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

    October 2023

  • Study mode

    Full-time, Part-time

  • Fees

    • Full-time: £14,700
      Part-time: £7,350 per year Home

    • Full-time: £30,000
      Part-time: £15,000 per year Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

Minimum entry standard 2023

  • 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? How does conservation impact people? How can we promote biodiversity within urban areas?

If these critical biodiversity questions and challenges that face the world today inspire you to join the new generation of conservation scientists and practitioners, this could be the course for you.

You’ll balance interactive and engaging online activities with intensive in-person work to learn the fundamentals of biodiversity conservation and how to manage, deliver and evaluate the impacts of conservation programmes. You’ll be taught by scientists and practitioners from around the world and learn the tools and frameworks for tackling conservation problems effectively, thoughtfully, and ethically.

Fieldwork on the course will give you the opportunity to put your theoretical skills and knowledge into practice and give you the ability to strengthen these skills by completing an independent research project in an area of your interest. You can carry out your project in conjunction with an outside organisation in the UK or abroad.

The skills you have the opportunity to develop will equip you to become a conservation pioneer devoted to solving 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.

You'll take all of these modules.

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.

 

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
  • Lab work
  • 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
  • Essays
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written exams
  • 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.

Tuition fees

Home fee

Full-time

£14,700

Part-time

£7,350per year

Overseas fee

Full-time

£30,000

Part-time

£15,000per year

Your future 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