Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution

The MSc in Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution at Imperial College London is an advanced, interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to analyze complex biological data using computational techniques. This programme integrates principles from ecology, evolution, mathematics, computer science, and statistics to address pressing challenges in understanding biological systems and biodiversity conservation. Throughout the course, students will engage with state-of-the-art computational tools and methodologies, including bioinformatics, statistical modeling, and algorithm development, to interpret large-scale ecological and evolutionary datasets.

The curriculum is structured to offer both foundational theory and practical experience. Students will explore topics such as population genetics, phylogenetics, spatial ecology, machine learning, and data visualization, enabling them to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems in conservation biology, ecosystem management, and evolutionary research. The program emphasizes hands-on training through computational labs, coding workshops, and group projects, fostering the ability to design, implement, and critically evaluate models and analytical pipelines.

Imperial College London’s strong links with research institutions and industry partners provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, collaborative research projects, and networking events. Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for careers in academia, conservation organizations, government agencies, environmental consultancies, and technology companies specializing in biological data analysis. With a multidisciplinary approach, the MSc in Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution aims to produce proficient scientists capable of leveraging computational techniques to solve ecological and evolutionary challenges facing our planet today.

The course will include:

• Two-week module on genomics, including lectures and practicals in molecular ecology
• Two-week module on biodiversity informatics, including lectures and practicals in GIS techniques (geographic information system)
• Two-week module in programming, introducing core concepts such as control flow and simulation, R and languages such as Perl and Python
• One-week module in statistics
• A series of workshops, seminars and guest lectures on research techniques and rapidly-changing fields
• One-week summer school on ‘Grand Challenges in Biodiversity Research’ (largely organised by the students as a retreat). This summer school will provide a relaxed set-up to run forums on current ‘hot’ topics, such as ‘biodiversity under climate change’, ‘ethics and genomics’, etc.
• Training in complementary skills, personal development and business
• One 36-week research project covering different research areas hosted by a laboratory within the Division of Ecology and Evolution, possibly in conjunction with a laboratory at an affiliated institution. The choice of the project will be student-led and the first eight weeks will provide ample time to choose a suitable host. Each project will be written up by the student in the format of a scientific publication. Although not compulsory, the expectation will be that the students will submit their reports for publication by the relevant peer-reviewed journals, e.g. Global Change Biology, Systematic Biology, Molecular Ecology, Genome Research as appropriate

The elements and components to be assessed will be weighted as follows:

• Coursework (25%)
• Mid-project report (15%)
• Mid-project presentation (10%)
• Final report (35%)
• Final viva (15%)

The research project therefore attracts a total of 75% of the overall mark for the degree.

The best 36-week research project will receive a £1,000 prize from Illumina.

This is followed by a single nine-month research project in the Division of Ecology and Evolution, which may be jointly hosted by one of our peer-institutes such as the:

• Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
• the NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
• the Natural History Museum

Project opportunities include genetics, conservation, tropical and environmental biology; they will either be purely analytical or have strong field and/or laboratory components.

It will also provide you with a solid grounding in a range of professional and transferable skills and the opportunity to make a more informed decision on the area of research and specific PhD project you wish to pursue in the future.

It will be ideal training for those who wish to pursue a career in academic, government or non-governmental organisations engaged in research into biodiversity.

The course is open to students with a broad range of biological degrees including biology, zoology, plant sciences, microbiology, and environmental sciences, as well as bioinformatics, mathematics or physical sciences. Some bursaries and prizes may be available.

Candidates will normally be expected to hold a good first degree in a science subject (at least an upper second class honours - 2:1 - degree) from a UK university or an equivalent overseas qualification.

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. Our requirement is usually higher.

Financing studies for the Master’s program in Computational Methods in Ecology and Evolution at Imperial College London typically encompass a variety of funding options available to both domestic and international students. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various sources, including scholarships, grants, loans, and sponsorships offered by the university, government bodies, and private organizations. Imperial College London frequently provides a range of scholarships specifically aimed at graduate students, which can significantly offset tuition fees and living expenses. These scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or targeted toward specific categories such as international students or residents of particular regions. In addition to university-funded awards, students can apply for external funding, including government-funded scholarships like the Chevening Scholarships or Commonwealth Scholarships, which are highly competitive and cover tuition fees, living costs, and sometimes additional travel allowances.

Students are also advised to consider student loans, both from their home country and through UK-based lenders if eligible. Some students may also secure sponsorships from research institutions or industry partners interested in ecological modeling and computational research. Furthermore, students are encouraged to look into part-time work opportunities available during their studies, which can help supplement their income but should be balanced with academic commitments. Imperial College London offers financial guidance and resources through its student finance services, including workshops and personal advice to assist students in planning their finances. Overall, while the exact amount of available funding can vary annually, students are advised to start their financial planning early to maximize their access to scholarships and other funding sources, ensuring their educational ambitions are financially sustainable.

Tuition fees (2015–2016):

• Home/EU Full-time — £9,200
• Overseas Full-time — £18,800