Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation
Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation
MSc in Landscape Architecture
Would you like to expand your knowledge and skills in the field of landscape architecture's larger-scale developments? Then this is the right Master’s programme for you.
Urbanisation poses major challenges for the development of urban and rural landscapes and how they are planned, designed and managed for future generations. Welcome to a Master’s programme that alternates theory and project work giving you the opportunity to incorporate sustainable urban design into theoretical and practical aspects of landscape architecture.
Based at SLU’s Uppsala campus, the programme attracts students from all over the world interested in sustainable urban-rural perspectives. Real-life landscape architecture project assignments are primarily obtained from Sweden and the surrounding region, but contents of theory and method are international and current in character and you will also be able to participate in trips to study landscape architecture in Europe.
You will be studying together with students from other programmes and you will also have the opportunity to study courses at SLU's Alnarp campus in southern Sweden. The two Master's programmes in landscape architecture are strategically located in two of Sweden's most vital and expansive regions, and together they represent Europe's largest combined concentration of educational competence in landscape architecture.
As a Master’s graduate you will have a unique profile for future employment dealing with landscape and urban development issues in society and will be able to work with other landscape planners and architects in municipalities or consultancy companies. The programme also gives you a sound foundation for a future career in research.
FACTS & REQUIREMENTS
Name:Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation - Master's Programme
Level:Master
Language:English
Programme scope:2 year, 120 credits
Next start:Autumn semester 2025
Tuition Fees:Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland are required to pay application and tuition fees.
First semester:SEK 102000
Total:SEK 408000
Application deadline for international students:2025-01-15
Application deadline for Swedish students:2025-04-15
Study location:Uppsala
Pace of study:Full-time
Teaching form:On-campus
Application code for Swedish students:81147
Application code for international students:81148
Requirements:
The following criteria must be met in order to be admitted to the Master’s programme in Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation.
General entry requirements: first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad.
Specific entry requirements: specialisation comprising 90 credits in one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains: • architecture • landscape architecture • landscape planning • community planning • physical planning • human, social and economic geography
and
a portfolio submitted as per instructions and approved.
The portfolio will be assessed according to the following criteria: • Relevance to the subject area – has the student worked on issues within landscape architecture? • Level of knowledge – has the student formulated the task in a relevant theoretical context? • Skills – has the student demonstrated an ability to formulate the task in a comprehensible way in text and images? If the portfolio meets the above criteria, the applicant is deemed qualified and considered able to profit from the programme. The assessment of the portfolio is made by the programme board for education in landscape and horticulture. The specific entry requirements stated above can also be met by someone who has received equivalent knowledge through a corresponding qualification from abroad or in some other way.
In addition, knowledge equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6 is required. According to a local SLU decision, this requirement is fulfilled by applicants who have a first-cycle degree (180 credits) from a Swedish university or have completed 120 credits at SLU. English 6 can also be obtained in other ways. These are specified on antagning.se/universityadmissions.se. There are specific entry requirements for each course included in the programme. These are described in the relevant course syllabus.
Degree:
Degree awarded on completion of the programme
Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation – Master’s Programme aims at a Degree of Master of Science with a major in Landscape Architecture, a general qualification. See SLU:s internal directives for grading systems and examination rights.
Students who fulfill the qualification requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) will be provided with a degree certificate upon request. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Landscape Architecture.
Degree requirements
A Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Landscape Architecture will be awarded on completion of the course examinations (Pass grades) to the value of 120 credits, with the following requirements:
a minimum of 30 credits courses shall concern in-depth study within Landscape Architecture (A1N, A1F),
a minimum of 30 credits shall concern independent work (degree project) within Landscape Architecture (A2E).
Maximum of 30 credit courses at first cycle level.
There is additional requirement of a completed Degree of Bachelor, Professional Degree of a minimum of 180 credits or a corresponding overseas qualification.
Portfolio instructions for applying to the Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation – Master’s Programme
A portfolio is a collection of examples of projects, essays, research studies, theses, or other work undertaken during previous education or professional practice.
The portfolio should contain between 3 and 5 examples. Examples can include practical projects and essays or theses, that illustrate in text and image the student's ability to understand socio-spatial/environmental issues, their capacity to analyze and critically reflect on urban/rural landscape problems, and skills in formulating and presenting planning, design, or artistic projects.
Examples may also include engagement in social processes and practices, such as; facilitating participatory planning, management, or design practices; organizing and/or curating an exhibition; or producing a policy or opinion piece through creative writing and/or visualization. The balance between text and images will depend on the subject matter.
The submitted portfolio should also include a cover letter briefly outlining the candidate's profile, interest in the subject and motivation for applying to the LASU program.
A jury assigned by SLU will evaluate the portfolio according to following aspects:
Has the student shown a particular interest in and motivation for the programme?
Relevance of the treated subject – has the student worked with questions relevant for the programme?
