Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Landscape Architecture
-
Upcoming start dates
Semester 1 - 17 Feb 2025
Semester 2 - 14 Jul 2025
-
Qualification
Taught and Research Master's
Taught Master's
-
Duration
2 years full-time
-
Credits
240
-
Location
Lincoln University Campus
The Master of Landscape Architecture is the international standard of landscape architecture education and can open-up new employment and business opportunities in New Zealand and overseas.
Study for free
If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
About this programme
Lincoln University offers you two taught master’s options, depending on your previous study. Both will allow you to grow an exciting future in the industry.
Our 240-credit (two year) Master of Landscape Architecture offers those without an accredited BLA, but with an undergraduate university degree in any other discipline, the opportunity to achieve a landscape architecture degree accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA).
Our 120-credit (one year) Master of Landscape Architecture offers those with an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) the opportunity to pursue more advanced or specialised study, such as evidence-based design.
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
- You’ll cultivate a strong in-depth foundation in landscape design and planning plus critical thinking based on real-world experience gained during your study
- Expand your capabilities with specialist knowledge in landscape and urban ecology, resilient landscape design, sustainable communities, structure planning, urban and rural landscapes as well as indigenous Māori landscape design
- With a degree taught by the School of Landscape Architecture – New Zealand’s longest-established landscape architecture training institution and acclaimed internationally.
Career opportunities
This programme will prepare you for a career as a landscape architect. You can start your own practice, or work for a landscape architecture firm or in a government organization. You’ll also be able to collaborate with ecologists, architects, planners and engineers on a wide range of projects.
Programme information
240-credit MLA programme
- You will need to have achieved a minimum of 2nd class division 1 honours, or average of 70% in your 300 level or higher courses and in your final year overall
- You will need to submit a portfolio demonstrating design-related skills and creativity. It can contain landscape architecture drawings, representational drawings, paintings, photography or technical drawings. It can also include drawings that demonstrate computer graphic skills
- You will need to show basic computer graphic skills in Vectorworks or AutoCAD. This can be either via your portfolio or with a certificate of completion of an online course
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
120-credit MLA programme
- BLA graduates with first class or second-class division one Honours are eligible for direct entry to the MLA
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
What's it going to cost?
The Master of Landscape Architecture (Taught) is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
If you are an international student, see our list of International Fees.
240-credit MLA programme
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)
120-credit MLA programme
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)
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 levels.
- Describe the landscape dimensions of sustainability, human health and wellbeing.
- 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 theoretical Māori and indigenous concepts and applied approaches to design.
- Describe and identify a basic 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.
- Use a range of personal attributes including adaptability and an ability to learn and be able to transfer problems solving skills across a range of projects and scales.
- Communicate effectively in speech, graphics and writing to specific audiences, across a range of media.
- Engage in effective working relationships with a wide range of people and communities.
- Use basis office applications, including graphic, communication, and CAD software, in landscape architectural applications.
- Undertake design practice within a public policy context and under the statutory and institutional processes for managing landscape change at a range of scales.
- Manipulate surfaces using basic site engineering techniques relating to stormwater management and changes in level.
- Use natural and manufactured landscape materials in creative and practical design responses and specify them appropriately to facilitate landscape implementation.
- Apply a practical understanding of the relationships between design, planning and management when working with plant communities and associations.
- Draft specifications and manage contract administration for project implementation.
- Scholarly research methods, skills and report writing.
Values
- Express familiarity with the diversity of practice of landscape architecture including the need to commit to professional ethics, codes of conduct, protocols and procedures.
- 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.
-
Entry requirements
240-credit MLA programme
- You will need to have achieved a minimum of 2nd class division 1 honours, or average of 70% in your 300 level or higher courses and in your final year overall
- You will need to submit a portfolio demonstrating design-related skills and creativity. It can contain landscape architecture drawings, representational drawings, paintings, photography or technical drawings. It can also include drawings that demonstrate computer graphic skills
- You will need to show basic computer graphic skills in Vectorworks or AutoCAD. This can be either via your portfolio or with a certificate of completion of an online course
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
120-credit MLA programme
- BLA graduates with first class or second-class division one Honours are eligible for direct entry to the MLA
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
-
Regulations and fees
What's it going to cost?
The Master of Landscape Architecture (Taught) is covered by our fee waiver. If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more.
If you are an international student, see our list of International Fees.
-
Intake semesters
240-credit MLA programme
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)
120-credit MLA programme
- Semester 1 (late February)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)
-
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 levels.
- Describe the landscape dimensions of sustainability, human health and wellbeing.
- 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 theoretical Māori and indigenous concepts and applied approaches to design.
- Describe and identify a basic 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.
- Use a range of personal attributes including adaptability and an ability to learn and be able to transfer problems solving skills across a range of projects and scales.
- Communicate effectively in speech, graphics and writing to specific audiences, across a range of media.
- Engage in effective working relationships with a wide range of people and communities.
- Use basis office applications, including graphic, communication, and CAD software, in landscape architectural applications.
- Undertake design practice within a public policy context and under the statutory and institutional processes for managing landscape change at a range of scales.
- Manipulate surfaces using basic site engineering techniques relating to stormwater management and changes in level.
- Use natural and manufactured landscape materials in creative and practical design responses and specify them appropriately to facilitate landscape implementation.
- Apply a practical understanding of the relationships between design, planning and management when working with plant communities and associations.
- Draft specifications and manage contract administration for project implementation.
- Scholarly research methods, skills and report writing.
Values
- Express familiarity with the diversity of practice of landscape architecture including the need to commit to professional ethics, codes of conduct, protocols and procedures.
- 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
240-credit MLA programme
Ten 20-credit Master’s level courses and a 40-credit dissertation (small research project).
120-credit MLA programme
Four 20-credit Master’s level courses and a 40-credit dissertation (small research project). Following their MLA students may be eligible to continue their studies at the PhD level. Students can start either Semester 1 (late February), or Semester 2 (mid-July).
Choose a minimum of four of the following courses:
- Elective courses
Compulsory courses
MLA Compulsory 240 credits
-
{{ 'DESN 603' | except-last-word }} {{ 'DESN 603' | last-word }}
Advanced Design Project
20 credits
-
{{ 'LASC 610' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 610' | last-word }}
Advanced Site Design
20 credits
-
{{ 'LASC 612' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 612' | last-word }}
Advanced Practice in Landscape Architecture
20 credits
-
{{ 'LASC 613' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 613' | last-word }}
Advanced Theory in Landscape Architecture
20 credits
-
{{ 'LASC 617' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 617' | last-word }}
Advanced Design Study
20 credits
-
{{ 'LASC 620' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 620' | last-word }}
Landscape Assessment
20 credits
-
{{ 'LASC 621' | except-last-word }} {{ 'LASC 621' | last-word }}
Advanced Site Engineering and Design Detailing
20 credits
- Compulsory courses
Programme contacts
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
Lincoln University endeavours to ensure that the information published on its website is accurate and up-to-date. However, such information is subject to regular review and can change without notice. Entry to programmes may be limited and staffing, programmes and courses may be varied or discontinued at any time.
The University makes no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy of such information and does not accept any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or content of this information.
Students and prospective students are advised to check with the relevant Faculty or Department before applying to enrol in a particular course or programme. International students should also check relevant policies, fees and procedures with our Enrolment Office.
If you believe any of the information held on our websites is incorrect please use the contact us link to get in touch with us.