This course delivers vital training to fill that skill shortage. The course will provide training in plant and fungal identification skills, in combination with a thorough grounding in molecular systematics, evolutionary biology, and conservation policy, theory and practice

Collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

This MSc course is delivered in collaboration with theÊRoyal Botanic Gardens, KewÊand you will be based there for some of your teaching. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew was founded in 1759, an has the largest and most diverse collections of plant and fungal specimens and associated biodiversity databases in the world. The combination of extensive specimen collections, databases, and scientific research conducted on a global scale is unique, and means that Kew plays a leading role in facilitating greater access to basic plant information, underpinning science and conservion activities worldwide.

Kew's 2020 Science Strategy outlines their responsibility to pass on their knowledge, skills and expertise to the next generation of plant and fungal scientists, both in the UK and globally, and to encourage and inspire questioning minds to delve further into pure and applied biodiversity science. Their objective is being achieved through offering this MSc programme in conjunction with QMUL. You can find out more about theirÊscience strategy on the Kew website.

This programme involves an exciting fieldwork module based at Kew's Conservation Centre based in Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot, where you will be immersed in research and conservation efforts. Other taught modules will be based at Queen Mary, Mile End campus.