Ecology, Evolution and Conservation with AI Methods MSc
Gain practical and analytical skills to apply fieldwork, data, AI and machine learning to make an impact on ecological research, conservation and environmental science.
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
1 year
Start date
October 2027
Study mode
Full-time
Delivered by
Location
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Silwood Park
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Course overview
Deepen your understanding of ecology, evolution and conservation on this interdisciplinary Master's programme.
This course combines comprehensive taught training with hands-on research experience. You'll explore the fundamental concepts and theory that underpin ecology, evolution and conservation, and learn how they are applied to biodiversity science, evolutionary ecology and environmental management.
Based at Imperial College London's Silwood Park Campus – a world-leading centre for ecological research – you'll be taught by internationally recognised researchers.
Your training includes a grounding in use of R, statistics and the use of AI and machine learning to analyse text, image, and sound data in the life sciences.
The course is designed to be accessible to students without substantial prior experience in computing who wish to become literate in use of AI and machine learning tools in the field. You will also take part in fieldwork off-site in the UK, typically on Lundy Island.
Throughout the programme, you'll develop practical and analytical skills across a broad range of topics before applying them in a five-month independent research project. The project gives you the opportunity to investigate a research question of your choice and may be carried out with external partners, including Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
By combining a strong taught curriculum with practical fieldwork and independent research, you'll graduate with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in ecological research, conservation and environmental science.
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
- 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 (this course)
- 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
- AI and Machine Learning for Biodiversity
- Behavioural Ecology and Field Methods
- Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
You'll receive extensive training in research skills on an extended five-month project.
This will see you apply the quantitative and analytical techniques obtained from the taught element of the course.
Projects are arranged in discussion with academic staff after the start of the programme, allowing you to explore options before committing to a topic.
Your work will be assessed by a thesis and presentation.
Many projects are based in a lab or in the field with academics at Silwood, but some projects can be taken in partnership with external organisations for example at Zoological Society of London.
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, practicals and fieldwork
- Independent study
- 10% Title 1 goes here
- 90% Title 2 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Seminars and formal presentations
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Practical classes
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Field work
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Workshops
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Group work
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Computer-based work
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Virtual learning environment
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Lecture recordings
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Individual research project
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Independent study
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Work placement opportunity
Assessment methods
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Coursework
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Projects
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 - AI Methods new course
2027 entry
Not set
A guide is not available as this course is new for 2027-28 entry.
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 - AI Methods new course
2027 entry
Not set
A guide is not available as this course is new for 2027-28 entry.
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?
Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for a conservation or biodiversity science career.
Gain a clear insight into your own research interests from among current research topics.
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Our graduates often pursue further study in master's programs or doctoral research.
Life Sciences graduates from Imperial are highly sought after in a variety of employment sectors.
These include business and consultancy, health and social work, banking/finance, education, and manufacturing.
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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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