Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture

The dual degree option is a four-year program to pursue the Master of Architecture and the Master of Landscape Architecture at the same time. The dual degree is certified by both the Canadian Architectural Certification Board and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. The dual degree program harmonizes architectural design with ecological consciousness to create an inclusive understanding of built and natural environments.

Quick Facts

• Degree: Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture
• Subject: Specialty
• Mode of delivery: On campus
• Specialization: Architecture
• Program Components: Coursework + Major Project/Essay required
• Faculty: Faculty of Applied Science
• School: School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Dual degree option

The dual degree option is a unique opportunity to pursue the Master of Architecture (MArch) and the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) at the same time. Each degree is accredited: the MArch degree by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board, and MLA degree by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council.

The dual degree program is a very rigorous course of study leading to graduate professional degrees in both disciplines in a condensed time frame. Entry to the dual degree program is highly competitive and applications are selectively evaluated. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in and some knowledge of architecture and landscape architecture.

Why pursue both degrees here?

Top reasons to pursue both degrees at UBC.

Innovation

We are the first, and so far the only, school in Canada to offer you the opportunity to pursue both degrees at the same time.

Tradition of excellence

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Our school is recognized for its commitment to sustainable research, ranking 20th in the 2015 and 27th in the 2016 QS World University Rankings, the highest of all Canadian architecture schools.

The place

Vancouver is consistently named as one of the top five worldwide cities for livability and quality of life. With diverse geographic regions and climates, a rich, multi-cultural history and a dynamic arts and culture scene, Vancouver is an amazing place to work and study.

Award-winning faculty

Our faculty are internationally renowned experts in their fields and have chosen to teach here in part because of our school’s reputation for excellence in research. Join us and you will learn from the people who are changing the way we think about design.

Tight-knit community

With low student-faculty ratios, we get to know you by name. We are proud of our small studios, intimate seminars, and personalized learning opportunities. Our support structure ensures that you have a successful experience. From academic guidance to health and wellness, we have an array of services to help you achieve your personal, academic and professional goals.

Mentor program

When entering our program, we pair you with a professional mentor. Our mentor roster includes many of the most prominent practitioners in Vancouver. Paired with you through to licensure, your mentor will not only contribute to your experience while at SALA but will help make your transition from school to practice smoother.

International Experiences

As a SALA student, you will be able to attend summer electives and studios set abroad. These courses range from 3 weeks to a full semester. In recent years, we have taken students to Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and the Netherlands. For a more immersive experience, you can also spend up to a year at one of our partner universities.

Employment opportunities

We have a wide variety of employment opportunities. We currently offer 90 annual teaching assistantships and nearly as many research, administrative, and technical positions. Whether it is leading an undergraduate seminar, analyzing data in the lab, or assisting in the workshop, you will find a position that is right for you.

Our students get involved

Our students organize lunchtime lectures, host weekly social events, and curate gallery exhibitions of their work. They create public art on campus, organize design builds and attend conferences around the world. They are passionate about what they do, and we hope you will be too.

What can I do with my degrees?

Our dual degree option puts you in the unique position of preparing you to practice both architecture and landscape architecture. The Canadian Architectural Certification Board and the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects certify your degrees. These certifications are both recognized in Canada and the US.

Your two professional degrees open doors into a design industry on the rise. As cities continue to grow, an interdisciplinary view is invaluable in new developments. The public and private sectors alike need both architects and landscape architects to lead projects in both the built and natural environment. The Government of Canada predicts fair to strong growth across the country for architects and landscape architects, with low levels of unemployment.

Curriculum

The four-year dual degree option requires the completion of 149 credits, which includes your graduate project. If you already have a design degree or advanced design education, you may receive advanced placement into a variant of the program, subject to faculty approval.

Typical course of study

Year one

TERM ONE

• ARCH 500 Architectural Design Studio I
• ARCH 502 Introductory Workshop
• ARCH 515 Design Media I
• LARC 316 Trees and Shrubs in Landscape
• LARC 522 Landscape Architectural History

TERM TWO

• ARCH 517 Design Media II
• LARC 502 Landscape Architecture Design Studio II
• LARC 531 Landscape Technologies I
• LARC 541 Landscape Planning and Management

SUMMER

• ARCH 551 Communicating Construction

Electives

Year two

TERM ONE

• ARCH 504 Architectural History I
• ARCH 512 Architectural Structures I
• LARC 504 Landscape Architecture Design Studio IV
• LARC 532 Landscape Technologies II

TERM TWO

• ARCH 505 Architectural History II
• ARCH 511 Architectural Technology I
• LARC 503 Landscape Architecture Design Studio III
• LARC 523 Landscape Architectural Theory

SUMMER

• Electives

Year three

TERM ONE

• ARCH 513 Environmental Systems and Controls I
• ARCH 520 Architectural Design Studio III
• ARCH 531 Architectural Technology II
• ARCH 568 Research Methods

TERM TWO

• ARCH 521 Architectural Design Studio IV
• ARCH 523 Contemporary Theories in Architecture
• ARCH 532 Architectural Structures II
• ARCH 533 Environmental Systems and Controls II

SUMMER

• Electives

Year four

TERM ONE

• ARCH 540 Architectural Design Studio V or
  LARC 505 Landscape Architecture Design Studio V
• ARCH 548 Graduate Project Part I or
  LARC 595 Graduate Project Part I
• LARC 540 Site Analysis and Planning
• Elective

TERM TWO

• ARCH 541 Professional Practice
• ARCH 549 Graduate Project Part II or
  LARC 598 Graduate Project Part II

Requirements

IELTS OVERALL SCORE REQUIREMENT

6.5