Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
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Upcoming start dates
Semester 1 - 23 Feb 2026
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Qualification
Bachelors
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Duration
4 years full-time
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Credits
480
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Location
Lincoln University Campus
Are you looking for a way to enrich the world? Grow your knowledge of landscape ecology and learn how creative and sustainable landscape design nourishes healthier environments. Lincoln University’s Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is the longest-running landscaping degree in New Zealand. It will help you seed an exciting future.
Build a firm foundation in all the aspects of modern-day landscape architecture. Then specialise in landscape ecology, resilient and sustainable community design, as well as design and planning of urban and rural landscapes.
You’ll expand your knowledge working on real projects and connect with seasoned practitioners. Plus if you achieve the required grades in your third and fourth courses, you graduate with Honours.
This degree is accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA). Graduates are eligible to become registered professionals and are highly sought-after in public and private sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and further afield.
How you’ll grow
- By working alongside world-leading practitioners on a broad mix of design, ecology, field tours and real-world challenges.
- Enjoy studying in a dedicated on-campus environment that combines light-filled studios with areas to lay out equipment, display your designs and build models.
- Network and study with other focused professionals, and develop a strong professional vision and ethos.
- Graduate ready to stake out a future and make an immediate difference through your degree and knowledge.
Career opportunities
Lincoln’s Bachelor of Landscape Architecture has an enviable international reputation. As a graduate, you’ll be able to explore opportunities at home or abroad because of your strength in design, planning and your ability to apply the real-world experience gained during your study to a wide range of projects.
Practical work requirements
During your study, you’re expected to complete:
- No less than six weeks in an approved office-based professional practice
- No less than three weeks in an approved aspect of landscape implementation
- Three weeks applied practice in LASC393 – Practicum: applied landscape practice
For more information on the practical aspects of study, or request a copy of the Practical Work Handbook, contact the Practical Work Coordinator at practicalwork@lincoln.ac.nz or phone +64 3 423 0061.
This degree has already opened up heaps of opportunities for me because sustainable design is something that everybody is talking about and wanting to see in our city and rural environments.
Corey Annandale
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Programme information
University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.
If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about entry requirements here.
If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.
Recommended preparation
- Agriculture / Horticulture
- Biology
- Computing
- English (highly recommended)
- Geography / Social Studies
- Graphics / Design (highly recommended)
- History / Classics
- Māori Studies
- Maths / Statistics
Summary of Regulations
All of the following:
- Pass at least 480 credits (courses and studios)
- Pass all compulsory courses
- Completion of practical work component
- Attendance at compulsory field tour
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
You can start studying in Semester 1 (late February).
There may be an opportunity to add an additional major to your study programme. Please refer to the programme course advisor for further information.
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Explain how environmental, cultural and socio-economic systems and processes including landscape planning, conservation and management shape landscapes such as urban, rural, riparian and montane landscapes at various scales.
- Describe the landscape dimensions of sustainability, human health and well-being.
- Describe how different types and historical examples of designed landscape have been created, and of the cultural meanings they express.
- Describe their design process and evaluate frameworks for landscape assessment and design through an awareness of place.
- Discuss Māori and Indigenous concepts and applied approaches to design.
- Identify and describe a range of plant materials, their environmental requirements and tolerances, and common plant production techniques.
- Discuss theoretical, professional and ethical concepts, methods and policies underlying the practice of landscape architecture.
Skills
- Apply methods of inventory and analysis, design, assessment, and landscape planning.
- Express critical thinking through design.
- Locate, evaluate, synthesise and use information from a range of sources to enable evidence-based design.
- Apply a range of business and managerial skills required in landscape practice, including efficient and effective personal time management and project management skills.
Values
- Express familiarity with the diversity of the practice of landscape architecture including the need to commit to professional ethics, codes of conduct, protocols and procedures, in the context of the nature of professional behaviour.
- Be open and sensitive to people from a wide range of backgrounds and communities.
- Express a commitment to landscape sustainability.
- Recognise Māori cultural values and related design practice.
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Entry requirements
University Entrance through NCEA or an approved, equivalent qualification.
If you have an overseas qualification, you can find out more about entry requirements here.
If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about English language requirements.
Recommended preparation
- Agriculture / Horticulture
- Biology
- Computing
- English (highly recommended)
- Geography / Social Studies
- Graphics / Design (highly recommended)
- History / Classics
- Māori Studies
- Maths / Statistics
-
Regulations and fees
Summary of Regulations
All of the following:
- Pass at least 480 credits (courses and studios)
- Pass all compulsory courses
- Completion of practical work component
- Attendance at compulsory field tour
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
-
Intake semesters
You can start studying in Semester 1 (late February).
