MSc Natural History Collections: Management, Care and Research (awaiting approval)

The University of Reading’s pioneering MSc Natural History Collections: Management, Care and Research course, developed in partnership with the Natural History Museum and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts.

This MSc programme focuses on developing the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage and care for natural history specimens, whilst exploring the use of digital tools, data standards and modern research methods. The programme will equip you to work critically and effectively with zoological, botanical and other biological collections in museums and research institutions, concentrating on practical experience and skills. 

Through theoretical study, practical classes, field visits and independent or collaborative specimen research, you will develop the professional competencies required for advanced collections’ management and care. You will also gain the analytical and methodological skills to conduct original, collections-based research.

You will engage with contemporary challenges facing the sector, including:

• sustainability
• digitisation
• risk management
• decolonial practice
• legal and ethical compliance
• and the changing role of collections in addressing global environmental and biodiversity issues.

Disclaimer: This course is yet to be approved for 2027 entry. If you are interested in studying MSc Natural History Collections: Management, Care and Research, please register your details using this form, and we will notify you once applications open. Please note that the course content may change during the approval stage of the process.

Skills you’ll develop

Our MSc Natural History Collections: Management, Care and Research course provides a range of subject-specific and transferable skills, including the ability to:

• apply professional museum standards and best practices to the acquisition, documentation, and management of natural history specimens, including legal, ethical and decolonial considerations
• critically evaluate and apply collection management strategies in accordance with professional conservation standards
• apply core principles of animal and plant taxonomy to interpret the diversity of natural history collections and evaluate their scientific value as evidence for scientific research
• digitise natural history specimens using appropriate tools and data standards and understand how these activities fit into digitisation workflows and the long‑term management of digital data
• use a range of scientific techniques used to study natural history specimens and demonstrate advanced competence in a chosen technique or approach
• communicate collections‑based work clearly and appropriately in professional and research contexts, using written, oral and digital formats
• critically evaluate the history and current role of living collections in biodiversity conservation, research, education and public engagement
• design and conduct an original research project or applied project within a natural history collections context, employing appropriate analytical, taxonomic, or interdisciplinary methodologies.

How you’ll learn

Based in the School of Biological Sciences, you will learn from academics with industry experience and expertise in the management, care and research of natural history collections.

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical tutorials and group work, depending on the modules you choose. Some learning activities will also use digital technologies.

You will also complete learning activities designed or supported by staff, with the flexibility to choose when you complete them, alongside guided independent study.

Professional placement opportunities

If you choose our Applied Collections Project Placement module, you will have the opportunity to develop practical experience through a collections-focused project, with possible opportunities for placements at institutions such as the Natural History Museum and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

The placement is designed to develop your professional experience, employability skills and understanding of working with natural history collections. Please note that placements with a particular organisation cannot be guaranteed, as host organisations make their own decisions about whom they accept.

Build your research experience

If you choose to undertake the optional Research Project module, you will have the opportunity to undertake original research at the University of Reading, the Natural History Museum, Kew or another external organisation.

You will produce work to a standard suitable for submission to a scientific journal, giving you valuable experience if you are considering a research-focused career or further academic study.