| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-06-03 | - |
Program Overview
The MA Landscape Architecture Studies online program at Arts University Bournemouth provides a comprehensive understanding of landscape architecture practices, emphasizing the relationship between people, landscapes, and the environment. Through a combination of theory and practice, the program equips students with the skills and knowledge to address contemporary challenges in landscape design, promoting environmental sustainability, human resilience, and wellbeing.
Program Outline
MA Landscape Architecture Studies
Degree Overview:
Overview: The MA Landscape Architecture Studies online program at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB Online) aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of landscape architecture practices and the contemporary challenges facing social, cultural, and environmental landscapes. This program explores the relationship between people, landscapes, cities, and nature, equipping students to address issues related to environmental sustainability, human resilience, and wellbeing. Through a combination of theory and practice, the program emphasizes the complex and interconnected nature of natural and built environments.
Objectives:
- Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills for tackling contemporary challenges in landscape design.
- Enhance students' understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of landscape architecture, connecting it with fields like geography, ecology, sociology, and art.
- Develop students' ability to design landscapes that promote positive social, cultural, and environmental outcomes.
- Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue further education or careers in various landscape-related fields.
Program Description: The MA Landscape Architecture Studies online program offers a flexible and engaging learning experience. It is designed for professionals and individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in landscape design, regardless of their previous academic background. The program combines online learning modules with practical exercises and projects, allowing students to apply their learnings to real-world scenarios. Students will benefit from the guidance of experienced academics and the support of a collaborative online learning community.
Outline:
Program Content: The program delves into various aspects of landscape architecture, including:
- Social and Cultural Significance of Landscape: Understanding the historical, cultural, and philosophical perspectives on landscapes and their relationship to society.
- Landscape Analysis and Evaluation: Developing skills in analyzing and evaluating landscapes through various methodologies, including site visits, field studies, and design critiques.
- Landscape Design and Management: Learning principles of design and management techniques for various landscape types, such as urban green spaces, natural areas, and gardens.
- Environmental Sustainability: Investigating approaches to design and manage landscapes that promote ecological balance, resource conservation, and climate resilience.
- Human Wellbeing and Health: Exploring the role of landscapes in fostering physical and mental health, promoting social equity, and creating inclusive spaces.
Structure: The program is structured around a series of 10 modules, each focusing on specific aspects of landscape architecture.
- Where I Stand: Landscape and Resilience (15 credits): Introduction to key themes and practices in landscape architecture, exploring the student's own learning goals and aspirations.
- What is Landscape: Analysis, Evaluation, and Representation (15 credits): Exploring the meaning of landscape from social, cultural, environmental, and ethical perspectives.
- Landscape and Culture: History, Philosophy, and Society (15 credits): Examining cultural traditions and philosophies in the context of contemporary landscape value.
- The Big Picture: Landscape as Infrastructure and Ecosystem (15 credits): Focusing on complex relationships, systems, and processes in both built and natural landscapes.
- Resilient Placemaking: Restorative Landscapes for Social and Environmental Wellbeing (15 credits): Evaluating how landscapes can promote physical and mental health.
- Landscape and Equity: Participatory Design and Social Placemaking for Human and Planetary Justice (15 credits): Exploring how landscape architecture can support social justice through design and innovation.
- Gardens and Designed Landscapes (15 credits): Examining the historical and theoretical foundations of garden design, exploring case studies from various typologies, scales, and cultural contexts.
- Urban Design: A Language Primer (15 credits): Introduction to urban design as a discipline, covering its language, terminology, and recent planning examples.
- Landscape Research Methods and Strategies (15 credits): Providing a theoretical and practical grounding in research methods, serving as a foundation for the Comprehensive Master's Project.
- Comprehensive Master's Project (45 credits): Capstone project where students showcase their position and approach as landscape professionals, synthesizing the ideas, knowledge, and skills developed during the course.
Overall Program Schedule: The program is delivered online over two years, with a part-time study format. Students can choose to start in January, May, or September.
Individual Modules: Each module consists of online lectures, tutorials, discussions, individual assignments, and group projects. Students will have access to a dedicated online学习平台，可访问课程材料、与同龄人互动并与导师交流。
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Individual assignments: Students complete written assignments, case studies, and design proposals.
- Group projects: Collaboration on projects related to specific modules.
- Presentations: Delivering presentations to showcase their understanding and application of course concepts.
- Portfolio development: Building a portfolio of landscape design work throughout the program.
- Comprehensive Master's Project: A culminating project demonstrating the student's ability to apply their learnings to a real-world landscape design challenge.
Assessment Criteria:
- Clarity of concepts and ideas: Demonstrating a strong understanding of the key concepts and theories covered in the modules.
- Critical thinking and analysis: Applying critical thinking skills to analyze landscape issues and propose effective solutions.
- Creativity and innovation: Developing and implementing original design ideas and approaches.
- Technical skills and knowledge: Demonstrating proficiency in relevant software, design techniques, and research methodologies.
- Communication and presentation skills: Effectively communicating ideas, both verbally and visually, through written and oral presentations.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Online lectures: Delivered by experienced landscape architecture professionals, covering key concepts and theories.
- Interactive tutorials: Engaging students in discussions and activities to deepen their understanding of the material.
- Individual and group supervision: Providing personalized support and feedback on assignments and projects.
- Guest lectures: Industry professionals sharing their expertise and experiences in landscape design.
- Online forums and discussions: Enabling students to connect and collaborate with peers and tutors.
