Landscape Architecture

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2010 academic year unless otherwise specified.

On this page:

• Overview
• Undergraduate Information
• Postgraduate Information
• How to find out more
• Related Subjects and Careers

This subject is taught by the School of Architecture.

Landscape Architecture is the sensitive and creative design of the land and spaces we inhabit for the benefit of present and future generations. Nowhere else in the world has such potential for landscape architects than Wellington, New Zealand - the city and the wider landscape both offer landscape architects vast opportunities to make their mark.

Studying Landscape Architecture at Victoria, you will investigate:

• existing social, ecological, and geological conditions and processes in the landscape
• how to design urban environments that interact with the dynamic qualities of the New Zealand landscape and
• landscape architectural history, the materials and management of landscape design, new technologies and the environment.

Landscape architects play a variety of roles, ranging from designer to land-use mediator to conservationist. Graduates of this programme gain a professional degree qualification that will engage them for life. The scope of potential professions include:

• urban design
• site planning
• town or urban planning
• environmental restoration
• parks and recreation planning
• green infrastructure planning and
• varying scales of design, planning and management.

Landscape Architecture is a new specialisation in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) and replaces the Bachelor of Design in Landscape Architecture. The BAS in Landscape Architecture is a three-year undergraduate degree programme that leads into a two-year Master of Landscape Architecture qualification for students wishing to become professional landscape architects.

Entry requirements

To study Landscape Architecture at Victoria you will need a university entrance qualification. A background in mathematics with calculus, statistics and modelling, physics, English, technology, art, design or graphics can be useful.

Landscape Architecture Specialisation Requirements

The BAS in Landscape Architecture is a three-year undergraduate degree that consists of 360 points in total. The degree is structured into two main parts. Part one is the first year of the Architectural Studies programme worth a total of 120 points. In your first year, you’ll study the same courses as students in Architecture, Building Science, Interior Architecture and Architecture History and Theory.

You will complete of total of eight 100 level courses. Of these eight courses, seven are mandatory and one is an elective course of your choosing.

In your first year you will take the following courses:

• SARC 111 Introduction to Design Processes
• SARC 112 Design Processes
• SARC 121 Introduction to Built Environment Technology
• SARC 131 Introduction to Sustainability in the Designed Environment
• SARC 151 Introduction to Design History and Theory
• SARC 161 Introduction to Design Communication
• SARC 162 Design Communication and
• one 15 point elective course.

Part two consists of the second and third years of the Landscape Architecture programme where you will begin to specialise in this particular discipline. Entry into part two is based on academic performance in your first year. Part two requires a total of 240 points; you will take 120 points in your second year and 120 points in your third year.

The second and third year programme is discipline focused, comprising a series of studio-based courses together with courses in landscape theory, communication and technologies. Cross-disciplinary subjects include Theory and Applications, Construction, Structures, Pacific Studies, Urban Design and an Introduction to Practice and Management.

In your second year you will take the following courses:

• LAND 211 Landscape Architecture Design
• LAND 212 Landscape Architecture Design Integration
• LAND 221 Landscape Architecture Sites and Systems
• LAND 222 Landscape Architecture Applications
• LAND 251 History of Landscape Architecture
• LAND 261 Landscape Architecture Communication and
• one 15 point elective course.

In your third year you will take the following courses:

• LAND 311 Landscape Architecture Design
• LAND 312 Landscape Architecture Design Integration
• LAND 321 Landscape Architecture Construction
• SARC 351 Urban Design Theory and Practice
• SARC 352 Pacific Designed Environments
• SARC 362 Introduction to Practice Management and
• one 15 point elective course.

Pathways

Professional Recognition

Victoria’s Landscape Architecture programme is recognised both nationally and internationally. The BAS in Landscape Architecture, along with a Master of Landscape Architecture, is recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA) as fulfilling the academic requirements to become a professional landscape architect.

Students who are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Design in Landscape Architecture (BDes) or who have graduated prior 2010.

For those students who completed the Bachelor of Design in Landscape Architecture (BDes) prior to 2010 or are currently enrolled and would like to enrol in the Master of Landscape Architecture, information regarding the transitional arrangements will be available from here within the upcoming weeks.

Postgraduate Qualifications in Landscape Architecture

• Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments
  
• Master of Landscape Architecture
• PhD

The BAS leads into two-year Master’s programmes. There is the unique opportunity at postgraduate level in the School to work across disciplines providing necessary courses have been completed at undergraduate level.

The School of Architecture Student Administration Office offers additional information on:

• admission
• qualifications and courses
• course advice and selection criteria
• exemptions and prerequisites and
• your Application to Study.

Landscape Architecture courses are taught within the School of Architecture, Te Aro Campus, 139 Vivian Street, Wellington.

For further assistance please contact us:
Phone: 0-4-463 6200
Email: architecture@vuw.ac.nz

If you would like to receive posted information on this subject, you can use our Request for Study Material form. (Note: use the Graduate and Undergraduate links to get the form. The form enables you to join Victoria University’s database. Once you have joined, you will automatically receive information about these subjects you are interested in as soon as that information becomes available).

Victoria’s Student Recruitment and Course Advice Office offers a range of advice on courses and help with planning your degree.

For all course information please contact the Faculty office.

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