MLA Master of Landscape Architecture / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

Degree awarded
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Duration
2 years
Entry requirements

Part 1 entry

Students eligible for the MLA will normally have a minimum of a second class degree in a closely related subject area. The following disciplines are typical although this is not an exhaustive list and the suitability of all applicants will be assessed via a combination of portfolio and interview:

  • Design for the built environment including: Architecture, Urban Design and Planning, Interior Design, Garden Design.
  • Other design or arts related disciplines may also be considered, including: fashion, film, graphics, product design, etc.
  • Land or plant-based sciences including: Geography, Horticulture, Forestry or agriculture, Ecology, Environmental science and management.
  • Engineering, including especially: Civil, hydrological and structural engineering.

International students with a closely related qualification from their country may be eligible for Part 2 entry, but, in the majority of cases, a two-year course is required in order to adapt to the specific professional and cultural context of the discipline in the UK.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Direct Part 2 entry

Candidates with a minimum of a second-class degree in an accredited UK undergraduate Landscape Architecture course will normally be accepted directly into Part 2 of the MLA.

Candidates from other countries with an IFLA recognised undergraduate qualification of an equivalent standard may also be eligible for direct entry at year 2.

Candidates from other very closely related disciplines (principally Architecture and Urban Design) may be considered, subject to providing evidence of a Level 6 understanding and knowledge of additional subject areas specific to landscape architecture.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

You can apply via the How to Apply link on the Manchester School of Architecture website. Course options available are:

  • Master of Landscape Architecture 2 years full-time
  • Master of Landscape Architecture 4 years part-time
  • Master of Landscape Architecture (Part 2) 1 year full-time
  • Master of Landscape Architecture (Part 2) 2 years part-time

Please, read the How to Apply section for information on portfolio requirements.

Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 1: No poverty

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
Y N N N

Course overview

At Manchester School of Architecture, we believe that landscape architects can contribute to combatting the climate and ecological emergency, promote social equity, provide common resources in the form of public space, and make a difference to people's lives.

The Master of Landscape Architecture offers space to experiment through research, projects and our studio atelier system which celebrates diversity. The course promotes multiple critical approaches to practice and a wide range of creative and analytical approaches.

Alongside our specialist landscape staff team you'll benefit from interdisciplinary working, gain collaborative experience and networks and create a portfolio of work supporting you to find employment locally or globally.

Open days

Visit our Meet Us page and discover the range of ways you can connect with us to learn about studying for a master's or postgraduate taught degree.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £12,000 p/a collected by MMU
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £28,000 p/a collected by MMU

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Additional expenses

Specialist costs

  • Compulsory estimate: £1,700
  • Optional estimate: £1,000

Placement costs

  • Optional estimate: £600

Professional costs

You can choose to become a student member of the Landscape Institute. It is free.

Other costs

  • Optional estimate: £100

You may choose to buy books for the course, although the library is excellent.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.

  • Goal 1: No poverty

    End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Environment, Education and Development
Contact name
Manchester Metropolitan University
Telephone
0161 247 6969
Email
Website
www.msa.ac.uk
School/Faculty
See: The School .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.