MA/PGDip Landscape Architecture

About the course

The taught part of the course – from 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. Your Special Project can be on a broad subject or a specialism: design, planning or management.

The Special Project helps you develop your professional competence. You may choose a broad subject or specialise in design, planning or management. With guidance from a member of staff, you'll work on a landscape architecture solution for a real-world site. You choose the site – it could be in Sheffield or in your home town, even if your home town is in another country. The work is presented in an end-of-year exhibition. Your friends and family are invited. So are potential employers.

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
• Professional Practice, Law and Contracts
• Special Project Research and Development Study
• Special Project
• 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

Your career: improving people's lives

Landscape architecture is about creating and conserving places for people to live and work in. You'll need creativity, flair and a passion for improving people's lives. A good landscape architect is able to bring together diverse knowledge and skills to come up with imaginative, workable solutions.

Our graduates work in the UK and internationally; in private practice and for public organisations. They often find jobs in their specialist areas, such as design, planning or management. Some work for councils and national parks, or for wildlife trusts. Others go into conservation and forestry.

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

In the UK's greenest city

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

About us

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise we were the top-ranked landscape architecture department in the UK. World-class research informs our masters courses. You’ll be taught by leading experts.

We offer taught courses across the breadth of landscape studies, including design, management, planning, and the ecological, social and cultural aspects of landscape.

A creative environment

We're based in the Arts Tower, an iconic, Grade II* listed building which has just had a £25 million refurbishment. Our studios are equipped with wireless and digital projection facilities, spray booths, and portfolio and locker space. And you have your own kitchen and common room.

Each year group has access to a studio. You'll use the latest technology, just as you would in practice. Our computer suites are equipped with CAD and digital imaging and publishing software, and A4–A0 colour printing facilities.

Professional accreditation

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture is accredited by the Landscape Institute and the International Federation of Landscape Architects.

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