Introduction
Our two-year Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture program immerses you in a focused research environment, allowing you to synthesize existing knowledge in landscape architecture and progress contemporary concepts in the field. You will work independently and in collaboration with faculty members to investigate specific research themes, culminating in the completion of your thesis. You may enrich this research through related disciplines such as community and regional planning, civil engineering, geography, art history, and visual art.
This program does not fulfill the requirements for licensure. If you already hold a professional degree in landscape architecture or a related field and have a capacity for independent research, this program may be a good choice for you.
Curriculum
The Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture degree requires the completion of 31 credits, which includes your thesis. You will largely design your own trajectory and specialized studies through elective coursework in interdisciplinary fields. In your first year, you will broaden your knowledge in academic research and electives to prepare for your research thesis in the second year. The degree normally takes two years to complete.
Landscape Architecture Theory
Research Methods
Landscape Planning and Management
Landscape Architecture Seminar
Research Thesis
Electives
Enriched educational experiences
During your time at the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, we offer a variety of opportunities outside of the regular curriculum that will enhance your academic experience. You can use the co-op program, design builds, directed studies, studies abroad, and exchange opportunities to complement your coursework and expand the scope of your program. We offer these options to support diverse student interests, prepare students for a wide variety of roles, and enhance student life.
Co-op
Co-op is an optional component of the M.Arch and MLA programs. It is an excellent way to integrate academic studies with work experience and offers practical experience and networking opportunities in your chosen field. The procedures and requirements differ slightly between the programs.
Architecture
After completing your second-year courses, you can choose to pursue an eight-month work term in an architectural firm or a professional office in related fields of design or construction. The co-op must be eight consecutive months and will count toward your program as six elective credits.
You can choose to complete a four-month co-op at a landscape architecture firm or professional office. It counts toward your program as three elective credits. You may take a maximum of six credits of the co-op.
Design + Build
Direct, hands-on experience in design and construction is an extraordinary learning opportunity for young designers. We are committed to providing these possibilities through various design-build options open to architecture, landscape architecture, and environmental design students. The design-build counts toward your degree as elective credits.
Directed studies
Directed studies are student-led research projects. They are a way to concentrate on research in a particular area or work with a certain faculty member on a research topic.
If you would like to undertake a directed study, you must find a faculty member to supervise your project and create a proposal using our ‘best practices’ model. Your chosen faculty supervisor and the chair of your program must approve the proposal.
Directed studies are three credits, with a maximum of six credits or two directed studies counting toward your degree.
Study abroad
The School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture offers many opportunities to study abroad. Options range from a few weeks to a whole term or more. Our programs have recently offered courses abroad in Brazil, Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Sweden.
The global exposure that study abroad opportunities provide you with is instrumental in preparing you for professions that are increasingly international in scope. As a graduate student, you may also be able to explore international issues directly related to the context of your thesis project.
Exchanges
As a UBC student, you have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs at partner universities around the world through UBC’s Go Global program.
At SALA, we have exchange partnerships with 12 universities internationally. Our partners are located in diverse locations around the world, allowing you to pursue courses of interest abroad that you can transfer back to your UBC degree requirements.
Make sure you are eligible to go and familiarize yourself early with the process and application requirements. You will apply both to Go Global at UBC and to the partner university of your choice. An interview may be part of the application process. Go Global advisors are readily available to help with questions you may have along the way.
If you are an architecture or landscape architecture student thinking of participating in an exchange, we encourage you to do so during the end of your second year in the program.
Resources
We provide support and resources to over 300 students. Our facilities include studios, libraries, a workshop, and digital fabrication devices. Computing and digital technologies play an integral role in your education and daily life here. UBC Information Technology provides technical support for our infrastructure.
Student life
Your role as a design student doesn’t begin and end during your classroom hours. The studio will become your second home. Your classmates can become your closest friends. Your professors can become trusted mentors. Our team is in place to ensure your success. Whether you want to study abroad, take a co-op term, or simply need help arranging your courses, our advisors are here to help. We are also committed to pairing you with a mentor working in your field who can provide invaluable advice on your work, your goals, and life in the design practice.
While your studies will give you ample opportunities to explore your creativity, your life outside your courses can be equally fulfilling. If you’re interested in a leadership role within the school, there are student government roles for each program. Our student organizations are active in planning social events, like the long-standing Good Times. They also actively promote health and wellbeing initiatives to take some of the stress out of studio life.
Admission
Admission requirements
You must meet all the admissions requirements in order to be considered for entry into the program.
Previous degree
You must hold a professional degree in landscape architecture or a degree in a related field in combination with experience relevant to graduate studies in landscape architecture.
Academic achievement
If you have completed your degree at a Canadian or American university, you must have a B+ average in your third- and fourth-year-level coursework. If you completed your degree at an international university, you must have a B+ average in all coursework.
English language proficiency
Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.
The minimum scores are:
TOEFL - 100 iBT or 600 paper based
IELTS - overall band score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component of the academic (not general) test.
Graduate record examination (optional)
While not required, you may submit GRE results as additional evidence of scholastic promise and aptitude
Application materials
All application materials should be submitted through the online application.
Online application form
Resume
Statement of intent
Portfolio
Transcripts
References
Application fee
