Together, we can explore practical questions and generate outputs that can support your organisation’s initiatives e.g. campaigns, stewardship and local decision‑making. Projects can focus on areas such as conservation challenges, biodiversity monitoring, sustainability, agrochemical use, public education, or other relevant topics.
Students complete a literature review from September to December, followed by full‑time research from January to April/May. Proposed projects are offered to students in mid‑September, and students choose projects based on their research interests.
A Collaborative, Community‑Engaged Approach
We will co‑design the project with you, recognising knowledge-equity between community expertise, lived experience and scientific methods.
Our approach aims to be reciprocal and non‑extractive, ensuring that the research is shaped around your organisation’s priorities, contributes to community‑led initiatives, and offers meaningful learning opportunities for students.
What You’ll Gain
· A project shaped around your organisation’s question or challenge. The student will have access to a range of resources and technology to assist them on the project.
· Dedicated student time during the research phase (Jan–Apr/May).
· Useful outputs such as a literature review, analysed results, an executive summary, and - where appropriate - public‑facing materials (e.g. posters, leaflets, educational resources).
Example Project Areas
· How effective are habitat restoration projects in improving pollinator diversity in urban green spaces in the UK?
· How does biodiversity vary between community gardens and traditional urban parks?
· What is the impact of sustainable land management practices on soil health in community farms?
· What are farmers’ perceptions of alternative pest management strategies in UK agriculture?
· How does improved recycling information from local councils affect recycling rates among UK households?
Projects may involve surveys, interviews, environmental sampling, data analysis, or the creation of educational materials, for example.
What We Ask From Partners
· Meet with the student regularly (e.g. every 4 weeks).
· Be responsive to communication and offer feedback to help guide the project.
· Share local knowledge and context to keep the project collaborative and mutually-beneficial.
· To be aware that this project forms part of the student’s graded work, and they will be splitting their time between the outcomes for your organisation and the outcomes required for assessment e.g. their dissertation. We therefore ask that any projects you submit are not critical to your organisation and can be adapted to comply with required learning outcomes.
PLEASE NOTE - we cannot guarantee that your project will be selected as students will select the MSci research project that most aligns with their research interests and longer-term career goals.
How To Get Involved
You don’t need a fully formed project - a question, topic or early idea is enough to begin.
Get in touch via the application form below, and we’ll help shape it into a project that supports your work and strengthens community‑led nature and biodiversity efforts. Application Form - MSci Projects 2026/27