| 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.
