Skip to main content

BSc (Hons) Landscape Architecture

About the course

This course is delivered at University Centre Myerscough and awarded by the University of Central Lancashire. Landscape Architects design and manage spaces of all shapes and sizes, from busy urban centres to housing developments, urban parks, golf courses, and private gardens. They are involved with planning and ensuring designs are sustainable, that the environment is enhanced rather than damaged by development. This course combines creative modules with a sound scientific background.

Design projects will be undertaken that cover all aspects of design, beginning with smaller-scale projects and culminating in the final year with complex schemes to prepare you for life in a Landscape Architecture practice or as a landscape consultant.

Here at Myerscough, we are situated within beautiful grounds with access to a golf course, arboretum and rural landscapes. As students, you will also have access to UCLan in the bustling city centre of Preston.

Another benefit of studying Landscape Architecture at Myerscough is the multi-disciplinary team that you will be working with. We are the National Centre for Excellence in Arboriculture and you will be able to engage with leading tutors in the field. We also have excellent horticultural facilities. This particular course has a strong horticultural basis. Landscape Architects who understand and can use their knowledge of plants are in demand in industry. We also have Creative Design here at Myerscough and you will have access to photography and floristry tutors and materials should you wish to develop your artistic and presentation skills.

If you have a creative streak but also an interest in the environment, landscapes and the outdoors, this could be the course for you.

Course modules

Year 1

Plant knowledge

Developing fundamental plant knowledge and learning to “read” plants are the key elements of this module. You will study plant taxonomy/nomenclature, plant identification and recognition of horticulturally significant characteristics.

Plant utilisation

Plants and greenspaces are increasingly important in terms of the ecosystem services they provide and other benefits for society. This module introduces you to the selection of plants for suitable for specific situations, the effective use of plant characteristics for horticultural impact and appropriate management and cultivation techniques.

Surveying and Plan Drawing

Surveying is the art of accurately measuring up a space. You will professionally measure up areas and learn to interpret survey plans produced by professional surveyors. You will also analyse a range of spaces and study site features including climate, topography, drainage and soils. Plan drawing skills will also be developed, enabling you to produce professional drawings using CAD and by hand.

Principles of Design and Photography Technical Skills (Option)

This is a very creative and inspiring module where the principles and elements of design are studied along with photographic technical skills. This will provide you with the underpinning knowledge in design and photography which will be applied to all other practical modules on the course. You will explore each of the principles and elements in practical sessions using a variety of media and abstract forms.

Landscape Design (Double)

Designing a range of spaces will give you a chance to develop your design, problem solving and presentation skills. In this module, you will be able to design a variety of concepts for projects. These might include a courtyard, a playground, a car park or a wildlife garden. Each project will have site-related features that you will have to deal with, whether it is a view that has to be maintained, a steep slope or existing planting and habitats to be retained.

Year 2

Landscape Projects (double module)

As a Landscape Architect, you will come across landscapes in all shapes and sizes. This module will provide you with a selection of projects that cover different types of design. The projects will vary in size and will give you experience of housing developments, urban development, landscape character assessments, sustainability and environmental issues to deal with. During the module, you will develop problem solving and creative skills. There will be workshops and seminars on different topics related to the design projects that you will undertake as well as site visits.

Elective

Landscape Construction and Specifications

The detail is crucial in landscape design. This module will give you the opportunity to design and specify landscape features. You will discover the range of materials available, their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their sustainability. Detailed drawing techniques will be practised and you will also create written specifications suitable for a landscape contractor to understand.

Landscape Management

This module will enable students to understand the different types of management and maintenance necessary in the context of environmental, financial and practical constraints.

Research Practice

This module focuses on research on an individual project within a chosen industry. During this module learners will develop their ability to research and effectively communicate , a critical discussion derived from the independent research carried out.

Year 3

Dissertation

This module will allow students to research an area in detail. Students will become specialised in one aspect related to landscape architecture. The Tutor will guide students as to suitable topics to enable them to find sources of information. The dissertation might be in a particular specialism that the student wishes to progress upon graduation.

