Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation MSc

Skilled scientists in plant and fungal taxonomy are in short supply – and only a small percentage of the planet’s biodiversity has been formally described by science. Study MSc Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation at Queen Mary and you’ll join a new generation of scientists ready to describe, understand and conserve biodiversity for years to come.

• Focus on plant and fungal identification skills, in combination with molecular systematics, evolutionary biology, and conservation policy, theory and practice
• Study at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and access its extensive specimen collections, databases, and scientific research
• Take a fieldwork module in Kew's Conservation Centre in Madagascar
• Learn in-demand skills that underpin work in bioscience, nature conservation, plant breeding and environmental policy development

Facilities

At Queen Mary you will have access to a number of advanced facilities, some of which are designated exclusively to postgraduate students.

• Advanced analytical research facilities at the Freshwater Biological Association’s River Laboratory on the River Frome in Dorset, via our River Communities Group
• Mesocosm and temperature controlled facilities at Queen Mary
• We will use our network of partner NGOs, research labs and industries to create further opportunities

Career paths

This course gives you the knowledge and skills to undertake research in the fields of taxonomy, molecular systematics, ecology and evolution, or to engage in more applied conservation work. It’s ideal preparation for a PhD or a career in industry, academia, environmental consultancy or government agencies.

Graduates of this course go on to roles such as:

• PHD Candidate at The James Hutton Institute
• Botanical Horticulturalist at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,
• Plant Science Content Editor at Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International
• PHSI Plant Health Import Inspector at Animal and Plant Health Agency

You'll have access to our Careers and Enterprise service who'll be there to help you find the right opportunity for your next step.