MA Landscape Architecture Studies

This introductory unit will familiarise you with key themes and practices in landscape architecture. You’ll also use this time to think about and articulate your own learning needs and interests, and then identify your goals and hopes for the course to guide your studies.

In this unit, we’ll go over important ideas and theories relating to the meaning of landscape from social, cultural, environmental and ethical perspectives. You’ll also expand your understanding of architecture’s theoretical foundations in fields such as geography, ecology, sociology and art.

We’ll look at cultural traditions and philosophies in the context of current existential crises regarding landscape value. You’ll learn about how current practice is influenced by past and present social formations, and examine philosophical, spiritual, aesthetic and practical relationships to landscapes.

This  focuses on the complex and conflicting relationships, systems and processes in both built and natural landscapes. It draws upon a range of innovative landscape approaches, including green-blue infrastructure planning, cradle to cradle design, and natural capital accounting.

We’ll critically evaluate how landscape can help promote physical and mental health by addressing sources of economic, social and environmental stress. You’ll also learn how diversity, environmental justice and inclusivity relate to you and your practice, as well as their wider social context.

This unit covers how landscape architecture practice can support social justice and community through design and innovation in tools and techniques. We’ll explore equitable placemaking design and management, discussing topics such as public transportation, accessibility and more.

Your lessons for this unit will help you consider how the practice of landscape design and our conceptual understanding of landscape is historically grounded in the context of gardens. You’ll study garden design precedents from across a range of typologies, scales and cultural contexts.

As its title suggests, this unit is an introduction to urban design as a discipline. We’ll cover its language, terminology and examples of recent urban planning – and examine the nature of cities as landscapes and ecosystems from the perspectives of contemporary and historical urban theorists.

During this unit, you’ll gain a theoretical and practical grounding in research and research design methods. The unit serves as a foundation to the Comprehensive Master’s Project and is your opportunity to identify and test your area of research, key sources and methods of inquiry.

The Comprehensive Master’s Project is your time to showcase your position and approach as a landscape professional. With the support of a project supervisor, you’ll be challenged to create a design project that synthesises the ideas, knowledge and skills you’ve developed during the course.

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MA Landscape Architecture Studies

Careers and opportunities for graduates

MA Landscape Architecture Studies students will develop an advanced portfolio of landscape skills, techniques, knowledge and understanding, which will help them develop their career or prepare for further specialised study.

Graduates will be well equipped to work in landscape-related fields within the UK and internationally, as well as for landscape architecture practices overseas.

You'll develop your expertise in essential themes of:

• Sustainability
• Climate change
• Environmental
• Spatial
• Climate justice
• Biodiversity
• Health and wellbeing

After graduation, you’ll be prepared to follow your interests into a variety of residential, commercial, public/voluntary sectors, academia, or self-employment design environments. Some examples include...

Landscape architect

Pursue a range of exciting projects in areas such as areas such as natural systems infrastructure, habitat restoration, renewable energy, commercial, residential, industrial, leisure, and health. Typical responsibilities include undertaking site surveys, creating plans, liaising with clients, and producing designs and drawings.

For those students wishing to pursue a career as a landscape architect in the UK, the course offers a foundation to further education in landscape architecture, with graduates able to access a Landscape Institute accredited master's in the UK.

Environmental consultant

If you're particularly interested the environmental elements of your course, you could work as a consultant in the architectural, government, manufacturing, or wildlife sectors. You'll conduct field surveys and assess areas based on factors such as emissions, air/water contamination, and renewable energy opportunities.

Urban designer

As an urban designer, you may work with town planners and public officials to create carefully planned city features such as public spaces, transport, and community facilities. Focused on both aesthetics and practicalities, urban designers ensure environments are people-focused and considerate of economic and spatial factors.

Teaching or academia

If you choose to pursue the academic route in the industry, you could find yourself in a research-based or teaching role. This position will allow you to use your skills and expertise to further your academic knowledge whilst developing the next generation of leading landscape architects.

Town planner

As a town or urban planner you'll be involved in the management and development of cities, towns, and the countryside. You may use technology systems such as CAD (computer-aided design) to plan and design strategic developments that balance sustainability and community/industry needs.

Landscape conservation officer

Usually working for a local council or similar organisation, this role provides land management policies for woodlands, grasslands, and other habitats with the aim of improving and enhancing them for both wildlife and public enjoyment. Part of the role is to promote awareness and understanding of the natural environment.

Garden designer

You could use skills gained in your MA in Landscape Architecture Studies course to design captivating gardens and outdoor spaces. Working with clients and maybe a wider design team, you'll use CAD programmes to develop imaginative mood boards and concept drawings to fit a brief.

We're a creative community

Arts University Bournemouth Online is committed to helping students everywhere turn their talent into careers.

As one of the top ranked specialist art and design universities in the UK, you can trust that you’ll have us by your side as you head into this exciting new chapter.

Want to learn more?

We're here to help. If you have any questions about our online, part-time MA in Landscape Architecture Studies, get in touch with a course adviser.