Landscape Architecture

Entry requirements

Good honours degree, ideally in a subject related to landscape or design, for example ecology, geography, geology, architecture, engineering or fine art. If you don’t have a degree, but you have relevant skills and experience, we may be able to consider your application. Please contact us to discuss.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About the course

The taught part of the course – from autumn of year one to summer of year two – leads to the Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture, which is the professionally accredited qualification. You can then continue over the summer period of your second year to complete a dissertation, leading to the award of MA.

The Special Project helps you develop your professional competence. You may specialise in design, planning or management. With guidance from a member of staff, you’ll work on a landscape architecture solution for a real-world site. You choose the site – it could be in Sheffield or in your home town, even if your home town is in another country. The work is presented in an end-of-year exhibition.

Your career

Our graduates work all over the world, in private practice and for public organisations. Some work for councils and national parks or for wildlife trusts. Others go into conservation and forestry. Our graduates also work in administration and policy making for organisations such as Natural England and DEFRA.

A world-leading department

The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) rates us the best landscape department in the UK. World-leading research informs our masters courses. You’ll be taught by leading experts such as Catherine Dee, Anna Jorgensen, Nigel Dunnett, and Olympic meadows co-designer James Hitchmough.

We offer taught courses including design, management, planning, and the ecological, social and cultural aspects of landscape. Our Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture is accredited by the Landscape Institute and the International Federation of Landscape Architects.

A creative environment

Each year-group has access to a studio. You’ll use the latest technology, just as you would in practice. Our computer suites are equipped with CAD and digital imaging and publishing software, and A4–A0 colour printing facilities.

We’re based in the Arts Tower, an iconic, Grade II* listed building that has just had a £25 million refurbishment. Our studios are equipped with wireless and digital projection facilities, portfolio and locker space and you have your own kitchen and common room.

In the UK’s greenest city

Sheffield is an exciting place to be a landscape student. It’s England’s fourth largest city and also its greenest in terms of public open space and tree cover. The many urban parks and extensive green infrastructure provide inspiration for much of our project work.

First-year modules

• Landscape Architecture: Nature, Design, People
• Urban Ecological Design and Management
• Landscape Planning
• Landscape Urbanism and Design Project
• Introduction to Landscape Research
• Landscape Research Topics and Dissertation

Second-year modules

• Special Project Brief
• Professional Practice
• Law and Contracts
• Special Project

Choose one of the following from:

• Urban Landscape Planning
• Landscape Design and Art Practice
• Greenspace Maintenance

Also choose one of the following from:

• Rural Landscape Planning
• Urban Design Project
• Greenspace Management

Postgraduate Diploma: Landscape Research Dissertation

Examples of optional modules

Choose two from: Urban Landscape Planning; Rural Landscape Planning; Urban Design Project; Landscape Design and Art Practice; Greenspace Maintenance; Greenspace Management.

Teaching and assessment

There are lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, critical feedback sessions, site visits and practicals. You’re assessed on coursework assignments, dissertation, oral presentation and examination.

Information for international students

Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Qualification and course duration

MA

PGDip

Course contact details