MSc partnerships with Kew

Conservation Science MSc students from Imperial College, receiving training at Kew's Herbarium (Image: RBG Kew)

MSc in Conservation Science

Imperial College, with the Institute of Zoology of the Zoological Society of London and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

The MSc in Conservation Science has been designed to provide the professional conservation skills needed for the collection and analysis of biological and socio-economic data and for the implementation of successful conservation projects. Students spend two weeks at Kew, for part of the Case Studies in Conservation module and for a project week, when they develop group presentations on research topics related to Kew's on-going scientific projects. There are also opportunities for students to carry out their dissertation research in association with the Kew science teams.

• Find out more about the MSc in Conservation Science at Imperial College

Ethnobotany students from the University of Kent, making herbarium specimens at Kew (Image: RBG Kew)

MSc in Ethnobotany

University of Kent, with Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology

This one-year course considers the interrelationship between people and plants, looking at the impact of plants on human culture and practices and at human use and modification of plants. Among other subject areas, it focuses on anthropology, botany, natural resource management and environmental history. During the course, students visit Kew regularly for a series of seminars on plant resources and have the opportunity to undertake dissertations linked to Kew’s research interests.

• Find out more about the MSc in Ethnobotany at the University of Kent

MSc in Plant Diversity

University of Reading, with the Natural History Museum

The MSc in Plant Diversity addresses the broad area of plant biodiversity and systematics. Students can specialize in taxonomy and evolution, biodiversity and conservation or vegetation survey and assessment. Kew staff contribute to the module on the diversity and identification of plants through seminars based in the Herbarium at Kew.

• Find out more about the MSc in Plant Diversity at the University of Reading

MSc in Plant Conservation

University of Sussex

A week-long Seed Banking course is delivered by staff of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank as part of the one-year MSc in Plant Conservation. The course includes a five-month research project, supervised by Millennium Seed Bank or Sussex staff. Both the Seed Banking course, held in January, and the supervised research project are available as stand-alone options, where credits gained may be used to towards an MSc degree at Sussex or other Universities.

• Find out more about the MSc in Plant Conservation at the University of Sussex
• Read testimonials from students who have attended this course

Cryopreservation equipment used by University of Bedfordshire students at Kew's Millennium Seed Bank (Image: RBG Kew)

MSc in Biotechnology

University of Bedfordshire

This MSc in Biotechnology includes a 3-month project module on Cryobiology delivered by staff of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank partnership. Topics include cryopreservation of a recalcitrant species; plant embryo culture in vitro; characterisation of seed thermal fingerprints in plants; and effects of cooling rate and seed mass on cryopreservation. During the project the students give two oral presentations and will also write a thesis for their Masters degree.

• Find out more about the MSc in Biotechnology at the University of Bedfordshire

MRes in Conservation and Utilisation of Plant Genetic Resources

University of Birmingham

The MRes in CUPGR includes a Seed Conservation module given by staff from Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank Partnership. This involves training in effective handling and storage of seeds for long-term conservation in gene banks. Students learn the theoretical principles and practical aspects of seed conservation. The Millennium Seed Bank Partnership also provides research placements for students on this course.

• Find out more about the MRes in CUPGR at the University of Birmingham
• Read testimonials from students who have attended this course

Further information about Masters partnerships

• Please contact the Capacity Building Co-ordinator (courses@kew.org) if you wish to know more about Kew's links with these university courses.
• Enquiries about these courses should be made directly to the University partner. Please note that RBG Kew does not handle applications for these courses.
• Find out about opportunities for specialised study visits linked to Kew's research, conservation and horticultural activities.