Landscape Architecture is a design discipline that is concerned with the environment as a whole; its design, development, planning and management. It aims to create and sustain habitats for people and other living things in ways which conserve and celebrate ecological relationships, cultural values and symbolic associations. The principal focus of Landscape Architecture is the theory and practice of landscape design with a strong emphasis on landscape planning, cultural studies and conservation of the environment.

At the University of New South Wales students are strongly encouraged to consider the study of landscape architecture as both a powerful way of thinking and as education for a specific vocation. On graduating from the program, students should have developed a critical awareness of social and environmental issues, a creative approach to landscape design and landscape planning, and a sound foundation in the technical and professional requirements of Landscape Architecture practice. In addition, the program aims to impress an ethical commitment to care of the environment and a strongly responsible attitude to the wider community.