Landscape architecture is a design discipline which is concerned with the environment as a whole. Students at UNSW learn the theory and practice of landscape architecture through the exploration of design principles, graphic techniques, ecological processes and studies of human modification of the environment. The emphasis of the program is on creative design inspired by the Australian situation, and prepares our students to work anywhere in the world.

The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree provides academic education and practical experience leading to professional qualifications in landscape architecture. It requires full time attendance for four years plus work experience that must be completed prior to the Graduation Project. The program seeks the synthesis of knowledge and skills through project based learning in a sequence of eight Design Studios. Design projects are related to the subject matter of concurrent courses and culminate in an independent design study of regional and national significance. Lectures and practical sessions cover theoretical knowledge in the following
areas:

Landscape Architectural Design
Design Communications
Landscape Architectural History and Theory
Landscape Architectural Technology
Natural and Cultural Systems
Professional Practice

At UNSW landscape architecture is taught as a powerful way of thinking and a vocation. Graduates of the UNSW landscape architecture program are creative problem solvers, able to draw on a depth and range of knowledge and skills. The vocational aspects of landscape architectural education at UNSW, equip students with the theoretical and practical knowledge, needed for the implementation of landscape design at urban and regional scales.

OR

OR

The thesis option can be taken in lieu of 12 UOC of FBE electives on application to the Head of Program by the end of Year 3.

The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree may be awarded with honours based upon the quality of performance in the program and in accordance with current program policy. Honours are Class 1 or Class 2 Division 1 or Class 2 Division 2.

1. The degree of Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is awarded at either Pass or Honours level after the successful completion of a minimum of 192 units of credit.

2. To fulfill these requirements, students must complete:

3. The standard duration of the program is 4 years consisting of 8 semesters of full-time study (24 units of credit per semester) plus the required work experience.

4. General Education courses may not be taken before a student enters Year 2 of the Program.

5.There is an option in Yr 4 to undertake a thesis. This specialised and independent study, allows students to gain or extend their in depth knowledge and understanding of a particular aspect of landscape architecture. Students may substitute the thesis for 12 UOC of elective credit. To qualify for the thesis, students must have an overall WAM of 70 by and submit an application to the Head of Program by the end of Year 3. The thesis is approximately 12,000 words in length. Each student conducts the required research, organization of material and writing under the guidance of their supervisor.

6. A Progress Portfolio will be submitted at the end of second year as part of the assessment for LAND1202 and to determine progression into the third year of design. Similarly, another Progress Portfolio will be submitted at the end of third year which will determine progression into the final year of design.

7. Design Studios are considered to be a linear sequence, which requires that each design studio must be passed before a student can advance to the next level.

Students are only able to do a maximum of 6 UoC General Education from any one Faculty and only of 3UoC General Education from their own Faculty. Where students have received advanced standing/exemptions for General Education any remaining general education requirements must be done outside their own Faculty.

Students of the undergraduate program must obtain a total of 90 days work experience prior to graduation. A minimum of 40 days must be in landscape industry work prior to Landscape Engineering Principles (S1 Year 3) and a minimum of 40 days in a landscape design office prior to Professional Practice (S2 Year 4). This normally takes the form of employment during long student vacations supervised by a landscape architect, landscape contractor or nursery. Each student undertaking work experience must obtain prior approval of the Work Experience Co-ordinator. Each student must obtain from the employer a statement of experience gained, maintain an accurate record in logbook form and submit a written report describing the work undertaken during the various work experience components. The logbook and report are assessable components of the Landscape Engineering Principles and Professional Practice courses. Details of these arrangements are available on the Faculty website.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

The program is accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and graduates holding the BLArch degree may qualify for corporate membership of the Institute.