Landscape Architecture

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are based on international accreditation criteria for landscape architecture education. The degree has a status that complies with the criteria and and has to be renewed every five years, which ensures that it meets the requirements of the professional and educational field.

The aim of the Master's Degree Programme in Landscape Architecture is to prepare students to serve in an expert capacity in the profession. The skills acquired during the bachelor's phase are developed and deepened in the master's degree programme. Landscape architects who graduate from the programme are expected to have:

• the ability to produce functional, aesthetic solutions for the interaction between humans and nature
• understanding the influence that ecological, cultural, economic and land use factors have on design
• expert, analytical and technically competent visual, oral and written communication as well as project co-ordination and management skills.
• the ability to co-operate and work as a landscape architect, both in co-operation with representatives of closely-related fields and independently

Content outcomes:

The objective of the education is that after completing a degree, the student:

• knows and can analyse current challenges and tasks in landscape architecture
• knows the history and theory of landscape architecture and the arts
• masters information search and design methods and their participation and evaluation processes, knows cost factors and essential laws and administrative practices in the field
• can work in demanding design and/or research tasks and manage and coordinate projects
• can meet the challenges of demanding landscape change projects and processes in an independent and innovative manner
• can develop his/her own expression in landscape architecture
• and assess the quality and environmental impacts of the design solutions
• demonstrates comprehensive professional vision and problem-solving skills
• understands the social significance and responsibility of the field and his/her responsibility as a professional
• understands the internationalising and expanding duties associated with the job description and the importance of different cultures and natural conditions in design
• realises a systematic study path that prepares him/her national and international expert positions, post-graduate studies and lifelong learning

Academic outcomes:

The objective of the education is that after completing a degree, the student:

• knows the academic themes and key literature in the field
• can write academic text in a critical and expert manner
• knows the central research methods
• can argue scientifically

Education content

Landscape Architecture is a multidisciplinary field for the design of outdoor spaces, their construction and management in a full range of scales. The key content of the Master’s Degree Programme is landscape design, construction, management and conservation and urban planning and design.

Landscape Architecture combines expertise in the arts, natural sciences and technology. Ethics, ecology and functionality are the fundamental values of Landscape Architecture. The aim is to create sustainable, well-designed environments and communities. In practice, this comprises the design of residential environments, public parks, green zones, recreational and workplace areas; planning the use of areas for zoning; the conservation and management of landscapes and historic environments; planning environmental restoration; research on landscapes and environment; and advisory assignments.

The studies involve study trips abroad and occasional co-operation courses or projects with international partner universities. The opportunities for student exchanges are good, and the majority of landscape architecture students take advantage of the chance to study abroad. An internship abroad is another opportunity for internationalisation.

Structure of the Master's Degree Programme

Major studies 90 cr, comprising advanced studies in the major (60 cr) and the master's thesis (30 cr).

The scope of a master's thesis is 30 credits. The thesis seminar which may be a part of the degree requirements for a master's degree is not part of the thesis, but is a separate study attainment that is included in advanced studies in the major.

Elective studies 30 credits comprising alternative studies in Landscape Architecture (minor, specialisation studies, individual courses).

Degree structure of the Master's Degree Programme in Landscape Architecture (120 credits)

Compulsory courses in the major (Landscape Architecture), 1st-2nd year of master's studies

Alternative courses in the major (Landscape Architecture), 1st-2nd year of master's studies