Course details

Summary

Develop your expertise so you can become a professional landscape architect with postgraduate study of landscape architecture.

Be part of creating a better outdoor built environment. Get the knowledge and skills to combine the creative design process with science, to influence human interaction with the landscape. Study how the designed landscape is connected to and impacts society, the economy, culture and sustainability.

You'll gain an expert understanding of key design practices and issues, and the effective use of design strategies through all stages of the design process. You'll also learn about the legal and ethical obligations of the professional landscape architect.

Learn to be critically objective and environmentally mindful in your approach to landscape architecture. Study, question and test ideals and theories as you work towards completing your design-based research thesis.

Professional accreditation

Victoria's MLA is one of only three programmes in New Zealand that meets the standards for accreditation with the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA). After you graduate you'll need to work as a landscape architect for around three years before you can become registered with the NZILA. Your qualification and registration will be recognised throughout New Zealand and internationally.

Careers

You'll graduate prepared to work as a landscape architect. You might start your own practice or work in a firm or government organisation. You're likely to collaborate with artists, ecologists, architects, planners and engineers to design a wide range of projects.

Other careers for graduates include parks and recreation planner, site designer and planner or urban designer. You could also work as a civil designer, public infrastructure consultant, sustainable development consultant or landscape assessor.

What you'll study

In your first year, or Part 1, you'll complete seven taught courses—six are compulsory and one elected. You'll study advanced landscape design and the technology used in urban infrastructure. Examine history, theory and criticism in landscape architecture and learn about professional practice.

You'll also study advanced research techniques and complete a studio-based investigation into an area of interest that can be further developed in your thesis year. You'll develop and test your ideas through writing and design.

Research year

During the second year, or Part 2, you'll complete a research portfolio or thesis under supervision from academic staff in the School.

Current research areas in the School include:

• architecture and dystopia
• housing and public infrastructure
• parametric design and digital agency
• contextual shifts
• responsive environments and robotics
• people and designed environments
• corporate spheres and community spaces
• public ecologies
• settling regional landscapes
• indigenous materials
• history and theory.

You'll be part of a strong culture of research and work with experienced staff who have published a variety of scholarly articles, books and conference papers.

Entry criteria

Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Architectural Studies or an approved alternative, with a B average.

Other English Language requirements:

• IELTS overall band of 6.5, no sub-score below 6.0; or
• TOEFL 90 on the internet-based test with at least 20 in writing; or
• A minimum of two ratings of 5 and two ratings of 4 in the Victoria University English Proficiency Programme test
• Pearson Test of English: A score of 65 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 58).