Programme details

Master of Landscape Architecture – MLA

Enhance your creative skills and pursue a professional career in landscape architecture through our accredited Landscape Architecture program.

Course description

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) equips you with the expertise to develop innovative design solutions for outdoor environments, addressing critical issues like climate change, urbanization, and sustainability. By integrating science with the creative design process, you will learn to shape how people interact with landscapes. You will reimagine outdoor spaces and acquire the skills to turn your vision into reality.

This research-driven Master’s program provides a deep understanding of essential design practices and strategies. You will cultivate a critically objective and environmentally conscious approach to landscape architecture.

Our MLA program is one of only three in New Zealand accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA). After graduation, you will need approximately three years of professional experience as a landscape architect to become registered with the NZILA. Your qualification and registration will be recognized both nationally and internationally.

Immigration benefits

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

Career Prospects

Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared to work as a landscape architect. You might choose to start your own practice, join a firm, or work with a government organization. In this role, you will likely collaborate with artists, ecologists, architects, planners, and engineers on a variety of projects.

Graduates may also pursue careers as parks and recreation planners, site designers and planners, or urban designers. Other potential roles include civil designer, public infrastructure consultant, sustainable development consultant, or landscape assessor.

Entry requirements

– A Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree in Landscape Architecture (or a Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments in Landscape Architecture) from this university, or an approved alternative qualification.
– To be accepted by the Head of School as being capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

EL requirement (any one of the following)
– IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0
– TOEFL (Internet-based test): Minimum score of 90, with at least 20 in writing
– Pearson Test of English: Minimum score of 58, with a ‘Communicative’ score of no less than 50
– EAP: Minimum final scores of 4, 4, 5, 5
– Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
– New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)
– NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3, with no skill lower than Level 2