Conservation Science and Practice MSc

Three students in greenery
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Conservation Science and Practice

Learn to lead conservation programmes to tackle global biodiversity challenges based on conservation science practice

Learn to lead conservation programmes to tackle global biodiversity challenges based on conservation science practice

Gain practical experience and insights through fieldwork and field trips

Complete an independent research project in an area of your choice in the UK or abroad

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MSc

  • Duration

    1 year, 2 years

  • Start date

    September 2025

  • Study mode

    Full-time, Part-time

  • Fees

    • £16,200 Home

    • £33,100 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • Online

    • South Kensington

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in any subject. Science, engineering or social science subjects are preferred. Relevant industry experience may also be considered.

View full entry requirements

Course overview

How effective are the world’s protected areas at saving our species and how can we improve them? How does conservation impact people? If these critical biodiversity questions and challenges inspire you, this course is for you.

You’ll balance engaging online activities alongside intensive in-person work to learn the fundamentals of biodiversity conservation, how to manage, deliver and evaluate the impacts of conservation programmes, and deploy tools and frameworks to tackle complex conservation problems effectively, thoughtfully, and ethically.

This course consists of two intensive in person 3-week periods at the Centre for Environmental Policy in South Kensington (one during the first and one during the second term), where students will benefit from seminars, practicals and fieldtrips. The rest of the course is delivered remotely and online, this offers students flexibility and a fantastic opportunity to interact and be taught by world leaders in conservation science and practice from all over the world. Fieldtrips and coursework will give you the opportunity to put your theoretical skills and knowledge into practice, whilst you will also get the chance to conduct an independent research project in an area of your interest in the UK or abroad. Part-time students complete their project in their second year. 

The course will help equip you with the skills to be a pioneer within the next generation of conservation scientists and practitioners, able to solve sustainability and environmental problems in a range of academic, research, governmental and non-governmental organisations.

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 take all of these modules. First year part-time students will undertake all core modules alongside full-time students.

Core modules

Complete an independent research project in an area of your interest. 

You'll have the opportunity to work with academic research groups or projects supported by external partners, or develop your own projects.

You’ll carry out the project over one-year, full time. On the part-time version of this course, you'll complete this project in your second year after completing the core modules in the first year.

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Coursework
  • Research project

  • 50% Coursework
  • 50% Research project

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Computer-based work
  • Field trips
  • A group of people interacting
    Group work
  • Data analysis
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • A person studying independently
    Independent research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Independent research project
  • Taught modules

  • 50% Independent research project
  • 50% Taught modules

Assessment methods

  • Group presentations
  • Papers from a written report
    Reports
  • Person making a presentation
    Individual presentations
  • Person participating in classroom discussion.
    Group discussions
  • Coursework
  • Individual research project

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 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025

Tuition fees

Home fee

Full-time

£16,200

Part-time

£8,100per year

Overseas fee

Full-time

£33,100

Part-time

£16,550per year

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

3 People standing together, one with a speech bubble

The Centre for Environmental Policy (CEP) draws on global expertise from social scientists, economists, engineers, and physical scientists.

Hand holding a branch of three leaves

Be involved in cutting-edge research on environmental sustainability.

Person in a bubble surrounded by 4 skills

Gain a range of transferable skills required for a conservation career.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other potential career paths include environment and sustainability roles within academia, research, and governmental and non-governmental organisations.

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.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications