MSc Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants

Programme Director's Welcome

We are looking forward to welcoming you here in Edinburgh for your MSc in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants.

Based at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, you have the benefits of one of the World’s finest collections of plant biodiversity and expertise complemented by experienced teaching staff who are active, world-class researchers in their fields. With access to the resources and extensive support from the University of Edinburgh, this is a unique partnership programme.

Throughout the MSc you will develop expertise in identifying all the groups we cover – fungi, lichens, algae and of course plants. These skills are invaluable across a wide array of research areas, and very much in demand in the commercial and education sectors. You will investigate key techniques in biodiversity science, from molecular genomics and bioinformatics, to close observation of plants in the herbarium and in life. These skills and techniques underpin our understanding of what is out there in the botanical kingdom allowing our graduates to understand plants and habitats and their conservation, as well as their importance for the sustainable future of humanity.

The summer project offers an opportunity to investigate an original research topic in greater depth and is a particularly rewarding blend of novel research, project-planning, analytical approaches and communication. It is equally valuable preparation for the workplace or further, PhD-level study. From this vibrant and welcoming city, our MSc graduates go out to work and research across the globe, with careers in taxonomy and botany, ecology, conservation, education, policy and industry.

We look forward to meeting you in September at the start of your journey.

- Dr Zoë Goodwin (MSc Programme Coordinator, RBGE)

- Professor Andrew Hudson (Programme Director, University of Edinburgh)

Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants Website