Master of Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture acts as a bridge between the arts and sciences, design and environment like no other discipline. Landscape architecture engages in core ecological, cultural and social issues in both urban and rural societies. Two accredited programs are offered at the University of Melbourne: a 300 and 200 point Masters of Landscape Architecture. The 300 point program allows students with no undergraduate background in landscape architecture to enrol directly in a masters program and is a distinctive feature of the University of Melbourne. The first year of study is carefully structured to allow students from diverse backgrounds to develop the required knowledge and foundations in design, history and the physical systems before joining the 200 point masters students in later years. The 200 point Master of Landscape Architecture is offered to students who have an undergraduate background in landscape architecture.

Landscape Architecture at the University of Melbourne is underpinned by a strong grounding in design, ecology and urbanism. These strengths are paralleled by a comprehensive history and theory stream encompassing contemporary landscape architecture and urban design theory, cross cultural perspectives of space and urbanism and the history of landscape architecture and architecture.

Students in our course will gain:

• Design knowledge from a studio-based course that contributes to the improvement of our built and natural environment;
• Critical engagement with parameters of international contemporary practice;
• The abilities to work within interdisciplinary teams, and excellent communication abilities of concepts and design potentials;
• Opportunities for international studios;
• Wide elective choices;
• The ability to use resources, materials and technologies to develop responsible and ecologically sound and up-to-date design solutions; and,
• Knowledge of landscape architectural history and theory and critical skills to interpret historic ideas and contemporary trends.

All students must complete

Core subjects - 150 points

Landscape architecture electives - 25 points

Multidisciplinary electives - 25 points

Core subjects (150 points)

The following subjects are required for accreditation purposes unless equivalence can be demonstrated:

Landscape architecture electives (25 points)

Multidisciplinary electives ( 25 points)

• Melbourne School of Design graduate subjects without prerequisites. To view list click here.
• Melbourne School of Design graduate subjects with prerequisites (provided prerequisites are met). To view list click here.
• Any University of Melbourne graduate subject provided pre-requisites are met and written approval is submitted to the Environments and Design Student Centre.

To view a sample course plan go to:

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue the course successfully using the following criteria –

• 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; and
• submission of a personal statement of up to 1000 words outlining relevant prior study and work experience, and motivation to undertake the course; and
• submission of a design portfolio in a format as specified by the Selection Committee*.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Guaranteed Pathway into Master of Landscape Architecture for BEnv Graduates (available for masters entry from 2011 to 2014)

1. BEnv graduates with a major in Landscape Architecture and a weighted average of at least 65% in their final two years will be guaranteed a fee place in the 200-point Master of Landscape Architecture.
2. BEnv graduates with a major in Landscape Architecture and a weighted average of at least 65% in their final two years, and who are eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place, will be guaranteed a Commonwealth Supported Place in the 200-point Master of Landscape Architecture.

*The design portfolio of not more than eight A3 pages should focus on design work rather than, for example, life or still-life drawing skills. Portfolios should be drawn at least partly from design studio subject(s) the applicant has completed. Applicants submitting work done in the context of employment should explain their role in the work produced with brief notes. Images and drawings presented in the portfolio should be reproduced at sufficient scale and resolution to be clearly readable. Elaborate formats that reduce the available page space for the design images should be avoided. It is most helpful to see a variety of kinds of drawings and images: two-dimensional (plans, sections, elevations) and three-dimensional studies, photographs of physical models, etc.

For information about the three year Master of Landscape Architecture program, designed for students with an undergraduate degree in any discipline, click here.

For information about how to apply click here.

The Master of Landscape Architecture has been specifically designed around the University of Melbourne’s graduate coursework, graduate attributes and professional challenges. The program will undergo a regular review process for quality assurance.

The Master of Landscape Architecture will incorporate research-led teaching, problem-based collaborative learning, professional engagement, and a diverse mature cohort. Graduates of the Master of Landscape Architecture will have high level professional and intellectual capabilities enabling them to demonstrate leadership, a commitment to life-long learning, and professional integrity.