Study
Postgraduate
MLA Master of Landscape Architecture

MLA

Master of Landscape Architecture

Develop your understanding of the landscape as a dynamic and adaptive phenomenon as you study globally relevant themes and the challenges facing the sector.

Course overview

The Master of Landscape Architecture offers an academic qualification leading towards professional registration as a landscape architect.

The MLA is accredited by the UK Landscape Institute and recognised worldwide by the International Federation of Landscape Architects, preparing you for the final stage of professional accreditation as a landscape architect. It is jointly run by Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester meaning you will benefit from the resources and expertise available in both institutions.

At Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) we believe that landscape architects can contribute to combatting the climate and ecological emergency, promote social equity, provide common resources in the form of public space, and make a difference...

What you need to know

When does the course start?
What is the length of the course?
2 years full-time

Students with a 2:2 or above undergraduate degree in an accredited Landscape Architecture course may apply to enter directly into Part 2 of the programme.
Where will I study this course?
Manchester

Features and benefits

Course information

The MLA emphasises understanding landscape as a dynamic and adaptive phenomenon. Projects promote a focus on the interfaces between the landscape as a human, cultural construct and as a reflection of underlying natural and environmental processes. Design ateliers explore globally relevant themes by studying specific landscapes, starting from a regional scale and narrowing down to detailed material and technological resolutions. The curriculum emphasises applying contemporary theoretical ideas and technologies to address the challenges of the landscapes studied.

The course maintains strong ties to professional practice. Students interact with various practitioners and live projects throughout the programme, gaining individual experience through direct professional engagement, complemented by theoretical lectures and seminars.

Part 1 provides a broad foundation of knowledge and skills in landscape architecture for students wishing to convert from related subject areas and for overseas students who may benefit from the transition to a different cultural and professional context.

Through atelier units students develop techniques of reading and landscapes, and the design and communication skills needed to propose transformations.
Core drawing and software skills are developed through focussed support sessions.
Landscape Studies provides a foundation in core areas of theoretical and technical knowledge.

Part 1 of the MLA consists of 6 units, totalling 120 credits.

Core modules

Landscape Atelier 1a

This module provides an introduction to the multi-faceted idea of landscape. Through engagement with specific locations and testing a range of communication skills, you will explore some of the main factors in the production and evolution of landscape form, function and character. These experiments will lead to the development of strategic propositions which will form the foundation for subsequent work.

Landscape Atelier 1b

This atelier will focus on the process of intervention in a landscape in response to readings articulated in the first module. You will test ideas against specific site contexts and refine a design proposition at various scales, exploring various techniques for the resolution and communication of proposals and evolution over time of the resulting landscapes.

Landscape Studies 1a

An introduction to some of the core areas of history and theory underpinning the study and practice of landscape architecture. Through this module you will develop an understanding of the historical background and development of the profession and key theoretical themes associated with different historical stages.

Landscape Studies 1b

This module will focus on the period of emergence of landscape architecture as a recognised profession and discipline in its own right, roughly from the end of the 19th century to the present day. It will explore key concepts and writings in a range of fields which have contributed to contemporary discourse in the field today.

Landscape Studies 2a

This module will provide an introduction to the characteristics and applications of a range of materials and processes of relevance to the discipline of landscape architecture. You will develop an awareness of the fundamental building blocks of the physical landscape and of the complex inter-relationships between these elements in the formation and evolution of landscapes.

Landscape Studies 2b

This module takes the knowledge of materials and landscape process developed in LS2A and looks at the use and application of these materials and processes in the planning, design and management of landscapes.

Study and assessment breakdown

Ten credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A masters qualification typically comprises of 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits and an MFA 300 credits. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning, but it could be:

Study

Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 5% placement; 75% independent study

Assessment

Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination

Additional information about this course

1. All students will be required to attend a three day induction visit as well as a 4 day study tour later in the year (usually in early spring) which will involve taking time off work. 2. The course is a taught postgraduate programme and as such includes a substantial amount of sophisticated readings and written work, as well as regular verbal and visual presentations. This requires a high degree of fluency and competence in English and candidates should ensure that they do more than meet the basic IELTS requirements. 3. The course will involve some elements of group work which are considered essential preparation for future practice in the profession and students will be expected to work in a collaborative and responsible manner with each other. 4. This course differs from standard University Assessment Regulations in that student must pass each element of assessment with a mark of 50 rather than passing at module level. Compensation cannot be applied.

Placement options

The course has a very close relationship to practice and students are exposed to practitioners in a wide range of ways throughout the syllabus. The Landscape Practice and Profession module generates understanding of the ethical, legal and professional context of the subject through a range of visiting lectures and workshops, as well as visits to practices and sites and direct personal experience. This may be through involvement in a live client-led brief, or an external competition.

Part 2 provides a final year of education for both landscape graduates and conversion students alike, and encourages a greater degree of autonomy and the opportunity to develop personal practice through both design and research-based work. A strong professional element underpins the whole year. Key points:

Students engage with one of our exciting atelier offerings to pursue a unique research-led design trajectory.
Atelier modules encourage students to apply theoretical ideas and agendas to a specific landscape context and to develop individual trajectories rooted in their personal strengths and interests.
Students gain both direct personal experience and a theoretical understanding of the professional context of the subject.
A Dissertation and Exhibition module provides a framework for more detailed individual research exploring theoretical and professional topics central to the discipline.

Part 2 of the MLA consists of 5 units, totalling 180 credits.

Core modules

Landscape Atelier 2a

An exploration of a number of central ideas, of relevance to contemporary discourse in landscape architecture, leads to the development of a manifesto. This forms the basis for readings of a selected location, and for the development of a strategic proposition for intervention in the landscape concerned.

Landscape Atelier 2b

In this module, you will identify a more specific location in which to test and develop design proposals framed by the strategic propositions articulated in the previous module. The physical manifestation of their ideas will be generated through detailed analysis of relevant precedent studies, theoretical readings and a series of experimental exercises in visualizing conceptual ideas and processes.

Landscape Atelier 2c

A final atelier module, which focuses on the detailed resolution of proposals. This will involve an exploration of how landscape form and function may be generated through the control of environmental, technological and cultural systems, initiated by the appropriate application of construction technologies and the specification and management of vegetation systems.

Landscape Profession and Practice

An introduction to landscape architecture as a profession and practice, providing an overview of the legislative and institutional context of the profession as well as an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the landscape architect to society, the environment and other professionals.

Dissertation and Exhibition

This module combines a research based dissertation with the preparation of an exhibition and portfolio. These two elements aim to frame and contextualise students’ work individually and collectively. The dissertation element provides a structure within which students can pursue their own individual interests, exploring historical and theoretical themes, experimental technological solutions or professional contexts in greater depth. Students may choose to undertake research which develops and complements aspects of their atelier work or to focus on a completely different aspect of professional relevance. The exhibition element involves the synthesis and re-presentation of the collective work of the student body as definitive statement of the thematic and geographical focus of the year’s work.

Study and assessment breakdown

Study

Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 5% placement; 75% independent study

Assessment

Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination

Additional information about this course

Placement options

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Entry requirements

These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.

Part 1 Entry

Students eligible for the MLA will normally have a minimum of a second class degree in a closely related subject area. The following disciplines are typical although this is not an exhaustive list and the suitability of all applicants will be assessed via a combination of portfolio and interview:

Design for the built environment including: Architecture, Urban Design and Planning, Interior Design, Garden Design
Other design or arts related disciplines may also be considered, including: fashion, film, graphics, product design, etc
Land or plant-based sciences including: Geography, Horticulture, Forestry or agriculture, Ecology, Environmental science and management
Engineering, including especially: Civil, hydrological and structural engineering

In most cases, international students with a closely related qualification from their home country are eligible for the 2-year course, which helps them adapt to the specific professional and cultural context of the discipline in the UK. In exceptional circumstances, where considerable work experience in landscape architecture is demonstrated, students are eligible for Part 2 entry.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.

Direct Part 2 Entry

Candidates with a minimum of a second-class degree in an accredited UK undergraduate Landscape Architecture course will normally be accepted directly into Part 2 of the MLA. Candidates from other countries with an IFLA recognised undergraduate qualification of an equivalent standard may also be eligible for direct entry at year 2.

Candidates from other very closely related disciplines (principally Architecture and Urban Design) may be considered, subject to providing evidence of a Level 6 understanding and knowledge of additional subject areas specific to landscape architecture.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.

Fees and funding

UK and Channel Island students

Full-time fee: £2000 per 30 credits per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

EU and Non-EU International students

Full-time fee: £4667 per 30 credits per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional information

A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

Additional costs

specialist costs

Compulsory estimate: £1,700

Optional estimate: £1,000

Students often choose to buy a laptop in their first year, however there are PCs and Macs available on campus with the necessary software on them. The University also provides short-term laptop loans, although they do not support all the advanced digital design programs. If you purchase your own computer you may need to obtain specialist software and an external hard-drive. You will be required to buy some model-making and drawing equipment. There may also be some additional costs if you choose to use specialist model making equipment such as the 3D printers and laser cutters. On occasion you may be required to print work for reviews but we will generally ask you to share your work digitally.

professional costs

You can choose to become a student member of the Landscape Institute. It is free.

other costs

Optional estimate: £700

Students can choose to go on the study trips - estimated optional cost £600.

You may choose to buy books for the course, although the library is excellent - estimated optional cost £100.

Career prospects

The vast majority of our graduates go on to find employment in the profession, either in the UK or abroad, many due to connections established during the course. Outside London, the North West of England is the base for more landscape practices than anywhere else in the country. Opportunities exist in a wide range of organisations, from small private practices to international, multi-disciplinary firms. Alternatively, landscape architects are also employed in the public sector or non-profit making organisations. Many alumni have gone on to positions of responsibility in major international firms and have been involved in the delivery of landmark projects around the world.

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How to apply

Please contact our course enquiries team.

Please read the How to Apply section on the Manchester School of Architecture website for details of portfolio requirements before submitting your application.

Get advice and support on making a successful application.

You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.

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