Program Overview
The Taxonomy and Biodiversity at Imperial College London is a MSc programme in Humanities over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Taxonomy and Biodiversity programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: GBP 18,800 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,200 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: London, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Taxonomy and Biodiversity programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Taxonomy of major groups and the Tree-of-Life: An introduction of major branches of the Tree, including identification exercises, presented by NHM experts
- Statistics and Computing: A two-week intensive course at Silwood Park
- Field course: trapping and collecting techniques for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
- Phylogenetic Reconstruction: the principles of building phylogenetic trees
- Molecular Systematics: generating and analysing molecular data; model-based phylogenetics
- Phylogenomics: Genomic techniques for studying evolutionary processes and biodiversity
- Biodiversity (Concepts): speciation, radiation, macroevolution
- Biodiversity (Applied): Measuring biodiversity, geospatial analysis, collection management and biodiversity informatics
- Palaeobiology: Studying the fossil record and what we can learn for biodiversity
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- The minimum qualification for admission is an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree in any area of biology or related science-based subject (e.g. palaeontology, geology, marine biology, anthropology, environmental sciences) from an UK academic institution or an equivalent overseas qualification.
- Extensive relevant work experience with a lower degree will be considered in special cases.
- If your first degree is from a country other than the UK, you may find the guidelines within our Country Index helpful. Please note that these guidelines indicate the College minimum.
- All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
- For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 18,800 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,200 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 18,800 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,200 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Imperial College London directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Imperial College London
Imperial College London
London, United Kingdom
Imperial College London is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Application Deadline 29 April 2026
- Start Date 2017-10-01
- Language English
- Duration 12 months