Planting Design

Designing with plants is a complex subject. In this module, you will study the ways to successfully establish large-scale planting schemes, the latest tree establishment techniques and the factors that contribute to plant failure. You will produce a range of planting plans, schedules, specifications and costings for different situations.

Strategic Landscape Design (double module)

In this module, you will design large-scale landscape projects and produce detailed drawings and specifications for elements within them. Each project will have a specific focus, whether it be landscape reclamation, historical reconstruction or habitat creation. You will undertake research and develop concepts and ideas for the projects, working with real-life clients and situations where possible.

Urban Forest and Greenspace Management (Option)

The trees and greenspaces in our towns and cities that make up our urban forests play a big role in enhancing the lives of those who live or visit them. This module will consider the development of our current urban forests and consider ways that they can be further developed to increase the benefits supplied to future generations. The involvement of all stakeholders in the urban forest will be considered from the role of central and local government in strategic planning, to the importance of community involvement and the role of private and voluntary sectors in partnership working.

International Developments in Landscape and Garden Design (Option)

Landscape Architecture and Garden Design both operate on a global scale. There are international events, expositions and festivals. This module will enable you to study international design trends and contemporary issues that affect landscape and garden design through a series of international design studies and seminars.

Greenspace Professional Practice

It is very important for professionals to have an appreciation of ethical and sustainable business operation concepts and be able to apply them. In this module you will build upon the principals of strategic planning and corporate social responsibilities to address business auditing tasks, such as re-branding and re-modelling, incorporating company policies; planning; project management; communication and negotiation with clients. You will also critically analyse a range of contemporary issues within arboriculture and associated green industries.

Entry requirements & additional information

Entry requirements

5 GCSE passes at Grade C or above (including Maths and English or equivalent)

Plus 104 UCAS Tariff points from one or more of the following:

  • 3 A Levels (A2) at C or above
  • BTEC/C&G Level 3
  • 4 Scottish Highers at C or above
  • 4 Irish Highers at C or above
  • International Baccalaureate at 24 points
  • AS levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma and Scottish Intermediate 2s may be used to contribute to entry requirements but they are not sufficient for entry on their own. Alternative equivalent qualifications will also be considered positively.
  • Access to HE Diploma in a relevant discipline

Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Certificated and/or Experiential Learning (APCL/APEL) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for whom English is a second language must be able to demonstrate proof of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at Level 6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5) or equivalent.

All offers may be subject to successful interview.

Learning and assessment

Learning Environment:

Learning activities on this course include lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions. Students will be expected to undertake extensive independent study and research to support taught sessions. Group work and group presentations will form an important part of the course. In addition, students will have access to Myerscough’s virtual learning environment.

Assessment:

Students will face a variety of assessments, many of which directly reflect industry-related practices. These assessment methods will include technical reports, portfolios, exams, individual presentations, practical reports, research posters and extended project work.

Additional Information:

Many modules will include guest speakers of standing within the industry. Off-site day visits to landscapes, trade fairs and areas of environmental significance will be undertaken.

What Work Experience can I get?

There is no formal industry placement on this course but there may be opportunities at the end of the course, for students to undertake work experience or internships with employers throughout the UK and overseas.

Progression

On successful completion of the BSc (Hons) programme, students may wish to apply for further qualifications such as MSc, M Phil, PhD.

Careers

With a Landscape Architecture degree, you can become a Landscape Assistant in a Landscape Practice, a Landscape Designer, or a freelance Landscape Consultant after you have gained some industry experience. Landscape Architects work in a range of situations. Some are part of multi-disciplinary practices, others work for local authorities or environmental charities. Some become Landscape Managers, working on the management and maintenance of landscapes. The Landscape Institute has a route to becoming a Chartered Landscape Architect and information on its website.

Special requirements

Additional costs for opportunities and items that are optional for the course include:

  • Camera- £100
  • Study tours £500-£1000 per year.

There may be bursaries and hardship funds available to help with the cost of these.