Landscape Architecture MLA

Core modules:

Reading the Contemporary Landscape

This module introduces students to the full scope and diversity of landscape architecture and the role of landscape architects in tackling contemporary social and environmental issues, presenting and giving examples of the areas of practice known as planning, design and management, with particular reference to the Sheffield area. The role of the Landscape Institute is also introduced. The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the range of work undertaken by landscape architects and the challenges the profession faces.

20 credits

Space Making

An understanding of the dynamic qualities of landscape and how space is formed, manipulated and communicated is central to the discipline of landscape architecture. This introductory module equips students with a range of skills and tools that enable them to evaluate existing designed landscapes and to present proposals for new landscapes. It will provide a basic introduction to materials of landscape and develop a theoretical understanding of the design process, use of precedent and different approaches to creating original and creative design solutions. The module will also introduce a limited pallet of native and non-native vegetation. This module is an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge developed in LSC115 - Current Challenges in Planning Design and Management, and digital skills developed in LSC117 Presentation Communication and Research Skills.

20 credits

Presentation, Communication and Research Skills

This module is about introducing students to some of the skills and knowledge needed on this course in general, in this Department, at this University and in the world of work. Communication is central to the profession of Landscape architecture in general and to this course in particular. The bulk of this module is about giving students some of the digital communication skills needed when communicating ideas in the rest of this course and, later, in the workplace. 

The module will explain and help students to understand some of the different teaching methods used in the Department of Landscape Architecture and what is expected in terms of being a reflective and critical learner.The module will also introduce some of the tools needed for academic and professional life, including navigating and using the library, correctly referencing your work and avoiding plagiarism.

The aims of the module are to:

introduce a range of digital communication methods for design, digital modelling and working with digital resources and information

introduce the principles of feedback and assessment. 

introduce the use of the University Library and other online resources;

introduce the principles of correct referencing and avoiding plagiarism.

20 credits

Histories of Landscape Architecture

This course is designed firstly to provide a broad introduction to the discipline of Landscape Architecture and develop an interest in the study of designed landscapes. In order to do this it aims to create awareness and promote a working knowledge of the theoretical context of the profession including: 1. A working knowledge of the terminology defining landscape architecture, garden design and place making. 2. A basic chronology of the history of the profession. 3. A basic understanding of how various theories which have influenced landscape design are related to social, cultural, ecological (environmental) and economical contexts.

20 credits

The Changing Landscape

This module aims to: - Introduce landscape and environmental planning as a means of intervening in landscape at the large scale. - Provide an understanding of landscape formation, change and the drivers of change. - Introduce the toolkit available to landscape planners. - Introduce the theory and technique of Landscape Character Assessment. - Develop report writing skills and visual literacy. - Introduce students to GIS. By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate understanding of/proficiency in: - The influences and processes that shape landscape. - The relationship between landscape planning and landscape policy. - Sourcing and interpreting landscape information. - Appreciating the (sometimes controversial) nature of landscape change. - Landscape Character and Landscape Character Assessment at an introductory level. Communicating landscape data and analysis at a planning scale in a critical imaginative and creative manner.

20 credits

The Dynamic Landscape

This unit is designed to further develop the landscape design skills and knowledge gained in the 1st semester. The module runs over 12 weeks and will be largely studio-based, but there will be field trips and visits. Based on one site students will work through all the stages of design development from site analysis through to final presentation. Precedent will be used to inform practice and students will undertake self-directed study to build knowledge of the theoretical basis of the design approach in such settings. Students will further develop their understanding of and use of landform manipulation, vegetation and other built structures to create a variety of space and experience. Studio exercises and seminars will be central to the learning process. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interaction with water and approaches to the 'water's edge' in the landscape. Graphic skills, freehand and technical, needed to convey ideas at both the design development and the presentation stage (essential to the landscape architect ) will be developed with further teaching in the area of digital design communication. Development of the knowledge of vegetation, particularly native trees, and its use and place in the landscape will take place through taught sessions, field study and individual research.

20 credits

Core modules:

Exploration of Contemporary Landscapes

This module aims to engage students in current practice in landscape architecture through inquiry based learning. Contemporary issues are introduced and critiqued primarily through participation in a staff-led Field study trip. Students undertake reading and case studies analysis prior to the trip, conduct on site observations of existing landscapes and make drawings. Afterwards this is used to develop a digital portfolio on their chosen area of inquiry.