Faculty: The program is led by experienced faculty members with expertise in various areas of landscape architecture, including:
- Dr. Kirsten Tatum: Program Leader, with expertise in architecture, landscape, urban/rural planning, design history, and theory.
- Other academic staff: Experienced landscape architects, urban designers, and environmental consultants.
Unique Approaches:
- Interdisciplinary approach: Integrating perspectives from various fields, such as ecology, social sciences, and art, into landscape design.
- Real-world focus: Encouraging students to apply their learnings to practical projects and case studies.
- Global perspective: Exploring landscape challenges and solutions from a global context.
- Collaborative learning: Fostering collaboration and communication among students and faculty.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Landscape architect
- Environmental consultant
- Urban designer
- Environmental manager
- Landscape conservation officer
- Academic
- Town planner
Career Outcomes: Graduates of the program will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in various landscape-related fields. They will be prepared to work in design firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions.
Other:
- The program is designed for students with diverse academic backgrounds, welcoming individuals from all educational fields.
- The program is not designed to provide a complete training for becoming a UK Chartered Landscape Architect and is not recognized professionally by the UK Landscape Institute. However, the course provides a basis for further education, career development, and work in a variety of areas, as well as opportunity for specialized study.
- The program is delivered online, offering flexibility for students who are working professionals or have other commitments.
- Students will have access to a dedicated online learning platform, providing resources, support, and interaction with peers and tutors.
- The program emphasizes a supportive and collaborative learning environment, fostering a sense of community among students and faculty.
Arts University Bournemouth
Overview:
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) is a specialist university dedicated to the arts, design, media, and creative industries. It is located in Bournemouth, a coastal town in the south of England. AUB is known for its strong industry links and its focus on practical, studio-based learning.
Services Offered:
AUB offers a wide range of student services, including:
Student Advice:
Provides guidance on funding, bursaries, hardship funds, accommodation, local travel and transport, and general information about living in the community.Wellbeing and Counselling:
Offers support for students' mental health and well-being, including individual counselling and group sessions.Report and Support:
Provides an online tool for students to report concerns anonymously, make formal complaints, and receive support.Disabled Students:
Offers practical support, guidance, and information about extra allowances for students with disabilities.Medical Care:
Works in partnership with the local Village Surgery to provide a dedicated medical surgery each week.Faith and Reflection:
Provides a space for students of all faiths, or none, to reflect and connect.Cost of Living:
Offers information about the average monthly spend for a student in private rented accommodation.Academic Support:
Provides support with academic work, personal organization, and study skills.External Support:
Offers information and resources about external support services available to students.Worried about a student?
Provides a platform for staff, students, parents, friends, and medical professionals to report concerns about a student's well-being.University Retreat:
Offers a mental health drop-in service for students from AUB and Bournemouth University.Student Life and Campus Experience:
AUB offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment. Students can expect:
Collaborative learning:
AUB emphasizes studio-based learning, encouraging students to work together and learn from each other.Strong industry links:
AUB has strong connections with industry professionals, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.AUB ResLife:
A residential life program for students living in AUB halls of residence, fostering a sense of community and belonging.Students' Union:
A vibrant student union that organizes events, activities, and provides support for students.Location:
Bournemouth is a popular seaside town with a lively nightlife, beaches, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Specialization in the arts:
AUB offers a wide range of courses in the arts, design, media, and creative industries, providing students with a specialized education in their chosen field.Practical, studio-based learning:
AUB's focus on practical, studio-based learning provides students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers.Strong industry links:
AUB's strong industry links provide students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.Vibrant campus environment:
AUB offers a vibrant and supportive campus environment, with a strong sense of community and belonging.Location:
Bournemouth is a popular seaside town with a lively nightlife, beaches, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.Academic Programs:
AUB offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following areas:
Arts and Communications:
Includes courses in animation, film, photography, graphic design, illustration, and more.Design and Architecture:
Includes courses in architecture, interior design, product design, and more.Arts, Media and Creative Industries Management:
Offers courses in arts management, media production, and more.Other:
Entry Requirements:
Standard Route (UK/EU Students):
- Applicants are eligible if they possess a UK Bachelor's degree (Honours) with a minimum classification of 2.2, or an equivalent international qualification, in their chosen field or a related discipline.
Standard Route (Overseas Students):
- Applicants are eligible if they possess a UK Bachelor's degree (Honours) with a minimum classification of 2.2, or an equivalent international qualification, in their chosen field or a related discipline.
- Additionally, overseas students must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) grade C
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade C
- Certificate of Attainment in English (London Board) level 5 or 6
- IELTS score of 6.0 or above with at least 5.5 in each band
- TOEFL iBT score of 80 or above with 19 in speaking, and 18 in listening, reading and writing
- Pearson PTE score of 64 and over, with a score of 59 in each component
- Important note: Both IELTS and Pearson scores should be less than two years old at the time the course commences to be considered valid.
Non-Standard Route:
Students who do not meet the standard academic qualifications can still be considered for entry if they can demonstrate:
- Sufficient evidence that they have the ability to successfully complete the course and achieve the required standard of the final award. This can be showcased through a portfolio of work when requested by the admissions team.
- Additional qualifications or work experience that demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills suitable for postgraduate-level studies. Overall, the entry requirements for the MA Landscape Architecture Studies program are comprehensive and cater to applicants with diverse educational backgrounds. Both standard and non-standard routes provide pathways for individuals to demonstrate their potential for success in the program.
