About Landscape Architecture, Master of (MLA), MLA - at Newcastle University

The Master of Landscape Architecture focusses on the theories, methods and practice of landscape architecture, equipping you for practice in a landscape related discipline.

About this course

Landscape architects create and manage the landscapes we live and work in. They plan and design places, at scales that range from the private garden to the urban square and the city region.

The Master of Landscape Architecture is a two-year full-time postgraduate conversion course for graduates in other disciplines who wish to qualify and work as professional landscape architects or with international landscape qualifications who wish to pursue professional studies in the UK. Whether or not you have a background in design, you'll develop the skills needed for contemporary practice. You will gain a practical understanding of the theories, methods and techniques employed in landscape architecture, with the greater part of what you learn applicable worldwide. The course is seeking candidate accreditation from the Landscape Institute (LI) and is applying for full LI Accreditation status upon graduation of the first cohort.

What you'll learn

The Landscape Architecture course is organised around a core of design studios in which students acquire specialist knowledge in such areas as site-planning, land modelling, landscape construction, planting design and visualisation. You’ll learn a number of design and presentation skills. The course is intellectually stimulating, with lectures, seminars and workshops on history, design theory and pressing contemporary issues, such as the climate crisis, social justice, and rapid urbanisation.

After completing the course, you’ll:

• be able to demonstrate advanced understanding and critical thinking about landscape architecture as a form of action concerned with creating and managing space and place
• gain an understanding of the complexities of landscape issues and problems and be able to integrate knowledge and skills from different areas of the curriculum
• acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the way landscape has been conceptualised and theorised at different times and in different places, informed by relevant research findings and relevant practice
• gain insight into the philosophies, ideologies and critical positions which underpin different approaches to landscape

Your development

You’ll develop a number of skills during the Master of Landscape Architecture, including:

• defining and critically analysing problems effectively and appropriately drawing on current research and knowledge
• effectively collecting, synthesising and utilising evidence and information
• creating effective design solutions to problems given in the form of design briefs
• articulating reasoned arguments, drawing on a range of information sources
• developing research skills and experience in the context of the School’s research interests

Accreditation

The course has candidate accreditation with the Landscape Institute (LI) and meets the educational requirements for chartered membership. The LI is the professional body for the Landscape practitioners in the UK and works to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and built environment. We will be applying for full accreditation upon graduation of the first cohort.

After graduation you will typically undertake the Pathway to Chartership to develop the experience and skills required for Chartered Membership. We encourage our students to register for student membership to provide insight to the profession and gain access to professional resources.

You can find out more about becoming a Landscape Architect and Landscape Institute membership at www.chooselandscape.org.

Our staff

The Degree Programme Director is Dr Ian Thompson. Ian is a professionally qualified landscape architect with a background in philosophy and an interest in landscape architecture theory and the history of the designed landscape. He also holds an MA in photography (with Distinction) from the University of Sunderland.

Delivery

The course will be delivered through a combination of:

• lectures
• guided reading
• seminars
• studio projects
• site visits

Facilities

The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape has excellent studio teaching facilities. Our facilities include:

• lively design studios
• exhibition spaces
• well-equipped workshop including the latest digital manufacturing technology
• wet fabrication lab including 3D printers
• molecular biology lab (one of the first in the world to be administered by a school of architecture)
• print media suite
• IT suites

Find out more about the School facilities, including virtual tours of some teaching spaces.

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact Newcastle University to find course entry requirements.

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