Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture)/Bachelor of Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture)/Bachelor of Science at the Queensland University of Technology is a 5.5-year dual degree that combines creative landscape design with scientific knowledge to shape sustainable and resilient environments. It’s ideal for students who want to design outdoor spaces while understanding environmental systems, ecology, and data-driven decision-making.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
You’ll begin by building a strong foundation in both design and science, exploring how natural systems interact with the built environment. Units such as Landscape Design Studio 1, Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning, and Scientific Foundations introduce you to design thinking, environmental processes, and basic analytical skills.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll deepen your understanding of ecological systems and spatial design. Subjects like Landscape Design Studio 2, Planting Design, and Environmental Science help you explore how vegetation, climate, and landforms influence sustainable landscape solutions.

Year 3:
This year focuses on integrating scientific knowledge with more complex design challenges. Through units such as Landscape Design Studio 3, Site Planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), you’ll learn to analyse real sites and develop informed, data-driven design responses.

Year 4:
As you advance, you’ll tackle larger-scale and more complex projects. Units like Landscape Architecture Studio 4, Urban Ecology, and Sustainable Design allow you to design multifunctional landscapes that respond to environmental, social, and urban challenges.

Year 5:
You’ll refine your expertise through advanced studios and specialised science subjects. Courses such as Advanced Landscape Architecture Studio, Environmental Modelling, and Climate Adaptation prepare you to address global sustainability issues through innovative design solutions.

Honours Component (Final 0.5 year):
The honours phase focuses on independent research and professional-level design work. Through the Honours Research Project and advanced studio practice, you’ll investigate real-world environmental challenges and produce a substantial project that showcases both your scientific understanding and design capability.

Focus areas (in a string):
Landscape architecture, environmental science, urban ecology, sustainable design, GIS and spatial analysis, climate-responsive design

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Ability to design sustainable landscapes, strong ecological and scientific understanding, advanced site analysis and planning skills, proficiency in GIS and environmental modelling, research and critical thinking skills

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Landscape architecture component aligns with professional accreditation pathways (AILA) for landscape architects; science component supports careers in environmental and scientific fields

Reputation (employability rankings):
The Queensland University of Technology is highly regarded for its practical, industry-focused education and strong graduate employability, consistently ranked among top young universities globally (QS)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Queensland University of Technology, this dual degree is highly hands-on, giving you the chance to work on real landscapes while applying scientific analysis to solve environmental challenges. You’ll learn through studio-based design, fieldwork, and advanced digital tools, supported by purpose-built facilities like the Gardens Point campus design studios and science laboratories—ensuring you graduate with both creative and technical confidence:

Design studios: Participate in collaborative Landscape Architecture Studios where you work on real-world site projects, developing concepts from initial analysis through to detailed design
Field trips & site visits: Regular fieldwork to local and regional sites, helping you understand ecological systems, landforms, and environmental conditions in real contexts
GIS & digital tools: Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial mapping tools, and environmental modelling software to analyse and design landscapes
Workshops & fabrication labs: Access to QUT’s design fabrication workshops for model-making, prototyping, and material experimentation
Science laboratories: Hands-on experience in environmental and science labs supporting studies in ecology, soil science, and climate systems
Group projects: Work in interdisciplinary teams combining design and science knowledge to solve complex sustainability and urban landscape challenges
Industry engagement: Opportunities to engage with industry professionals through guest lectures, design critiques, and collaborative studio projects
Libraries & research resources: Full access to QUT Library’s specialised collections in design, environmental science, and planning, along with digital research databases
Honours research project: Conduct an independent, research-led project addressing real environmental or landscape challenges, supported by academic supervision

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture)/Bachelor of Science from the Queensland University of Technology are well-equipped to design sustainable outdoor environments while applying scientific knowledge to real-world ecological challenges. With a strong blend of creative design and environmental expertise, graduates typically move into roles such as Landscape Architect, Environmental Consultant, Urban Designer, or GIS Specialist, giving them flexibility across both design and science-driven industries:

Career services: Access to QUT’s Careers and Employability team, offering personalised career coaching, resume and portfolio development, internship support, and networking events with industry professionals
Employment outcomes: QUT is known for strong graduate employment rates, with many students securing roles in planning, environmental consulting, and design firms shortly after graduation
Industry partnerships: Strong connections with government agencies, environmental consultancies, and design firms through the School of Architecture and Built Environment, including industry-led projects and guest critiques
Professional recognition: The landscape architecture component supports accreditation pathways with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), enhancing long-term career prospects
Graduate outcomes: Graduates are prepared for multidisciplinary careers, combining landscape design expertise with scientific analysis to address sustainability and climate challenges

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual degree, students can continue their studies with specialised postgraduate programs such as a Master of Landscape Architecture, Master of Environmental Science, or research-focused degrees like a Master by Research or PhD at the Queensland University of Technology or other leading global universities.