Introduction
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?
Innovation
We are the first, and currently 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 center 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 liveability 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 pracitioners 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, analysing 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.
A 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 VARCH 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 orLARC 598 Graduate Project Part II
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 degree that is academically equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree at UBC. There is no requirement for the discipline of your previous degree. We accept students from a wide variety of academic fields.
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