-
Additional major
There may be an opportunity to add an additional major to your study programme. Please refer to the programme course advisor for further information.
-
Graduate Attributes
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Explain how environmental, cultural and socio-economic systems and processes including landscape planning, conservation and management shape landscapes such as urban, rural, riparian and montane landscapes at various scales.
- Describe the landscape dimensions of sustainability, human health and well-being.
- Describe how different types and historical examples of designed landscape have been created, and of the cultural meanings they express.
- Describe their design process and evaluate frameworks for landscape assessment and design through an awareness of place.
- Discuss Māori and Indigenous concepts and applied approaches to design.
- Identify and describe a range of plant materials, their environmental requirements and tolerances, and common plant production techniques.
- Discuss theoretical, professional and ethical concepts, methods and policies underlying the practice of landscape architecture.
Skills
- Apply methods of inventory and analysis, design, assessment, and landscape planning.
- Express critical thinking through design.
- Locate, evaluate, synthesise and use information from a range of sources to enable evidence-based design.
- Apply a range of business and managerial skills required in landscape practice, including efficient and effective personal time management and project management skills.
Values
- Express familiarity with the diversity of the practice of landscape architecture including the need to commit to professional ethics, codes of conduct, protocols and procedures, in the context of the nature of professional behaviour.
- Be open and sensitive to people from a wide range of backgrounds and communities.
- Express a commitment to landscape sustainability.
- Recognise Māori cultural values and related design practice.
Programme Structure
Year 1
Semester 1 courses
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Semester 1 courses
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{{ 'DESN 101' | except-last-word }} {{ 'DESN 101' | last-word }}
Digital Tools for Design
15 credits
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{{ 'ENSC 101' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ENSC 101' | last-word }}
Introduction to Earth and Ecological Sciences
15 credits
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{{ 'DESN 103' | except-last-word }} {{ 'DESN 103' | last-word }}
Visual Communication
15 credits
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{{ 'MAST 104' | except-last-word }} {{ 'MAST 104' | last-word }}
Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi)
15 credits
Semester 2 courses
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Semester 2 courses
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{{ 'ENGN 106' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ENGN 106' | last-word }}
Structures and Land Surfaces
15 credits
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{{ 'DESN 102' | except-last-word }} {{ 'DESN 102' | last-word }}
Introduction to 3D Design
15 credits
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{{ 'DESN 104' | except-last-word }} {{ 'DESN 104' | last-word }}
History of Design
15 credits
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BLA Suggested Electives*
Year 2
Semester 1 courses
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Semester 1 courses
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{{ 'LASC 211' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 211' | last-word }}
Planting Design and Management
15 credits
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{{ 'LASC 215' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 215' | last-word }}
Landscape Analysis, Planning and Design
30 credits
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{{ 'LASC 217' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 217' | last-word }}
Design Details
15 credits
Semester 2 courses
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Semester 2 courses
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{{ 'LASC 206' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 206' | last-word }}
Landscape Planting Practice
15 credits
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{{ 'LASC 218' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 218' | last-word }}
Landscape and Culture
15 credits
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{{ 'LASC 216' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 216' | last-word }}
Site Design
15 credits
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Elective
Year 3
Semester 1 courses
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Semester 1 courses
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{{ 'LASC 316' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 316' | last-word }}
Innovative Design (A)
15 credits
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{{ 'LASC 393' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 393' | last-word }}
Practicum: Applied Landscape Practice
15 credits
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{{ 'LASC 321' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 321' | last-word }}
Urban Design
15 credits
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Elective
Semester 2 courses
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Semester 2 courses
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{{ 'LASC 312' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 312' | last-word }}
Landscape Ecology
15 credits
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{{ 'DESN 301' | except-last-word }} {{ 'DESN 301' | last-word }}
Design Theory
15 credits
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{{ 'LASC 322' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 322' | last-word }}
Sustainable Design and Planning
30 credits
Year 4
Semester 1 courses
- Compulsory courses
- Elective courses
- Choose between an elective or the list below
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*BLA Suggested Electives
The following courses are suggested for first years:
Progression from Intermediate Year to First Professional Year is by invitation only, based on a satisfactory level of achievement.
This degree structure is indicative only. A course advisor will help you to select your electives and plan your degree.
Programme contacts
Key information for students
Compare qualification and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Need more info?
Email us on grow@lincoln.ac.nz
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
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