MLA Master of Landscape Architecture
Manchester, United Kingdom
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 4,667 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* per 30 credits per year
Introduction
The Master of Landscape Architecture offers an academic qualification leading towards professional registration as a landscape architect.
The MLA is accredited by the UK Landscape Institute and recognised worldwide by the International Federation of Landscape Architects, preparing you for the final stage of professional accreditation as a landscape architect. It is jointly run by Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester meaning you will benefit from the resources and expertise available in both institutions.
At MSA we believe that landscape architects can contribute to combatting the climate and ecological emergency, promote social equity, provide common resources in the form of public space, and make a difference to people’s lives.
Features and Benefits
- The MSA is consistently ranked as one of the best schools of Architecture in the world.
- The MLA is professionally accredited by the UK Landscape Institute and worldwide by the International Federation of Landscape Architects.
- A 2-year full-time conversion route to the Master of Landscape Architecture is available if you hold a related degree. Part 1 runs from September to June and is 120 credits. Part 2 runs from September to September and is 180 credits.
- A 1-year full-time Master of Landscape Architecture route is available if you hold a 2:2 or above undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture (or accredited equivalent). It runs from September to September and is 180 credits.
- Teaching is delivered by an experienced group of core landscape staff, complemented by a wide range of practitioners and academics from within and beyond the MSA.
- As a Master of Landscape Architecture student at the Manchester School of Architecture, you will study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Upon graduation, you will receive one-degree certificate. The joint award certificate includes each institution’s crest and awarding body title.
- Make use of extensive libraries and specialist workshops at both Manchester Metropolitan and The University of Manchester.
- Access a dedicated MSA Advanced Digital Design team who provide workshops and tutorials covering all the essential software plus a range of more specialist programmes.
- Take part in MSA Live, the MSA’s annual programme of student-led live projects in MLA Part 1.
- In MLA Part 2, become a member of one of our research-led ateliers and work collaboratively with architecture students from the MArch and BA Architecture.
- Exhibit your work in our annual degree show celebrating the achievements of students from across the MSA and School of Art.
- Meet and get to know landscape practitioners during your course as tutors, at reviews, and during our range of MSA Employability events.
Admissions
Curriculum
Course information
The MLA emphasises understanding the landscape as a dynamic and adaptive phenomenon. Projects promote a focus on the interfaces between the landscape as a human, cultural construct and as a reflection of underlying natural and environmental processes. Design ateliers explore globally relevant themes by studying specific landscapes, starting from a regional scale and narrowing down to detailed material and technological resolutions. The curriculum emphasises applying contemporary theoretical ideas and technologies to address the challenges of the landscapes studied.
The course maintains strong ties to professional practice. Students interact with various practitioners and live projects throughout the programme, gaining individual experience through direct professional engagement, complemented by theoretical lectures and seminars.
Year 1
Part 1 provides a broad foundation of knowledge and skills in landscape architecture for students wishing to convert from related subject areas and for overseas students who may benefit from the transition to a different cultural and professional context.
- Through atelier units students develop techniques of reading and landscapes, and the design and communication skills needed to propose transformations.
- Core drawing and software skills are developed through focused support sessions.
- Landscape Studies provides a foundation in core areas of theoretical and technical knowledge.
Part 1 of the MLA consists of 6 units, totalling 120 credits.
Core Modules
- Landscape Atelier 1a
- Landscape Atelier 1b
- Landscape Studies 1a
- Landscape Studies 1b
- Landscape Studies 2a
- Landscape Studies 2b
Year 2
Part 2 provides a final year of education for both landscape graduates and conversion students alike, and encourages a greater degree of autonomy and the opportunity to develop personal practice through both design and research-based work. A strong professional element underpins the whole year. Key points:
- Students engage with one of our exciting atelier offerings to pursue a unique research-led design trajectory.
- Atelier modules encourage students to apply theoretical ideas and agendas to a specific landscape context and to develop individual trajectories rooted in their personal strengths and interests.
- Students gain both direct personal experience and a theoretical understanding of the professional context of the subject.
- A Dissertation and Exhibition module provides a framework for more detailed individual research exploring theoretical and professional topics central to the discipline.
Part 2 of the MLA consists of 5 units, totalling 180 credits.
Core Modules
- Landscape Atelier 2a
- Landscape Atelier 2b
- Landscape Atelier 2c
- Landscape Profession and Practice
- Dissertation and Exhibition
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Career prospects
The vast majority of our graduates go on to find employment in the profession, either in the UK or abroad, many due to connections established during the course. Outside London, the North West of England is the base for more landscape practices than anywhere else in the country. Opportunities exist in a wide range of organisations, from small private practices to international, multi-disciplinary firms. Alternatively, landscape architects are also employed in the public sector or non-profit making organisations. Many alumni have gone on to positions of responsibility in major international firms and have been involved in the delivery of landmark projects around the world.
Program delivery
Study
Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 5% placement; 75% independent study
Assessment
Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination