Landscape Architecture MLA 2025-26 entry

School of Architecture and Landscape

Landscape architecture is the planning, design and management of spaces for nature and people. Specialise in ecology or planning alongside broad training in landscape theories and concepts as part of this five-year integrated masters course, which includes one year working in a professional landscape practice.

Key details

 A Levels ABB
Other entry requirements

 UCAS code K310

 5 years / Full-time

 September start

 Accredited

Find out the course fee

Course description

Why study this course?

 Undergraduate benefits

As a MLA Landscape Architecture student, you'll remain registered with the University for all five years of the course, which means you’ll be eligible to apply for undergraduate funding, as well as enjoy any discounts and benefits associated with being a student, during these years.

Fully accredited by the Landscape Institute

You’ll be able to become a licentiate member of the Landscape Institute and begin your Pathway to Chartership once you graduate.

Global community

On graduation you’ll join our global community of alumni who, at last count, are practising in over 70 countries worldwide. Access to this network gives you an immediate connection to established professionals in a wide range of practices.

From the smallest garden, to large-scale urban development and rewilded country estates, landscape architecture embraces all aspects of the science, planning, design, creation and management of urban and rural environments.

This integrated, five year masters degree has been created by the UK’s only independent Department of Landscape Architecture, and includes a built-in year in practice.

You’ll study with experts specialising in a wide range of landscape disciplines, so wherever your interests lie – from planting design to national parks – we have academics who can support your professional ambitions.

You’ll receive broad training in landscape theories and creative techniques and choose whether to specialise in ecology or planning. And in year four, you’ll experience what it’s like to be a professional, and start thinking about the type of practice you aspire to work in.

Your final year helps to consolidate your skills and knowledge and culminates with a creative design project, tailored to your personal and professional interests. You’ll finish your degree by showing your work to prospective employers at our end of year exhibition.

Accreditation allows graduates to become a licentiate Member of the Landscape Institute, ready to start their Pathway to Chartership and become a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI).

Landscape Institute (LI)

International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA)

Modules

A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

1st Year

Before the end of your first year of study you'll choose to take either the BA (planning) or BSc (ecology) specialism. The option you choose is not reflected in the MLA degree title but you can highlight your chosen option in your CV and portfolio.

Core modules:

Reading the Contemporary Landscape

This module introduces students to the full scope and diversity of landscape architecture and the role of landscape architects in tackling contemporary social and environmental issues, presenting and giving examples of the areas of practice known as design, management and planning, with particular reference to the Sheffield area. The role of the Landscape Institute is also introduced. The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the range of work undertaken by landscape architects and the challenges the profession seeks to address.

20 credits

Space Making

An understanding of the dynamic qualities of landscape and how space is formed, manipulated and communicated is central to the discipline of landscape architecture. This introductory module equips students with a range of skills and tools that enable them to evaluate existing designed landscapes and to present proposals for new landscapes. It will provide a basic introduction to materials of landscape and develop a theoretical understanding of the design process, use of precedent and different approaches to creating original and creative design solutions. The module will also introduce a limited pallet of trees and shrubs. This module is an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge developed in LSC115 - Current Challenges in Planning Design and Management, and digital skills developed in LSC117 Presentation Communication and Research Skills.

20 credits

Presentation, Communication and Research Skills

This module is about introducing students to some of the skills and knowledge needed on this course in general, in this Department, at this University and in the world of work. Communication is central to the profession of Landscape architecture in general and to this course in particular. The bulk of this module is about giving students some of the digital communication skills needed when communicating ideas in the rest of this course and, later, in the workplace.  The module will explain and help students to understand learning methods used in the Department of Landscape Architecture. The module will also introduce some of the tools needed for academic and professional life, including navigating and using the library, correctly referencing your work and avoiding plagiarism.

20 credits

Histories of Landscape Architecture

This course is designed firstly to provide a broad introduction to the discipline of Landscape Architecture and develop an interest in the study of designed landscapes. In order to do this it aims to create awareness and promote a working knowledge of the theoretical context of the profession including: 1. A working knowledge of the terminology defining landscape architecture, garden design and place making. 2. A basic chronology of the history of the profession. 3. A basic understanding of how various theories which have influenced landscape design are related to social, cultural, ecological (environmental) and economical contexts.

20 credits

The Changing Landscape

This module aims to: - Introduce landscape and environmental planning as a means of intervening in landscape at the large scale. - Provide an understanding of landscape formation, change and the drivers of change. - Introduce the toolkit available to landscape planners. - Introduce the theory and technique of Landscape Character Assessment. - Develop report writing skills and visual literacy. - Introduce students to GIS. By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate understanding of/proficiency in: - The influences and processes that shape landscape. - The relationship between landscape planning and landscape policy. - Sourcing and interpreting landscape information. - Appreciating the (sometimes controversial) nature of landscape change. - Landscape Character and Landscape Character Assessment at an introductory level. Communicating landscape data and analysis at a planning scale in a critical imaginative and creative manner.

20 credits

The Dynamic Landscape

This unit is designed to further develop the landscape design skills and knowledge gained in the 1st semester. The module runs over 12 weeks and will be largely studio-based, but there will be field trips and visits. Based on one site students will work through all the stages of design development from site analysis through to final presentation. Precedent will be used to inform practice and students will undertake self-directed study to build knowledge of the theoretical basis of the design approach in such settings. Students will further develop their understanding of and use of landform manipulation, vegetation and other built structures to create a variety of space and experience. Studio exercises and seminars will be central to the learning process. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interaction with water and approaches to the 'water's edge' in the landscape. Graphic skills, freehand and technical, needed to convey ideas at both the design development and the presentation stage (essential to the landscape architect ) will be developed with further teaching in the area of digital design communication. Development of the knowledge of vegetation, particularly native trees, and its use and place in the landscape will take place through taught sessions, field study and individual research.

20 credits

2nd Year:

Core modules:

Exploration of Contemporary Landscapes

This module aims to engage students in current practice in landscape architecture through inquiry based learning. Contemporary issues are introduced and critiqued primarily through participation in a staff-led Field study trip. Students undertake reading and case studies analysis prior to the trip, conduct on site observations of existing landscapes and make drawings. Afterwards this is used to develop a digital portfolio on their chosen area of inquiry.

20 credits

Ecological Processes, Design & Management

This module introduces the principles and practice of landscape ecology and ecological design and their application in a variety of contexts. Key ecological concepts such as 'biodiversity' and 'ecosystems services' are introduced and the special nature of urban ecology and its relevance to the design of urban green spaces is explored. Through lectures and site visits the structure and functioning of key UK biotypes, their characteristics and application on the designed landscape are explained, and particular emphasis is placed on the creative application of these in order to deliver ecosystems services and biodiversity. Site based project work is used to allow students to develop their own ecologically inspired concepts and designs for multifunctional green infrastructure that benefits both people and wildlife and to demonstrate their ability to communicate their knowledge of ecological principles and design to different audiences.Knowledge and skills developed will build on modules taken at level 1.

20 credits

Materials of Landscape - Planting Design

This module introduces students to plants used by landscape architects in urban and rural landscape and how these can be used to develop effective planting design. Knowledge and skills developed will be built on in modules the following year. By the end of the module students will be familiar with a basic palette of plants for use in design, their botanical names, visual and use characteristics familiar with key aesthetic, functional and ecological principles under pinning planting design: have practised the basic principles of plant selection according to site conditions: have developed stimulating, creative, attractive and easily interpreted planting plans and sections - elevations based on colour, textural and structural characteristics: have evaluated the structural role of plants in defining landscape spaces at a range of scales.

20 credits

Materials of Landscape - Construction Design

This module introduces the basic principles of landscape construction. It will demonstrate that construction is an integral component of the designed landscape creating its own design opportunities and constraints. Students will study the functional, aesthetic and technical properties of a range of different landscape components. They will undertake on-site observations and produce a range of contractual drawings for a small scale design project. Computer aided design will form an integral part of the project and will be used to produce technical details. This module is closely integrated with LSC234 Landscape Design, Exploration and Intervention. Students are encouraged to take forward their detailed design proposals from this module and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of material selection and the relationship with design detailing.

20 credits

Landscape Design - Exploration and Intervention

Successful design of shared places demands innovative thinking to respond to shifting contexts and actions in a world of increasing complexity and diversity. This module focuses on approaches for generating original site-specific concepts and resolving these at a range of planning and design scales. An urban area is thoroughly explored, critiqued and communicated through on-site and multi-media activities. Students research and adapt precedent studies in art practice, urban realm interventions and emergent placemaking, and actively reflect on their own design process. These inform aims for regeneration and public engagement, the design of an urban public open space, and detailed design integrating hard and soft landscape materials.

20 credits

Optional modules:

Landscape Planning for a Changing World

This module explores the relationship between landscape,planning, policy and governance at different scales and in different contexts. This ranges from international decision-making frameworks down to individual sites in different contexts. Students will learn about the impact of policy and ideas on landscape and vice versa, and explore the role of landscape planning tools, techniques and methodologies within the wider planning framework. The module will examine how decisions about landscape are made and the effects they have from the strategic to the site scale.

20 credits

Landscape Ecology - Habitat Survey Techniques

This module will allow student to:
* Introduce students to a range of ecological survey techniques.
* Improve their identification skills and knowledge of UK flora and fauna.
* Provide an opportunity for students to synthesise field data, review published science data and formulate a professional report.
By the end of the unit students should be able to demonstrate the ability to: *apply basic ecological survey techniques: Phase 1 and Phase 2 habitat surveys: * understand the importance of plant, bird, badger and bat surveys, and the use of key indicators: *identify advantages/constraints of different surveying approaches: *develop field craft skills: *appraise the ecological value of a particular site: *provide a concise scientifically-documented report on the ecological value of one of the sites surveyed: *understand conservation measures and related management approaches.

20 credits