-art machine learning/AI. These will give you a major edge when competing for NGO jobs and PhDs.
Suitable for students with any background in science and engineering disciplines who wish to expand their quantative skills while solving real-world problems in ecosystems and the environment.
As well as coursework on advanced topics in quantitative ecology and evolution, you will carry out an extended research project over five months, applying your growing skillset and advancing your project management skills. Your research project may be carried out with our own researchers or with external collaborators including Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
Computational tools are biology's next microscope, only better – learn to use them now!
Living Planet courses at Silwood Park
This course is part of the "Living Planet" family of courses based at Silwood Park.
- MSc Biodiversity, Carbon and Nature-Based Solutions
- MSc Computational Ecology and Evolution (this course)
- MRes Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
- MRes Ecology, Evolution and Conservation with AI Methods
- MSc Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
- MSc Ecology, Evolution and Conservation with AI Methods
- MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Technology
We can discuss which course is the best fit to you at the interview stage of your application. It is normally possible to transfer to a different living planet course at that stage if you wish.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You'll complete the following core modules:
- Biological Computing Bootcamp
- Statistics in R
- Ecological and Evolutionary Data Science
- Scientific Computing and Simulation for Ecology and Evolution
- Data-driven Mathematical Modelling in Ecology and Evolution
A five-month project will provide you with an opportunity to carry out an extended piece of independent research.
This will enable you to take the lead in developing a research question and driving the work forward, and may incorporate an external placement.
Your work will be assessed by a thesis and a research presentation.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.
Key
- Lectures and practicals
- Independent study
- Individual research project
- 20% Title 1 goes here
- 30% Title 2 goes here
- 50% Title 3 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
-
Primers
-
Seminars
-
Workshops
-
Computer-based work
-
Virtual learning environment
-
Lecture recordings
-
Individual research project and dissertation
-
Independent study
-
Work placement opportunity
Balance of assessment
This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may be different depending on the modules you choose.
Key
- Coursework
- Research project
- 50% Title 1 goes here
- 50% Title 2 goes here
Assessment methods
-
Coursework
-
Research project
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Applications open on Wednesday 30 September 2026
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Round 1
Business School courses only.
Round 2
- Applications open on Wednesday 30 September 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 6 January 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 3 March 2027
Round 3
- Applications open on Thursday 7 January 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 10 March 2027
- Decision by Wednesday 5 May 2027
Round 4
- Applications open on Thursday 11 March 2027
- Applications close on Wednesday 28 April 2027
- Decision by Thursday 1 July 2027
We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
If you are applying for a Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
The application fees for postgraduate courses are:
- £90 for all Master's applications, excluding those to Imperial Business School
- £125 for MSc applications to Imperial Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to Imperial Business School
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs. This includes MRes and PhD combined (1+3) courses with the Centre for Doctoral Training.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
When are applicants invited for an interview?
Applicants will be invited for an interview should their written application pass an initial review.
How long is the interview and what purpose does it serve?
This interview lasts about 10-20 minutes. It serves as an opportunity for a two-way conversation between the interviewer and the applicant to ask questions and probe further. There are several elements that are being explored, including the applicant's motivations, academic ambitions and their suitability for our courses.
When does it take place?
Interviews will usually be scheduled approximately 3-4 weeks after the application round deadline that you applied to, and we aim to inform applicants of the confirmed schedule approximately 1 week in advance.
How is the interview going to be conducted?
Regardless of whether you are in the UK or overseas, the interview will be conducted through an online meeting via Microsoft Teams.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Fees and funding
Home fee - MSc Living Planet (except Nature)
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £16,600.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Overseas fee - MSc Living Planet (except Nature)
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the fee for 2026-27 was £36,000.
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note that the loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start. If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Scholarships
View all scholarshipsHow will studying at Imperial help my career?
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Gain transferrable skills necessary for a competitive edge when applying for PhDs and jobs.
Taking part in research projects will enable you to make an informed decision about your PhD research.
The training provided will leave you well placed to pursue a career in academic, government or non-governmental organisations engaged in research into biodiversity.
Further links
Contact the department
Email: pgt.silwood@imperial.ac.uk
Course director: Dr Emma Cavan
Visit the Department of Life Sciences website.
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Request info
Find out more about studying at Imperial. Receive updates about life in our community, including event invites and download our latest Study guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications