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Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) | Newcastle University
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Landscape Architecture, Master of (MLA)

The Master of Landscape Architecture focuses on the theories, methods and practice of landscape architecture. It equips you for practice in a landscape-related discipline.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025-26


Start date(s):

  • September 2025
On campus Postgraduate Open Day. Wednesday 5 February, 12pm to 5pm. Sign up now

Overview

Our Master of Landscape Architecture is an innovative studio-based conversion course, for graduates from any discipline who wish to pursue careers in landscape architecture. The course is fully accredited with the Landscape Institute.

In our studio learning we focus on a series of principles that envisage landscape architecture as a conduit for planetary health and well-being, and social and eco-justice. Those principles build on one another and are threaded by art and ecology which are intertwined in the practice of Landscape Architecture.

Our studios are innovative, playful, and experimental, and cover topics such as multispecies design and interagency. Our studio learning is designed to prepare the next generation of landscape architects. Studio learning is supported and expanded by landscape theory modules and field work geared towards reading and writing landscapes for resilient futures.

Important information

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What you'll learn

The Landscape Architecture course is organised around a core of design studios. You'll acquire specialist knowledge in such areas as:

  • site-planning
  • land modelling
  • landscape construction
  • planting design
  • visualisation

You’ll learn a number of 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

After completing the Master of Landscape Architecture, you’ll:

  • be able to demonstrate advanced understanding and critical thinking about landscape architecture as a form of action concerned with creating and managing space and place
  • gain an understanding of the complexities of landscape issues and problems and be able to integrate knowledge and skills from different areas of the curriculum
  • acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of the way landscape has been conceptualised and theorised at different times and in different places, informed by relevant research findings and relevant practice
  • gain insight into the philosophies, ideologies and critical positions which underpin different approaches to landscape

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.

How you'll learn

Your development

Professional skills

You’ll develop a number of skills during the Master of Landscape Architecture, including:

  • defining and critically analysing problems effectively and appropriately drawing on current research and knowledge
  • effectively collecting, synthesising and utilising evidence and information
  • creating effective design solutions to problems given in the form of design briefs
  • articulating reasoned arguments, drawing on a range of information sources
  • developing research skills and experience in the context of the School’s research interests

 

Your future

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.

Visit our Careers Service website

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 2024

  • 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 has candidate accreditation with 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. We will be applying for full accreditation upon graduation of the first cohort.

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

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

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

Qualification: Master of (MLA) Full time

Home students

Full time: 24 months

Tuition fees (per year)

£7,465

International students

Full time: 24 months

Tuition fees (per year)

£17,135

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

Search for funding

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Academic entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in any subject and a demonstratable aptitude for the profession of landscape architecture through submission of design portfolio.

Newcastle University graduates

If you hold an Architecture and Urban Planning BA Honours (K190) or an Architecture BA Honours (K100) degree at 2:2 or above from Newcastle University, you don't need to submit a portfolio. We will automatically offer you a place when you apply.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply

Before you start

Start Dates

The course starts in September.

Closing Dates

There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Specialised application information

Portfolio

You must submit a portfolio when making your application which demonstrates your aptitude for landscape architecture.

Your portfolio should consist of your own best work in art or design, whether produced on a taught course, in paid employment, or as a leisure pursuit. It can include:

  • hand drawings
  • computer drawings
  • models
  • photographs
  • paintings
  • photographs
  • video

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:

  • pay a deposit of £1,500
  • or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.

Programme codes

Qualification: Master of (MLA) Full time

 

Full time: 24 months

Programme Code:

4157F


Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

 

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.


Apply Online  

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Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Nicola Rutherford
Learning and Teaching Assistant (PGT Design)
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 6509
Email: nicola.rutherford@ncl.ac.uk

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