MA Landscape Architecture

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Greenwich

Program Overview

The MA Landscape Architecture at the University of Greenwich is a one-year, studio-based master’s designed for creative thinkers who want to shape outdoor environments and future-ready cities. It suits students who enjoy design, ecology, and problem-solving, and want to turn those interests into a professional landscape architecture career.

Curriculum Structure

Students spend the year working in purpose-built design studios, developing ideas from concept to real-world landscape proposals.

At the start of the program, you explore Landscape Design, Landscape Representation, and Plant Technologies, learning how to read sites, understand planting systems, and communicate design ideas visually and digitally.
As the year progresses, modules like Advanced Landscape Design, Design Research Methodologies, and Professional & Technical Practice deepen your understanding of sustainable design, construction, and industry standards.
The year ends with a Master’s Project, where you lead your own design-research proposal and build a portfolio that demonstrates your interests and professional identity as a landscape architect.

Focus Areas

Sustainable landscape design, ecological and plant-based systems, urban landscape strategies, digital and visual representation, professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates learn to analyse landscapes and urban environments, design sustainable and socially responsive spaces, apply planting and ecological knowledge in design decisions, and communicate ideas using advanced technical and visual methods.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme aligns with the professional pathway of the Landscape Institute, supporting students aiming to qualify as landscape architects.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Greenwich has a strong reputation in landscape and design education, with graduates contributing to major urban and environmental projects in the UK and internationally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What makes this master’s so rewarding is how practical it is. From day one, you’re not just learning about landscapes — you’re designing them. Most of your time is spent working in the design studios at the Stockwell Street building, experimenting with drawings, models, digital visualisation, and planting concepts. You’ll collaborate closely with tutors and classmates, receive regular feedback in studio critiques, and gradually build the confidence and technical skill needed for real professional work. The studios are supported by workshops, digital facilities, and a specialist landscape and architecture library, so you always have the tools and resources to bring your ideas to life.

To give you a clear idea of the hands-on opportunities, students gain experience through:

Design studio projects that mirror real landscape challenges, including site mapping, ecological assessment, master planning and detailed public-space design.
Digital and technical workshops that support skills in representation, technical drawing, 3D spatial modelling and visualisation.
Group and individual projects, helping you learn both independent problem-solving and design collaboration — just like in design practices.
A final Master’s Project where you lead your own design-research direction and produce a professional-level portfolio showcasing your interests and strengths.
Specialist library access, where landscape and architecture resources support design theory, ecological research and material innovation.
Visits to built landscapes and major public spaces across London, encouraging you to study existing environments and draw inspiration directly from the real world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MA Landscape Architecture at Greenwich step into careers where they play an active role in shaping public spaces, parks, waterfronts, green corridors and sustainable urban environments. Many move into positions that allow them to combine creativity with real environmental impact, whether in private design firms, public-sector planning, or international landscape studios. Typical job routes include Landscape Architect, Urban Designer, Environmental or Landscape Consultant, and Urban Planning roles.

Here’s how Greenwich supports students in turning their master’s experience into a successful career:

Employability & Careers Service: Students receive guidance on CV writing, portfolio preparation, mock interviews, networking support and employability workshops specifically tailored to design and planning fields.
Employment and salary indicators: Architecture and planning graduates from the university have strong employability, with the majority progressing into professional roles or further study within 15 months of graduation. Salaries for early-career graduates typically fall in a healthy range for the sector and continue to rise with chartership and experience.
Industry connections: Greenwich has a track record of graduates contributing to major UK landscape and regeneration projects, including large-scale public parks and urban redevelopment initiatives. Students benefit from a learning environment that is strongly connected to landscape practices, planning offices and design studios across London.
Accreditation advantage: The programme’s accreditation pathway through the Landscape Institute gives graduates an important professional edge, supporting their journey toward becoming Chartered Landscape Architects — a status that is highly valued across the UK and internationally.
Graduate outcomes: Students complete the course with a polished professional portfolio and proven experience working on research-driven landscape proposals, making them competitive for both employment and freelance design opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MA, students who want to specialise further or pursue academic or research careers can progress to MPhil/PhD study in areas such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Ecology, Environmental Planning or Sustainable Design — either at Greenwich or at another research-focused institution.