Overview
Landscape Architecture is constantly evolving to respond to the climate and biodiversity emergency, to acknowledge diverse approaches to the practice of landscape, and to make it inclusive to all.
Our one-year Landscape Architecture MA is a fully accredited course for graduates of Landscape Architecture and closely related disciplines.
Prepare yourself with the skills needed for your future as a landscape architect, covering topics such as multispecies design and interagency.
Develop systematic knowledge and understanding of landscape architecture and its connection with planning and architecture.
Learn in our innovative, playful, and experimental studios as well as through field work geared towards reading and writing landscapes for resilient futures.
Focus on a series of principles that regard landscape architecture as a conduit for planetary health, well-being, and social and eco-justice. Those principles build on one another, alongside the integration of art and ecology.
Our design thesis studios treat landscape design as both a process of research and experimentation and as a valid method of inquiry.
Throughout the course, we collaborate with other programmes at the school, such as the BA in Architecture and Urban Planning and the Master of Urban Design. We also collaborate with other schools, and in the past, have carried out workshops with Music Composition students.
You may also want to consider our Landscape Architecture MLA programme
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
Our Landscape Architecture programmes build on our world-leading research and practice in environment, sustainability, and Landscape Architecture.
Our diverse research and practice experience is applied directly to our teaching, and there are many opportunities to become co-researchers in a variety of projects.
You’ll also get the opportunity to get involved in the University wide Centre of Landscape Research Excellence.
The Landscape Architecture MA is organised around a core of design studios. You’ll gain specialist knowledge in such areas as:
- site-planning
- land modelling
- landscape construction
- planting design
- visualisation
You’ll learn many design and presentation skills. The course is intellectually stimulating and looks at history and design theory. You’ll also cover pressing contemporary issues, such as:
- the climate crisis
- social justice
- rapid urbanisation
We also seek opportunities for short-term international exchanges. For example, in the past with the Institute of Landscape Architecture at BOKU Vienna for an experimental global design studio.
You’ll also work on live projects with local practitioners and organisations, gaining invaluable skills and networks for the future careers.
Fieldwork is a key component of our course and fieldtrips take place throughout the year.
Newcastle is uniquely placed to study urban, rural, and coastal landscapes. As a post-industrial city, Newcastle is constantly evolving and our students get to interact with professionals driving change within the city.
The North East coastline is also on our doorstep, providing the opportunity to study coastal habitats and their communities.
Further afield, Northumberland National Park is home to England’s cleanest rivers, clearest air, and darkest skies – providing a unique setting for field work and a wide range of research projects.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Landscape Architecture MA modules
All students will take all of the following compulsory modules:
The programme regulations for 4177F Master of Arts in Landscape Architecture should be read in conjunction with Stage 2 of 4157F Master of Landscape Architecture regulations. The modules offered on 4177F Master of Arts in Landscape Architecture will mirror those offered on Stage 2 of 4157F Master of Landscape Architecture.
How you’ll learn
You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- Tutorials and Design Reviews
- Workshops
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Fieldtrips
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Design or creative project
- Essay
- Portfolio
- Report
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Thesis
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Stef Leach – Degree Programme Director and Stage 1 Coordinator
Dr Usue Ruiz-Arana – Stage 2 Coordinator
Your development
Professional skills
Beyond inproving your landscape knowledge and skills we’ll also focus on soft skills, such as:
- teamwork
- critical thinking
- communication
You’ll also be encouraged to develop your own ethical frameworks to guide you throughout your career.
Your future
Through our international research, practice collaborations and partnerships, you’ll connect with professional landscape practitioners. They will support your transition into landscape architecture jobs.
A wide variety of local practices and organisations also take part in guest lectures, guided site visits and studio teaching.
Our annual exhibitions attract many practitioners who engage with students and their work. We also facilitate internships, part-time jobs, and will support you with portfolio workshops and mock interviews.
Many of our graduates have found jobs locally and nationally shortly after graduation, building a network of landscape practitioners.
Our courses also lead to further study, such as PhDs, and academic careers.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
Landscape Institute (LI)
The course is fully accredited by the Landscape Institute (LI) and meets the educational requirements for chartered membership. The LI is the professional body for the Landscape practitioners in the UK and works to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and built environment.
After graduation you will typically undertake the Pathway to Chartership to develop the experience and skills required for Chartered Membership. We encourage our students to register for student membership to provide insight to the profession and gain access to professional resources.
You can find out more about becoming a Landscape Architect and Landscape Institute membership at www.chooselandscape.org.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
You’ll be based in one of the UK’s leading Schools of Architecture. We aim to provide a lively design studio culture across our professional courses making the School a thriving and creative place to be. Our well-equipped workshop includes some of the latest digital and biological manufacturing tools.
The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape has excellent studio teaching facilities. Our facilities include:
- lively design studios
- exhibition spaces
- well-equipped workshop including the latest digital manufacturing technology
- wet fabrication lab including 3D printers
- molecular biology lab (one of the first in the world to be administered by a school of architecture)
- print media suite
- IT suites
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree in Landscape Architecture (accredited by the Landscape Institute, UK), or international equivalent.
Cognate Graduates (from non-LI accredited undergraduate programmes) will also be considered if able to demonstrate comparable skills and knowledge gained through previous study and/or professional experience.
All applicants are required to submit a design/creative portfolio to support their application.