Level of knowledge – has the student handled the subject in a relevant theoretical context?
The skill of the work – has the student presented an ability to handle the project or assignment in words as well as visually?
If the portfolio meets the above criteria, the applicant is deemed qualified and considered able to partake in the programme. The assessment of the portfolio is made by the programme board for education in landscape and horticulture. The specific criteria stated above can also be met by students who have received equivalent knowledge through corresponding qualifications from overseas or from an alternative institution.
There are specific entry requirements for each course included in the programme. These are described in the relevant course syllabus.
Portfolio format:
Maximum of 12 pages
Either in A4 or A3 format
Saved as a PDF document (max 60MB)
The portfolio must be anonymous
The portfolio, including the presented projects/assignments within the portfolio, must beanonymous. Write only your application number from universityadmissions.se or antagning.se in the portfolio.
The portfolio should be submitted in an e-mail as a PDF-file to the e-mail address: PortfolioLASU@slu.se
Name the PDF-file “Portfolio_LASU_x.pdf” (x = your application number). In the e-mail you write both your name and application number. Write in the e-mail’s subject field: Portfolio LASU
Admission: There are two admission rounds for this Master's programme. The first admission round is open to all international applicants at www.universityadmissions.se. SLU strongly encourage all international students to apply in this first admission round.
CONTENT
This Master’s programme includes courses in the history of landscape architecture, theory, methodology and interdisciplinary studio courses with landscape and urban development perspectives, including those with an ecological focus and management of culturally valuable landscapes.
The courses are led by researchers and teachers with solid professional experience based on current research, with an artistic foundation and proven experience. The programme also has links with several professionals.
Students will work with space and landscape analysis, develop previously acquired knowledge in digital visual presentation tools and deepen their ability to work in projects. Real-life landscape projects will be used to develop analytical and creative abilities, focusing on a holistic perspective. Students are also able to learn GIS and geographic analysis.
The open structure of the programme enables students to study other SLU courses or at other universities.
This programme provides a unique individual profile for future work with landscape and urban development issues in society. We are convinced that the sustainable society of the future needs people with landscaping skills and the ability to describe, analyse and propose complex spatial solutions. The skills acquired can be transferred to work in municipalities or consultancy companies. The programme also creates a good foundation for a future career in research.
Degree awarded
Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a Major in Landscape Architecture.
Programme Code: LM009
Finalized by: Utbildningsnämnden, 2017-10-11 Revised: 2022-12-07 Revised By: Programnämnden för utbildning inom landskap och trädgård SLU ID: SLU.ltv.2021.3.1.1-828 Education plan valid from: Autumn 2024 Responsible programme board: The programme board for education in landscape and horticulture
Entry Requirements
The following criteria must be met in order to be admitted to the Master’s programme in Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation.
General entry requirements: first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 credits or a corresponding qualification from abroad.
Specific entry requirements: specialisation comprising 90 credits in one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains:
• architecture
• landscape architecture
• landscape planning
• community planning
• physical planning
• human, social and economic geography
and
a portfolio submitted as per instructions and approved.
The portfolio will be assessed according to the following criteria:
• Relevance to the subject area – has the student worked on issues within landscape architecture?
• Level of knowledge – has the student formulated the task in a relevant theoretical context?
• Skills – has the student demonstrated an ability to formulate the task in a comprehensible way in text and images?
If the portfolio meets the above criteria, the applicant is deemed qualified and considered able to profit from the programme. The assessment of the portfolio is made by the programme board for education in landscape and horticulture. The specific entry requirements stated above can also be met by someone who has received equivalent knowledge through a corresponding qualification from abroad or in some other way.
In addition, knowledge equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6 is required. According to a local SLU decision, this requirement is fulfilled by applicants who have a first-cycle degree (180 credits) from a Swedish university or have completed 120 credits at SLU. English 6 can also be obtained in other ways. These are specified on antagning.se/universityadmissions.se.
There are specific entry requirements for each course included in the programme. These are described in the relevant course syllabus.
Content
Programme description
The purpose of the program is to provide students with a bachelor’s degree related to landscape architecture an opportunity to immerse themselves in those parts of the subject that concerns sustainable urban and rural perspectives. The resulting master’s degree is preparing for an academic research career or a professional career in the part of the landscape architecture that a Bachelor´s degree, or Professional degree, in combination with the specialization within the program makes possible.
The programme is flexible within the frame of available courses, which almost all are shared with year 4-5 of the Landscape Architecture programme in Uppsala. After the first semester the students choose freely between courses, where also other courses at the Department of Urban and Rural development fit in. The freedom to choose implies an opportunity to specialize within the frame of the subject. The education ends with the independent master’s project course (30 credits).
All learning objectives are at least touched upon during the first semester, but are deepened in different ways and to a large extent throughout the program. Particularly the scientific aspects are prepared in a theory- and methodology course that precedes the independent work.
