Landscape Architecture

Core modules:

Studio project 1: Landscape Architecture: nature, people, place.

This module introduces the practice of landscape design. Through a site based project, it introduces methods and procedures of landscape architectural design it introduces methods and procedures of landscape architectural design taking students through the 'design process'. It explores analytical and creative approaches to design and introduces how the fundamental components of landscape design: landform, vegetation, water and hard materials are used to create places that benefit people and nature. Landscape media, tools and sources are introduced and applied, and lectures on design theory and the materials of landscape support the project. Assessment is through a portfolio that demonstrates the student's design process and resolved design proposals.

40 credits

Studio project 2: Planning strategies to urban design proposals

An introduction to and exploration of core methods, concepts and contexts for contemporary landscape architectural planning and urban design, and more advanced studies in strategic large scale design, following from LSC61001. Through an integrated project: the use of methods and approaches to strategic landscape planning applied in the first half of the project inform an urban landscape design proposal developed in the second half, relating landscape space to existing and proposed architectural and built form to create a climate resilient urban public realm. The studio project will include research, survey and analysis used to inform creative strategic and design processes. The studio work is complemented by lectures, workshops, and seminars.

40 credits

Research module 1: Introduction to landscape research

This module will focus on introducing students to landscape research in its broadest sense. They will learn how to find sources of information, how to critically review and analyse this information and how to use and present the findings from their research. They will understand the relevance of research to their own project outputs and how research and evidence-based practice can underpin the planning, design and management of the landscape more generally. They will appreciate how research enables them to critically appraise a project and how they can inform, inspire and enrich their own work with the knowledge and insights gained from their research. The module will support students' preparation for their Dissertations, and their final year Special Project work (LSCT123 students only).

20 credits

Research module 2: Landscape research topics

This module will build on students' learning in LSC61004 Introduction to Landscape Research taken in Autumn semester. It will support students in the exploration of research topics in preparation for their dissertation. The module will provide opportunities for students to identify their area of research, key literature and appropriate method of inquiry including research ethics. The cultural and social studies second lecture series will introduce students to key concepts and theories related to landscape architecture to help them identify their own research interests and. inform the studio project work of LSC61002.

20 credits

Landscape Research Dissertation

This module provides students studying for their MA in Landscape Architecture with the experience of undertaking research into an issue of significance to landscape architecture. It builds on two landscape research modules LSC61004 and LSC61005 and requires the investigation of a selected topic using appropriate research methods and the production of a 10-15,000 word dissertation. For certain topics a reduction in word length may be offset by the use of other media. Students receive tutorial support from an academic advisor.

60 credits

Special Project: Research and Development Study

The aim of the module is to produce a brief for the Special Project (LSC6005). The project brief: describes and defines the site/study area and proposed development or regeneration, its context and issues; establishes a clear design/planning/management brief; rationale and approach for the Special Project; and forms the basis for independent critique of the proposal. The brief requires to be underpinned by well-documented research - of (a) site/study area characteristics; (b) underlying science, social science and policy, and (c) precedent studies of comparable real-world projects. This unit aims to ensure that students a) have produced a viable proposal for their Special Project that is clear and comprehensible to an independent reviewer and b) have researched their Special Project in terms of relevant knowledge, policy and practice.

This module forms part of a programme of study accredited by the Landscape Institute.

15 credits

Landscape Professional Practice

The aim of this module is to provide students with an introduction to elements of the landscape profession that they will require to understand in order to become practising Landscape Architects and, in time, Chartered Members of the Landscape Institute. Three subject areas are covered; Professional Practice, Landscape and Environmental Law and Landscape Contracts. These will touch upon issues relating to being a professional landscape architect, relevant landscape and environmental law and contract law as it applies to the practice of landscape architecture and the nature, forms and use of contracts used in the landscape profession.

