The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) programme at the Manchester School of Architecture is an internationally leading post-graduate programme, accredited by the UK Landscape Institute and jointly delivered by Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester.
The 2024–2025 academic year has been one of continued momentum for the programme, marked by a growing student cohort and an increasingly vibrant academic culture. This influx of new voices has further enriched our diverse and international community, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaborative learning across design, research, and theory. The varied backgrounds and experiences of both our student, staff and external contributors, have contributed to a rich dialogue, challenging conventions and broadening the intellectual scope of the programme.
MLA1 students engaged with landscape architecture through a rich combination of studio practice, theoretical exploration, and real-world engagement. Site visits across Manchester and beyond, global precedent studies, and hands-on workshops in planting, materials, and digital tools helped bridge critical thinking with practical design. The year culminated in the MSA Live project, where students collaborated with communities to address contemporary challenges through creative, place-based solutions.
MLA Year 2 students pursued a dynamic programme that blended creative design with critical research. Students curated their own learning journey by selecting from a range of research methods workshops, joining a unique atelier, and identifying meaningful and relevant research topics. Atelier choices included Some Kind of Nature, Infrastructure Space, and, for the first time, &rchitecture, which welcomed MLA students and expanded interdisciplinary dialogue across the Manchester School of Architecture.
This year’s degree show features a selection of work from MLA1, showcasing the exciting journey the group has undertaken. Meanwhile, each MLA2 student has curated a selection of work, exhibited as part of their Atelier group.
The programme team would like to express a sincere thank you to colleagues and contributors to the MLA this academic year. Your contributions continuously enrich our programme and play a vital role in supporting the success of our students. To our students, thank you for your dedication, creativity, and the inspiring work you have produced.