Master of Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture is the design profession responsible for the creation of enjoyable and environmentally sustainable outdoor places. Landscape architects design, plan and manage natural and urban environments, from small, intimate outdoor spaces to entire biogeographical regions.

The program’s teaching in design and practice is underpinned by equal strengths in theory and technology with a focus on sustainability. You may also take a research subject which may enable you to progress to further studies as a PhD candidate.

The program is designed to provide opportunities for students to access and immerse them in new ways of thinking about and conceptualizing landscape architecture as a discipline. Through this process and in line with the University of Melbourne’s goals, they are educated to be the professional leaders of the future, prepared on graduation, to confront the significant environmental and cultural challenges wherever they are called upon. All programs are accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.

• offer education which enables students to become specialists in emerging areas of professional endeavour, such as sustainability, cultural diversity and global practice;
• enable students to explore interdisciplinary practice in an educational environment;
• offer academic opportunities which give access to excellence in education, research, design and theory in landscape architecture and related disciplines;
• contribute to the professional understanding of related professional domains in the environment, technology, urban planning, urban design, etc.;
• teach landscape architecture as an intellectual and professional endeavour which embodies a commitment to the continuing health and well-being of the environment and of human life; and
• provide a vehicle to meet the continuing professional development requirements of the landscape architecture profession in Australia and internationally.

Master of Landscape Architecture (200 points)

Students select 175 points of core subjects, and 25 points of electives from subjects offered in the Melbourne School of Design or from graduate subjects in other faculties with the approval of the Course Coordinator.

The following structure caters for students taking a full-time load. Students who undertake a part-time load may vary their structure in consultation with a Course Adviser or the Course Coordinator. Please note that not all subjects are available each year.

Year 1

OR

Choose one of the following (705-630 Reading Landscapes will not be available until 2009):

Year 2

Choose one of (if not chosen in Year 1):

OR

Choose one of the following (if not chosen in Year 1) or a 12.5 point elective subject:

Master of Landscape Architecture (300 points)

For students entering without a Bachelor of Environments (Landscape Architecture), or equivalent.

Students select 275 points of core subjects, and 25 points of electives from subjects offered in the Melbourne School of Design or from graduate subjects in other faculties with the approval of the course coordinator.

The following structure caters for students taking a full-time load. Students who undertake a part-time load may vary their structure in consultation with a Course Adviser or the Course Coordinator.

Year 1

Semester 1

Year 2

Year 3

Semester 1

Students should take a 12.5 point elective subject.

Semester 2

Students should take a 12.5 point elective subject.

• Submission of a design portfolio of no more than five A3 pages; and

• A minimum three-year undergraduate degree with a landscape architecture major with a weighted average of at least 65% in the final two years, or equivalent.

• Submission of a personal statement of no more than 1000 words outlining relevant prior study and work experience, and motivation to undertake the course; and
• A minimum three-year undergraduate degree in any area with a weighted average of at least 65% in the final two years, or equivalent.

NB: The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests to elucidate any of the matters referred to above. Students who have completed relevant prior study may be eligible for advanced standing.

Application Closing Dates

• 30 November for commencement in Semester 1 (March)
• 31 May for commencement in Semester 2 (July)
• International applicants should apply by 30 April for commencement in Semester 2 (July)

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Landscape architects are in demand at all levels of government, in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, and in landscape architectural, planning, engineering and multidisciplinary consultancy firms.Landscape architectural firms consult locally, regionally and internationally.

Graduates also find employment with groups such as conservation agencies and land development companies, while others run their own landscape architectural practice.

Graduates of the MLArch will have completed their academic requirements for membership of:

• Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
• International Federation of Landscape Architects