20 credits

Ecological Processes, Design & Management

This module introduces the principles and practice of landscape ecology and ecological design and their application in a variety of contexts. Key ecological concepts such as 'biodiversity' and 'ecosystems services' are introduced and the special nature of urban ecology and its relevance to the design of urban green spaces is explored. Through lectures and site visits the structure and functioning of key UK biotypes, their characteristics and application on the designed landscape are explained, and particular emphasis is placed on the creative application of these in order to deliver ecosystems services and biodiversity. Site based project work is used to allow students to develop their own ecologically inspired concepts and designs for multifunctional green infrastructure that benefits both people and wildlife and to demonstrate their ability to communicate their knowledge of ecological principles and design to different audiences.Knowledge and skills developed will build on modules taken at level 1.

20 credits

Materials of Landscape - Planting Design

This module introduces students to plants used by landscape architects in urban and rural landscape and how these can be used to develop effective planting design. Knowledge and skills developed will be built on in modules the following year. By the end of the module students will be familiar with a basic palette of plants for use in design, their botanical names, visual and use characteristics familiar with key aesthetic, functional and ecological principles under pinning planting design: have practised the basic principles of plant selection according to site conditions: have developed stimulating, creative, attractive and easily interpreted planting plans and sections - elevations based on colour, textural and structural characteristics: have evaluated the structural role of plants in defining landscape spaces at a range of scales.

20 credits

Materials of Landscape - Construction Design

This module introduces the basic principles of landscape construction. It will demonstrate that construction is an integral component of the designed landscape creating its own design opportunities and constraints. Students will study the functional, aesthetic and technical properties of a range of different landscape components. They will undertake on-site observations and produce a range of contractual drawings for a small scale design project. Computer aided design will form an integral part of the project and will be used to produce technical details. This module is closely integrated with LSC234 Landscape Design, Exploration and Intervention. Students are encouraged to take forward their detailed design proposals from this module and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of material selection and the relationship with design detailing.

20 credits

Landscape Design - Exploration and Intervention

Successful design of shared places demands innovative thinking to respond to shifting contexts and actions in a world of increasing complexity and diversity. This module focuses on approaches for generating original site-specific concepts and resolving these at a range of planning and design scales. An urban area is thoroughly explored, critiqued and communicated through on-site and multi-media activities. Students research and adapt precedent studies in art practice, urban realm interventions and emergent placemaking, and actively reflect on their own design process. These inform aims for regeneration and public engagement, the design of an urban public open space, and detailed design integrating hard and soft landscape materials.

20 credits

Optional modules:

Landscape Planning for a Changing World

This module explores the relationship between landscape,planning, policy and governance at different scales and in different contexts. This ranges from international decision-making frameworks down to individual sites in different contexts. Students will learn about the impact of policy and ideas on landscape and vice versa, and explore the role of landscape planning tools, techniques and methodologies within the wider planning framework. The module will examine how decisions about landscape are made and the effects they have from the strategic to the site scale.

20 credits

Landscape Ecology - Habitat Survey Techniques

This module will allow student to:
* Introduce students to a range of ecological survey techniques.
* Improve their identification skills and knowledge of UK flora and fauna.
* Provide an opportunity for students to synthesise field data, review published science data and formulate a professional report.
By the end of the unit students should be able to demonstrate the ability to: *apply basic ecological survey techniques: Phase 1 and Phase 2 habitat surveys: * understand the importance of plant, bird, badger and bat surveys, and the use of key indicators: *identify advantages/constraints of different surveying approaches: *develop field craft skills: *appraise the ecological value of a particular site: *provide a concise scientifically-documented report on the ecological value of one of the sites surveyed: *understand conservation measures and related management approaches.

20 credits

Core modules:

Sustainable Communities

Sustainable communities is a module focusing on people and landscape. It introduces students to the theories and practice of the social nature of sustainable communities with a particular emphasis on vulnerable users. It provides the foundation to develop an understanding about planning, designing and managing landscapes for users needs and desires.

20 credits

Site Planning For Sustainable Housing

This module will introduce the context and requirements of sustainable housing provision with a particular emphasis on how this might be achieved through a holistic landscape vision. It will provide the opportunity to explore different approaches to the sustainable development of a housing site, socially, ecologically and economically. By the end of this module students will be able to demonstrate 1. an understanding as to how different housing theories and typologies affect sustainability. 2. an awareness of the political and financial issues surrounding the provision of housing. 3. Their ability to challenge conventional ideas about living and housing. 4. How a specific layout contributes to social, economical and ecological sustainability. 5. An understanding of the design process from writing a brief to masterplanning, and skills in communicating design proposals.

20 credits

Integrated Urban Design Project

The integrated urban design focuses on  developing proposals for an area of urban greenspace  regeneration from the initial planning strategies through to site  masterplanning and detailed design.  The module is closely integrated with the Materials of Landscape module LSC333, and also draws on and applies theoretical material delivered in specialist Ecology and Planning modules.  The  module requires students to develop their own design manifesto in response to the client brief and also in response to contemporary social and environmental challenges.  The module looks to build on skills in landscape spatial design and communication through a reflective design research process which also draws on and applies critical analysis of relevant precedent studies. 

