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Recognising the wide range of contemporary landscape topics present in this rapidly changing world, the structure of this one-year programme allows students to deepen their knowledge of subjects that correspond with chosen individual interests. Landscape Studies students meet the Masters of Landscape Architecture students in a year-long real world site-based multidisciplinary design studio. Design in this context includes policy design and visualisation, cultural interventions, exhibitions, as well as spatial design and representations and scenario building.

UCD Landscape Architecture offers Ireland’s only graduate degree programmes in Landscape Architecture and our teaching staff includes some of the country’s top practitioners and academics.

This year-long programme of multidisciplinary study is mainly for graduates of landscape architecture, architecture and other design-based degrees but also accepts graduates of associated disciplines such as environmental studies, geography, planning and forestry.

Vision and Values Statement

The programme is for graduates of design related disciplines that wish to deepen their understanding and knowledge of modern landscapes. It is a research-based programme (not a professional one) that takes a critical approach to contemporary landscape themes. We recognise the landscape as a broad, interdisciplinary subject and students shape their own studies in self-motivated fashion, typically conducting individual (or small group) project work. Small classes, tutorials, and discussion are key. The programme seeks to build each student’s ability to pursue independent enquiry. It teaches transferable skills; students acquire robust methodologies for enquiry, and develop a critical approach that reflects on the purpose, results and process of their enquiries. Interdisciplinary exchange is fundamental in this programme, elements of which are co-taught by or with other disciplines such as ecology, planning and engineering. The course is located on campus amongst a group of related courses and disciplines from the designed environment and students enjoy a menu of open presentations and lectures. Understanding of the Irish landscape is encouraged through direct experience with excursions and site visits. Tutors and lecturers from Ireland and abroad bring a variety of practice and academic experiences to the classes and students present their work to a wider audience of students and academics, to broaden interdisciplinary discussion and enrich feedback.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunity

A common challenge in the future will include the management of landscape resources and infrastructures. Those with advanced qualifications in this field will have a distinct advantage over others hoping to shape the future of the built and natural environment. Graduates of this programme participate in changing the way that local and everyday landscapes are perceived, designed, planned and protected, all over the world.