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Landscape Architecture

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A graduate in landscape architecture will have the competence and creative ability to:

  • understand the physical, natural, social, economic and cultural factors that shape the landscape, and of the interactions between them
  • understand the theories and concepts underlying the practice of landscape architecture
  • apply relevant techniques and materials used in landscape architecture
  • understand the professional, legal, institutional and administrative context in which landscape architecture is practised
  • understand and demonstrate the social, cultural and environmental values and ethical issues relevant to practise as a landscape architect, with particular emphasis on the role of sustainability
  • demonstrate a coherent and creative ability to understand a brief and develop one, dealing with both familiar and unfamiliar problems
  • locate, analyse, synthesise and apply appropriate data and information to support development of solutions
  • generate and develop solutions and proposals
  • use relevant techniques and materials to implement solutions
  • carry out aspects of landscape professional practice
  • effectively communicate using appropriate visual, verbal and written skills; to exchange and review ideas, theories, findings, conclusions and proposals and present them to a range of audiences
  • work as an individual, using self-management, time and task management and personal reflection, within a supportive framework
  • carry out assigned tasks in a group or team work environment and contribute to group discussions
  • use communication and information technology in research, data handling and development and presentation of solutions.

Landscape architecture is an established academic subject and a professional activity; it draws on arts and humanities, the physical, natural and social sciences and the interface between art and design. It is a discipline that focuses on interventions in the landscape through the activities of planning, design and management; and the implementation of proposals that underpin these activities. It is concerned with sustainability and the relationships of people to the outdoor environments both urban and rural, from the smallest to the largest open space. All programmes in landscape architecture have a common core of knowledge and understanding with a range of more specific learning outcomes depending on the emphasis of a programme or combination of programmes.

The subject of landscape architecture is underpinned by academic research seeking to understand the meaning of landscape; how it is formed; the factors that shape it; how people use it; how it can be sustained with emphasis on the aesthetically pleasing, functionally appropriate and ecologically healthy; accommodating diversity and change. Landscape architecture is regulated by the Landscape Institute, which accredits programmes offering professional education and training in one or more aspects of landscape architecture.

Graduates seek careers within the profession such as and in other environmental areas and professions; however, the wide range of knowledge and skills developed in this subject also equips graduates for a range of careers that have no environmental emphasis.


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