Landscape Architecture - MA/PGDip

About the course

2 years full time

This two-year postgraduate course gives you the opportunity to take a vocational and academic conversion programme to enter the landscape profession if your first degree was in another subject. At the end of the course, you'll get a landscape qualification that is recognised by all countries belonging to the International Federation of Landscape Architects.

The taught component (autumn of year one to summer of year two) leads to the Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture, which is the professionally accredited qualification. You can then continue over the summer period of your second year to complete a dissertation, leading to the award of MA.

Entry requirements

Good undergraduate honours degree or equivalent qualification, ideally in a subject related to landscape or design (eg ecology, geography, geology, architecture, engineering or fine art).

In some circumstances, we'll consider your application if you don't have a first degree but have the relevant skills and education through previous employment or study that demonstrates your ability to complete a higher degree.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6 in each part), or TOEFL 90–91 (iBT), or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students 

Core modules

• Introduction to Landscape Design
• Landscape Histories, Theories and Practices
• Introduction to Planting Design
• Ecological Design and Management
• Advanced Planting Design
• Introduction to Landscape Construction (including use of CAD)
• Advanced Construction Design
• Social Aspects of Design
• Integrated Design Project
• Introduction to Landscape Planning
• Research Methods
• Research Report
• Professional Practice, Law and Contracts
• Special project (with either a broad focus, or a specialisation in one of design, planning or management)
• Dissertation

Optional modules

A choice of two from:

• Urban Landscape Planning
• Rural Landscape Planning
• Urban Design Project
• Landscape Design and Art Practice
• Greenspace Maintenance
• Greenspace Management

Optional UK and European field trips.

Teaching

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Critical feedback sessions
• Site visits
• Practicals

Assessment

• Coursework assignments
• Dissertation
• Oral presentation
• Examination

Fees and funding

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

E: landscape@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 0600

Your career

Our graduates are creative, disciplined individuals who make a difference wherever they go. Recent graduates are now employed as landscape architects in the UK and internationally.

In the UK you can find work that focuses on your particular specialism in design, planning or management. This could be in private practice, for public authorities (councils and national parks), or for wildlife and development trusts. You could work in an environment-related occupation, such as conservation or forestry.

Our graduates also work in public administration and policy making, for organisations such as Natural England or DEFRA.

About us

Landscape architecture is about creating and conserving memorable places for people to live and work in. You'll need a flair for creativity, an ability to fuse diverse knowledge to produce imaginative yet workable solutions, and a passion for improving environmental quality and people's lives.

We have received top ratings for our teaching and research. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise we were the top-ranked landscape architecture school in the UK.

We offer taught courses across the breadth of landscape studies, including design, management, planning, ecological, social and cultural aspects of landscape. We provide professionally and internationally recognised vocational training. Our MA in Landscape Architecture is accredited by the Landscape Institute and the International Federation of Landscape Architects.

The National Student Survey results for 2010 place Sheffield top for graduate employment for all landscape design courses with a score of 90 per cent.

Learning environment

Sheffield is an exciting place to be a landscape student. It’s England's fourth largest city and is also its greenest in terms of public open space and tree cover. The many urban parks and extensive green infrastructure provide the inspiration for much of our project work.

In the department, each year group has access to a studio, providing a landscape-focused setting in which we perform a wide range of learning activities. Our computers are installed with the latest hardware and software meaning you'll have access to the programmes that you'll be using in practice. Our dedicated computer suites are equipped with CAD and digital imaging and publishing software, and A4–A0 colour printing facilities.

In the summer of 2011 we'll return to the Arts Tower which has undergone a £25 million refurbishment and will provide state-of-the-art studios, equipped with wireless and digital projection facilities, spray booths, and portfolio and locker space. Students will also have access to their own kitchen and common room

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form