Course Overview

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 to people’s lives. 
 
The Master of Landscape Architecture offers space to experiment through research, live projects, and our studio atelier system which celebrates diversity. The MLA promotes multiple critical approaches to practice and a wide range of creative and analytical approaches. 
 
Our students benefit from working with our specialist landscape staff and engaging in interdisciplinary projects, gaining access to a diverse pool of faculty and guest experts. Our graduates acquire collaborative experience and build networks across the Manchester School of Architecture and landscape practices. They develop a portfolio that supports them to find employment both locally and globally. 

Features

  • The Manchester School of Architecture is consistently ranked as one of the best schools of Architecture in the world.
  • The MLA is professionally accredited by the UK Landscape Institute and worldwide by the International Federation of Landscape Architects. 
  • A 2-year full-time conversion route to the Master of Landscape Architecture is available if you hold a related degree. Part 1 runs from September to June and is 120 credits. Part 2 runs from September to September and is 180 credits.
  • A 1-year full-time Master of Landscape Architecture route is available if you hold a 2:2 or above undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture (or accredited equivalent). It runs from September to September and is 180 credits.
  • Teaching is delivered by an experienced group of core landscape staff, complemented by a wide range of practitioners and academics from within and beyond the MSA.
  • As a Master of Landscape Architecture student at the Manchester School of Architecture, you will study a degree that is delivered jointly by The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. Upon graduation, you will receive one degree certificate. The joint award certificate includes each institution’s crest and awarding body title.
  • Make use of extensive libraries and specialist workshops at both Manchester Metropolitan and The University of Manchester.
  • Access a dedicated MSA Advanced Digital Design team who provide workshops and tutorials covering all the essential software plus a range of more specialist programmes.
  • Take part in MSA Live, the MSA’s annual programme of student-led live projects in MLA Part 1.
  • In MLA Part 2, become a member of one of our research-led ateliers and work collaboratively with architecture students from the MArch and BA Architecture.
  • Exhibit your work in our annual degree show celebrating the achievements of students from across the MSA and School of Art.
  • Meet and get to know landscape practitioners during your course as tutors, at reviews, and during our range of MSA Employability events.

Duration

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.

Explore our MLA students' work

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Course Content

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. 

Professional Engagement

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. 

Employment

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.

MLA Part 1

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.

Landscape Atelier 1a

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

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

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

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

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

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.

MLA Part 2

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. 

Landscape Atelier 2a

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

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

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

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

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.

Ateliers

MLA Part 2 students have the opportunity to join one of our research-led ateliers and work alongside architecture students from the MArch and BA Architecture courses.

MLA Teaching Staff

Dawn Parke
Dawn Parke Master of Landscape Architecture Programme Leader View profile
Becky Sobell
Becky Sobell Reader in Landscape Architecture View profile
Sandeep Balagangadharan Menon
Sandeep Balagangadharan Menon Lecturer in Landscape Architecture View profile
Jens Haendeler
Jens Haendeler Lecturer in Landscape Architecture View profile
John Newman
John Newman Tutor (Landscape Architecture) View profile
Alumni Profile Work by Beth Houston
Beth Houston Master of Landscape Architecture
Alumni Profile Part of Samuel's submission for the Mark Turnbull award
Landscape Architecture is a highly rewarding and diverse profession which allows you to take stock of the landscapes around you and to bring more value to them. Samuel Cortis Master of Landscape Architecture

MLA News & Activities

MLA News
Manchester School of Architecture’s end-of-year show celebrates next generation of industry greats
Our next postgraduate open day will take place on 12/11/2025. More details