20 credits

Materials of Landscape - Detailed Design

This module further develops knowledge and skills in detailed landscape design. It is focussed on developing the ability in students to demonstrate appreciation and knowledge of landscape materiality and the integration of organic and inorganic elements. It enables students to: produce a range of working drawings which appropriately communicate the detailed design of soft and hard elements; select vegetation and hard materials in response to site conditions and design framework; demonstrate understanding of plant production and establishment techniques and appropriate construction techniques. It is integrated with LSC332 Integrated Urban Design Project, in that it follows the same overall development brief and site, and materiality exploration will feed into the design work you produce for that module (design strategy, masterplan, detail design).
This module forms part of a programme of study accredited by the Landscape Institute.

20 credits

Optional module:

Landscape Planning Toolkits

On completing this module students will:- have gained an overview of contemporary landscape planning tools- be aware of the legislative basis to environmental impact assessment and the circumstances in which it is likely to take place- understand the scope of the process and the steps that are involved, distinguishing between the assessment process itself and the environmental statement- have gained knowledge and understanding of the range of environmental topics covered in environmental impact assessment and the techniques involved- have understood the place that considerations of landscape and visual impact play in the process- have gained practical experience of assessing the landscape and visual impacts of a development scheme- understand some of the methods of presenting information on landscape and visual impacts in an environmental statement.

20 credits

Landscape Planning - Urban Regeneration

This module addresses the patterns and processes of urban development, examining theories and typologies of urban form, the drivers of urban change and urban regeneration. It investigates the relationship between urban form and urban greenspace and the implications for green infrastructure. Students are expected to research and present understanding of a core component of relevant literature, and relate this to examples of urban form, and to devise a masterplan for a previously developed site in Sheffield, drawing on their understanding of history and theory of urban development and using precedent to inform their approach. The course uses a mixture of lectures, field work, workshops and studio based independent study to provide insight into planning and design approaches and languages relevant to successful urban regeneration. It aims to give students knowledge and understanding of the complex planning and design frameworks within which different aspects of urban regeneration take place.

20 credits

Green Infrastructure and Ecological Masterplanning

This module aims, through a site-based project, to apply the principles of ecological design and sustainable landscape management to a medium-large unit of urban greenspace. The integration of scientific ecological knowledge with creative design skills is central to the module. Emphasis is placed on enhancing biodiversity and developing appropriate vegetation types, while at the same time catering for the needs of site users. The importance of urban green networks and green links is stressed. Emphasis is placed on the use of locally appropriate species and habitats. The module will introduce students to knowledge and techniques applicable to specified topics within landscape ecology, ecological design, and ecological landscape management and enable students to undertake independent research into specified topics and apply their findings to tightly defined design or management scenarios. Specific focus is given to environmental engineering topics such as green roofs and water sensitive design, and their relationship with urban biodiversity

20 credits

Landscape Ecology - Habitat Creation and Restoration

This module will introduce students to the theory and practice of restoration ecology and vegetation management. It will provide the rationale as to why certain landscapes become degraded and require restoration. Students will develop an awareness of habitat creation and the appropriate design / management strategies that can be employed to enhance the value of a site for wildlife. It additionally aims to provide students with the practical knowledge and skills to optimise landscape management for biodiversity and provides experience in developing a fully integrated Management Plan.
By the end of this module students will:
Understand and apply a range of appropriate restoration techniques to different habitat types.
Appreciate the historical legacy surrounding key landscape / habitat types.
Identify the factors that constitute a degraded landscape.
Identify key characteristics that define 'high-value biodiversity' habitats.
Implement designs that promote ecological function and habitat creation.
Devise restoration and management plans that complement the design objectives, and ensure the on-going improvement of the site/s for wildlife and other key agreed objectives.
Put into practice a number of important habitat management techniques.

20 credits

Core modules:

Landscape Architecture Integrated Masters Year in Practice

This module enables students to spend their fourth year of the 5-year Integrated Masters working in a 'course relevant' role in industry. Students will secure their own, 9 months plus (fte), placement in a 'course relevant' organisation. This enables them to gain wide ranging experiences and opportunities that put their academic studies into context and improve their professional skills. Students will also benefit from experiencing the culture in industry, making contacts, and the placement will support them in their preparation for subsequent employment. Students will be expected to undertake at least 9 months in a relevant industry placement though the experience could be spread over 2 organisations or types of activity either simultaneously or consecutively. Students will complete a pre placement Skills and Knowledge self assessment. During the placement, they will maintain a Skills and Knowledge record, prepare a self-reflection document and also develop a visual portfolio, to be reviewed  at 'checkpoints' during the year,  and submitted at the end of the module.

120 credits

Core modules:

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:

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

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

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

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