Students gain different levels of knowledge, depending on interest, need and personal inclination, on the scientific and artistic foundation of landscape architecture, the theory and history of landscape architecture, and different processes for planning, design and development of landscapes. Furthermore, the students are expected to gain knowledge in the professional aspects of landscape architecture, its methods, techniques and materials, relevant legislation, and people’s different needs, experiences and use of the physical environment.
Courses in urban development and large scale landscaping provide methodology and practice in an international context focusing on sustainability issues. An important aspect is the ability to understand the motives and frameworks for physical planning and society´s organization. Knowledge of sustainability and long-term development at a more detailed level is also communicated in a course aimed at managing cultural environments and green infrastructure.
The programme provides training of a number of skills, such as initiating and formulating processes for design, planning and development of landscapes and implementing and evaluating qualified and creative tasks within the area of landscape architecture. Other important aspects of the programme involve integrating different competences and user groups in design, planning and development processes, judging and managing complex phenomena and problems – particularly regarding sustainable development of landscapes in the tracks of urbanisation. The teaching takes place through lectures and literature studies as well as field trips and project/studio work.
The programme is taught in English.
Courses in the programme
Seven courses as well as an independent project are given within the programme. At admission to the programme, the students are admitted to the courses ”Landscape architecture: History, theory and practice” and ”Studio – Landscape architecture for sustainable urban design”. An independent project of at least 30 credits (landscape architecture, A2E) is compulsory for a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits).
Main subject area: Landscape Architecture (LK) Technology (TN) Techique (TE)
Year 1
Landscape Architecture: History, theory and practice, 15 hp (LK, A1N)
Studio – Landscape architecture for sustainable urban design, 15 hp (LK, A1N) Roles and methods for landscape architecture in comprehensive planning, 15 hp (LK, A1N)
Studio - Urban ecology for landscape architecture, 15 hp (LK, A1N)
Year 2 (compulsory courses in bold)
Studio – Water environments and landscape architecture, 15 hp (LK, A1N) Landscape planning in theory and practice, 15 hp (LK, A1F)
GIS and geographic analysis, 15 hp (TN/TE, A1N) Independent Project in Landscape Architecture, A2E – Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation – Master’s Programme, 30 hp (LK, A2E)
The courses offered may change during the course of the programme. Decisions on the courses offered are taken well in advance of the next academic year.
Course syllabus - detailed information is available on the SLU student web.
Objectives
General objectives
The general objectives for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes are specified in the Swedish Higher Education Act (Chapter 1, Sections 8–9).
Objectives for a Degree
In accordance with the annex to the Ordinance for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), for a Degree of Master (120 credits), the student shall:
Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall
demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.
Competence and skills
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall
demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information,
demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake specialised tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work,
demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to report clearly and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.
Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall
demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical considerations and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.
Qualification Requirements
Degree awarded on completion of the programme
Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation – Master’s Programme aims at a Degree of Master of Science with a major in Landscape Architecture, a general qualification. See SLU:s internal directives for grading systems and examination rights.
Students who fulfill the qualification requirements for the Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) will be provided with a degree certificate upon request. The degree certificate will specify the qualification as Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Landscape Architecture.
Degree requirements
A Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a major in Landscape Architecture will be awarded on completion of the course examinations (Pass grades) to the value of 120 credits, with the following requirements:
a minimum of 30 credits courses shall concern in-depth study within Landscape Architecture (A1N, A1F),
a minimum of 30 credits shall concern independent work (degree project) within Landscape Architecture (A2E).
Maximum of 30 credit courses at first cycle level.
There is additional requirement of a completed Degree of Bachelor, Professional Degree of a minimum of 180 credits or a corresponding overseas qualification.
OtherInformation
General regulations for first- and second-cycle courses and programmes
For more information on semester dates, examination and credit transfer, see the Regulations for education at Bachelor´s and Master´s level available on the SLU student web.
Possibilities for further studies
Students who complete Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation – Master’s programme and are awarded a degree have the possibility to continue their studies at doctoral level.
Studying at SLU is not just about attending lectures and seminars. It’s also about newfound friends, sports, fun parties, and exciting experiences. It’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Who has to pay application and tuition fees? What is the cost of living in Sweden? Read more about these and other questions regarding tuition fees and scholarships.
Connect with our international student ambassadors and explore their blogs for a firsthand glimpse into their journeys as students in Sweden and at SLU.
Are you on your way to Sweden and wondering what it’s like to study here? Well, get ready to question the way things have always been done. Studying in Sweden comes with critical thinking, freedom and responsibility.
Uppsala is Sweden’s fourth largest city, and the hub of SLU’s educational activities. Located just outside of the city centre, SLU’s Uppsala campus is spacious, leafy and picturesque and is a fitting setting for Sweden’s only agricultural university.
Ask us about: courses or programmes, which education that suits you and how to reach your future goals, your study environment and get support in your career choises.
