Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Choosing to head south and study a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University was a pretty straight-forward decision for Bryan Sanson, of Waikato, and the learning environment there has been ideal, he says.
“Lincoln’s international reputation in landscape architecture suggests they offer the best degree in New Zealand. So when it came to weighing up my study options, it wasn’t a very difficult decision.”
Bryan says the course places particular emphasis on studio work, in which design is learned through undertaking real-world projects and the application of theoretical understanding.
“We spend most of our time in a studio on-campus working together as a big group – it’s quite unique, and there is plenty of opportunity for interaction with each other and the staff. The work we do is very much industry-focused, so it’s quite a cool environment to learn in.”
Bryan already has big plans for his degree, saying its reputation abroad will give him the opportunity to work outside of New Zealand and widen his career options.
“My qualifications will be well-recognised wherever I decide to work, and I’m planning for my degree to take me overseas within the next two years,” he says.
Approaching graduation at the end of this year, Bryan says one of the highlights of his time at Lincoln so far has been working as a residential assistant, or RA. RAs are full-time senior students who live in flats at the halls of residence. They are available to assist with problems residents may be having and also organise a variety of sporting and social events.
“I really enjoyed looking after the first-year students as an RA, and acting as a type of mentor for them,” he says. "I got a lot of satisfaction out of helping them settle in and working through any problems they had.”