Living Planet with Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution
Bring cutting-edge quantitative methods and biological concepts together to solve research problems.
Bring quantitative methods and biological concepts together to examine cutting-edge biological research problems
Explore how biology is helping spur major new developments in computation, mathematics and statistics
Carry out a programme of original research and take the lead in developing a research question
Course key facts
Qualification
MSc
Duration
1 year
Start date
September 2026
Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£16,600 Home
£36,000 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
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Silwood Park
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Minimum entry standard
2:1 in a life sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, or engineering subject
Course overview
This course is for students who wish to be trained in cutting-edge quantitative techniques in Ecology and Evolution with applications to wide range of real-world problems. This includes ecosystem-based solutions for industrial bioprocessing and production, improving food production in agroecosystems, nature-based carbon capture, and biodiversity conservation.
Quantitative skills are a critical limiting factor in modern biology, including the fields of Ecology, Evolution, Behaviour and Conservation Biology. In this course students learn those skills in application to important biological problems at one of the world's leading institutions for quantitative biology.
Students leave with skills in data science, computing, statistics and machine learning/AI, mathematical modelling that give them a major edge in competing for jobs in NGos and industry as well PhDs.
This course is suitable for students coming any background in science and engineering including biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, statistics and computer science who wish to expand their quantitative skills towards solving real-world problems in ecosystems and the environment.
Computational tools are biology's next microscope, only better – learn to use them now!
Along with coursework on cutting edge topics in quantitative ecology and evolution, you’ll will carry out an extended piece of independent research across over a five-month project, where you will apply your growing range of skills and advance your project management skills.
MSc Living Planet streams
Our MSc Living Planet course will equip you to tackle the great environmental challenges facing the world, providing training on the transferrable research skills you’ll need to develop science-based understanding and interventions.
You may wish to consider if another stream is right for you according to your career aims and background:
- MSc Living Planet with Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution (this stream)
- MSc Living Planet with Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
- MSc Living Planet with Nature-based Solutions
- MSc Living Planet with Sustainable Agriculture and Technology
- MSc Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Evolution
MRes Living Planet streams
We also offer an MRes in Living Planet course with the following streams:
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
- HPC for Biological Computing
- Mathematical Modelling in Ecology and Evolution
- Advanced Data Science, including Machine learning and AI
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 can incorporate external placements.
Your work will be assessed by a thesis, research presentation and a viva.
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
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Primers
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Seminars
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Workshops
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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 and dissertation
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Independent study
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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
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Coursework
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Research project
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
Application deadlines – Round 2 closes on Wednesday 7 January 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 Monday 29 September 2025
- Applications close on Wednesday 7 January 2026
- Decision by Wednesday 4 March 2026
Round 3
- Applications open on Thursday 8 January 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 11 March 2026
- Decision by Wednesday 6 May 2026
Round 4
- Applications open on Thursday 12 March 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 29 April 2026
- Decision by Thursday 2 July 2026
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.
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
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
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)
2026 entry
£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 £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- 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)
2026 entry
£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 £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- 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: Professor Rob Ewers
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