15 credits

Special Project

The Special Project aims to test your readiness to enter the landscape profession. It requires you to complete an independent project from start to finish to a professional standard. You will select a project covering different strands of landscape architecture, including planning, design, or management, or combinations of these. Whatever your choice, the aim is to demonstrate that you can integrate the knowledge and skills that you have gained in the previous parts of your programme and can apply them in an appropriate way to address the issues posed by your chosen project. Working on your own initiative, with tutors acting as advisors and consultants, you are required to identify a site or study area, collect and evaluate relevant background information, carry out appropriate surveys, develop plans, strategies and/or designs at an appropriate level of detail and communicate your findings and proposals through appropriate outputs, including a public exhibition.

50 credits

Optional modules - choose two from:

Strategic Landscape Planning

Landscape planning has become a major area of interest and activity for landscape professionals. This module aims to provide a good understanding of current issues in landscape planning in the context of the growing emphasis on sustainability and future landscapes. It introduces some of the big issues of the day including the future of peri-urban and rural landscapes, meeting the demand for new housing, the urban-rural divide, new measures for energy, new woodland strategies and industrial development. It also aims to develop familiarity with key organisations involved in landscape and to develop practical experience of some of the practical approaches to landscape planning in current use.

20 credits

Urban Design Project

This module aims to provide an opportunity to further advance design skills within the built and open space context of urban design. Their practical application for landscape professionals will be studied. The project emphasises socially sustainable and user-orientated approaches to urban design and regeneration (responsive design). Building/landscape relationships and the role buildings play in shaping and influencing urban spaces and vice versa are studied through detailed and strategic design of landscapes that are primarily built (rather than planted). Opportunities to experience team work form an important part of the module as do the production of innovative visual presentations and portfolio development using digital and other media.

20 credits

Maintaining Green Infrastructure

This module aims to develop student understanding of the maintenance and management of greenspace. The relationship between management and maintenance are discussed and the consequences of failure to integrate these. Current management approaches to care of landscapes are discussed, and how best value can be delivered on the ground through innovative practice. All of the major types of greenspace vegetation are discussed and their maintenance management reviewed from a contemporary needs perspective. The unit adopts a multidisciplinary approach and in addition to technical issues, also aims to address the underlying ideas and philosophies, which currently impinge, both positively and negatively upon the care and development of greenspace.

20 credits

Managing the Landscape

This module aims to introduce students to landscape management, with particular focus on urban landscape management. It deals with the interactions between place, people and plants and how the function of open and green space is dependent on effective management and can be affected by who is involved and how decisions are made. The module highlights the social, political, cultural, economic, ecological, environmental and temporal dynamics that need to be considered when developing management strategies and plans for a given area. Students will explore how strategic approaches to greenspace management are made by considering who pays, who cares, who uses these spaces, and crucially, who makes the decisions and how. Students will develop their own management plans to improve one specific green space.

20 credits

Urban Futures

This module speculates on the future of urban landscapes, examining the processes that underpin changes in the nature, materiality and experience of this growing area of landscape practice. It will provide students with advanced skills and introduce ways of interrogating current theories and practice while going beyond existing policy frameworks to develop creative and speculative propositions for landscape architecture in future cities.

This module forms part of a programme of study accredited by the Landscape Institute.

20 credits

Equity and Participation in Place Change

This module enables students to explore cultural and social dimensions of place, histories of change and future interventions; with a particular focus on questioning issues of equity and inclusion in these processes. Areas of enquiry will typically include aspects of environmental access, race and representation of diversity including problematic histories, protest and gentrification, but will also in part be informed by current events. In discussing these 'problem spaces' students draw on decolonialised approaches to knowledge through learning from local and global exemplars, their own personal histories, and from guest contributors from diverse backgrounds who provide expertise outside of academia. The module also addresses the role of the Landscape Architect and ethical inclusive practice, giving an introduction to participatory methods and intercultural competencies. The module offers a standalone specialism, but additionally supports students who wish to develop and embed expertise in these areas either through spatial practice (Special Project) or research (Dissertation).

20 credits