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
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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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
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.
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.
Compulsory Modules
How you'll learn
You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- online and in-person lectures
- seminars
- workshops
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Design or creative project
- Essay
- Practical lab report
- Portfolio
- Report
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Written examination
- Written exercise
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.
The Degree Programme Director is Dr Usue Ruiz Arana.
Usue is a chartered landscape architect, researcher and educator. She teaches across design studios, professional practice and design thesis. Her research focused on two interrelated strands: more-than-human conceptualisations and listening and sounding in Landscape Architecture Practice.
Through her research, Usue seeks to affirm non-humans as designers, and design and art as forms of research. She draws on her 20-year career in practice. She has explored experimental arts methods such as soundwalks, photography, and temporary installations. Her keen interest in design and art as forms of research informs her role as Thinking Eye editor of the peer review Journal of Landscape Architecture.
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.
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
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
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)
Qualification: Master of (MLA) Full time | |
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Home students Full time: 24 months | Tuition fees (per year) £7,465 |
International students Full time: 24 months | Tuition fees (per year) £17,135 |
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You will be eligible for a scholarship worth 15% off the international fee.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
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:
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 may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
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 | |
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Full time: 24 months | Programme Code: 4157F |
Using the application portal
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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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