MA Landscape Architecture

at Birmingham City University

COURSE IN DEPTH
 

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):

 

Design Theory and Practice
40 credits

 

The purpose of this module is to introduce the student to the contemporary issues and challenges that landscapes and the built environment are facing. This studio project consists of a number of exercises, undertaken as part of one overall project, that explore the design process by considering design as an analytical, artistic, observant and interpretative activity.

 

Design for Climate Change
40 credits

 

This module provides a fascinating theatre for innovation and exploration of sustainable and new approaches to deal with climate change, biodiversity loss and resilience. You will research the issues and opportunities to inform the design for climate change considering a range of scales as well as the political, economic, social and physical/environment parameters that effect this geographical sphere. According to the Landscape Institute, “professions that best understand the built and natural environments will be best placed to tackle climate change”.

 

Co.LAB
20 credits

 

The module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration. Collaboration is a vital employability skill within the Creative Industries and this module allows you to develop these skills, making use of University facilities, with the support of academic staff. Within this module framework, several kinds of collaborative opportunities are available. Your supervisor may set you a predetermined live project, to enable you to work with other students in a way that is appropriate to your subject area; or there may be opportunities for you to collaborate with staff on research projects. In all cases, you must apply your subject skills to a project which will be agreed in advance with your supervisor.

 

Synthesis to Detail
20 credits

 

This module applies and develops the skills and knowledge developed in the design process studio to the research and analysis of detailed design, exploring how ideas can be expressed spatially and visually through the selection and design of hard and soft materials. Contributing to a research strategy that aims to move design issues in landscape architecture away from a purely technical approach towards a conceptually driven and challenging practice, the module connects into the realm of cultural and contextual issues. Increasing complexity, design skill and knowledge of the materiality of the discipline. You will investigate case studies and critically evaluate landscape as the generative influence on the spatial form of the design. Building up knowledge of different perspectives, contextual and trans-disciplinary knowledge students investigate and respond to a contemporary issue such as inclusive design.

 

Thesis Design Module
60 credits

 

The thesis design project is a comprehensive and wide ranging project which is designed to enable you to demonstrate the standards identified in the Master’s level QAA Benchmark Statement.  You will engage with the growing international debate around the need to develop new approaches to spatial design, driven by the recognition that the socio-economic benefits of adopting holistic, artistic, ecological and conceptual approaches to master planning and regeneration. This is becoming increasingly evident and are regarded as essential if we are to respond to the challenges of natural resource shortage ("peak oil", water, etc.), climate change adaptation and mitigation, unprecedented urban growth, Health and well-being and a changing economy.

Essential Requirements

 

Essential
BA Hons / BSc degree in Landscape Architecture, Garden Design or overseas equivalent, minimum Lower Second-Class (2:2).
IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: MA Starting: Sep 2022
Full Time 1 year £16,300 in 2022/23

Enhancing your employability skills

This MA Landscape Architecture course aims to provide graduates with a set of attributes which prepare them for their future careers. You will be able to:

 

• Produce complex design proposals understanding the current global professional issues and contemporary Landscape Institute policy.
• Gain confident skills and knowledge as a designer to respond to the issues of Climate Change which will position you at the forefront of these subjects.
• Work on live projects, and with real clients, with confidence.
• Work independently and collaboratively in multi-disciplinary environments.
• Be a creative thinker to solve problems in wider professional contexts.
• Negotiate, plan and communicate your designs to a professional standard.
• Work with Industry standard IT, e.g. AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Adobe Suite, Edina Digimap, and other digital modelling.

Graduate jobs and links to industry

We have an established relationship with an extensive network of local, regional and national practices and employers. The reputation of the landscape architecture courses provides a head start for applicants.

 

Our students enjoy excellent employment opportunities during and after completing the course. Recent graduates are working for an extensive range of practices, including: AHR Global, AECOM, Arup, Atkins Global, BMD Bradley Murphy Design, Camlins Associates, Capita, Define, Fira, FPCR, IDP, LDA Design, Land Use Consultants, Node Urban Design, Liz Lake Associates, Townscape, Pegasus Planning, WSP, Randall Thorp.

 

There is a clear structure to achieving Chartership status of the Landscape Institute. Recently employed graduate members of the profession are on the ‘Pathway to Chartership’. These are mentored roles in which ‘Associates’ are involved in site mapping and survey work, design development work and supporting the project team in all aspects of the design process.