How to Apply

Please apply online using the provided links.

Where portfolios are required, these will initially take the form of an online portfolio of up to 12 pages. In a few cases, a more detailed portfolio may be requested for presentation at interview. Portfolios should be seen as an opportunity to demonstrate a range of relevant skills, areas of knowledge and interest of relevance to the criteria outlined above. Students without a background in art and design may provide evidence of suitability through: written reports, summaries of research, annotated photography or drawing to demonstrate observation and understanding of places and landscapes, or technical drawings and specifications. Evidence of software skills or communication techniques is valuable but should be complemented by other types of media and presentation. We look for a range of skills and evidence of aptitude rather than polished pieces of finished art or design work. Please download our Guidance for Applicants for further information.

Typical Entry Requirements

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.

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.

Tuition Fees (2025 Entry)

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).

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide you with our scholarships for UK students.

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).

You may be eligible for a discount on your tuition fees or help with the cost of studying. Visit our scholarships and funding pages to find out more.

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

£1,700* plus optional £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 £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.

* All amounts shown are estimates.