Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

at University of Manchester

Course content for year 1
 

Landscape Atelier 1B

• This atelier will focus on the process of intervention in a landscape in response to readings articulated in the first unit.
• You will test ideas against specific site contexts and refine a design proposition at various scales, exploring various techniques for the resolution and communication of proposals and evolution over time of the resulting landscapes.
   

Landscape Studies 1B

• This unit will focus on the period of emergence of landscape architecture as a recognised profession and discipline in its own right, roughly from the end of the 19th century to the present day.
• It will explore key concepts and writings in a range of fields which have contributed to contemporary discourse in the field today.
   

Landscape Studies 2A

• This unit will provide an introduction to the characteristics and applications of a range of materials and processes of relevance to the discipline of landscape architecture.
• You will develop an awareness of the fundamental building blocks of the physical landscape and of the complex inter-relationships between these elements in the formation and evolution of landscapes.
   

Landscape Atelier 1A

• This unit provides an introduction to the multi-faceted idea of ‘landscape’.
• Through engagement with specific locations and testing a range of communication skills, you will explore some of the main factors in the production and evolution of landscape form, function and character.
• These experiments will lead to the development of strategic propositions which will form the foundation for subsequent work.
   

Landscape Studies 2B

• This unit takes the knowledge of materials and landscape process developed in LS2A and looks at the use and application of these materials and processes in the planning, design and management of landscapes.
   

Landscape Studies 1A

• An introduction to some of the core areas of history and theory underpinning the study and practice of landscape architecture.
• Through this unit you will develop an understanding of the historical background and development of the profession and key theoretical themes associated with different historical stages. 
   

Course content for year 2
 

Landscape Atelier 2A

• An exploration of a number of central ideas, of relevance to contemporary discourse in landscape architecture, leads to the development of a manifesto.
• This forms the basis for readings of a selected location, and for the development of a strategic proposition for intervention in the landscape concerned.
   

Landscape Atelier 2C

• A final atelier unit, which focuses on the detailed resolution of proposals.
• This will involve an exploration of how landscape form and function may be generated through the control of environmental, technological and cultural systems, initiated by the appropriate application of construction technologies and the specification and management of vegetation systems.
   

Dissertation and exhibition

• This unit combines a research based dissertation with the preparation of an exhibition and portfolio.
• These two elements aim to frame and contextualise students' work individually and collectively.
• The dissertation element provides a structure within which students can pursue their own individual interests, exploring historical and theoretical themes, experimental technological solutions or professional contexts in greater depth.
• Students may choose to undertake research which develops and complements aspects of their atelier work or to focus on a completely different aspect of professional relevance.
• The exhibition element involves the synthesis and re-presentation of the collective work of the student body as definitive statement of the thematic and geographical focus of the year's work.
   

Landscape profession and practice

• An introduction to landscape architecture as a profession and practice, providing an overview of the legislative and institutional context of the profession as well as an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the landscape architect to society, the environment and other professionals.
   

Landscape Atelier 2B

• In this unit, you will identify a more specific location in which to test and develop design proposals framed by the strategic propositions articulated in the previous unit.
• The physical manifestation of their ideas will be generated through detailed analysis of relevant precedent studies, theoretical readings and a series of experimental exercises in visualizing conceptual ideas and processes.
   

Course unit details
 

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 focussed 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.
 

Part 2 provides a final year of education for both landscape graduates and conversion students alike, and encourages a much 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:

• Atelier units 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.

• A vegetation calendar runs as a continuous thread through the Part 2 atelier units.

• Students gain both direct personal experience as well as a theoretical understanding of the professional context of the subject.

• A Dissertation and Exhibition unit provides a framework for more detailed individual research into topics of personal and professional interest.
   

Part 2 of the MLA consists of 5 units, totalling 180 credits.

Academic entry qualification overview
 

Part 1 entry
 

Students eligible for the MLA will normally have a minimum of a second class degree in a closely related subject area. The following disciplines are typical although this is not an exhaustive list and the suitability of all applicants will be assessed via a combination of portfolio and interview:
 

• Design for the built environment including: Architecture, Urban Design and Planning, Interior Design, Garden Design.

• Other design or arts related disciplines may also be considered, including: fashion, film, graphics, product design, etc.

• Land or plant-based sciences including: Geography, Horticulture, Forestry or agriculture, Ecology, Environmental science and management.

• Engineering, including especially: Civil, hydrological and structural engineering.
   

International students with a closely related qualification from their country may be eligible for Part 2 entry, but, in the majority of cases, a two-year course is required in order to adapt to the specific professional and cultural context of the discipline in the UK.
 

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.
 

Direct Part 2 entry
 

Candidates with a minimum of a second-class degree in an accredited UK undergraduate Landscape Architecture course will normally be accepted directly into Part 2 of the MLA.
 

Candidates from other countries with an IFLA recognised undergraduate qualification of an equivalent standard may also be eligible for direct entry at year 2.
 

Candidates from other very closely related disciplines (principally Architecture and Urban Design) may be considered, subject to providing evidence of a Level 6 understanding and knowledge of additional subject areas specific to landscape architecture.
 

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)    £20,000

• 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.