Landscape Architecture  (LDS2)

The four year BSc programme in Landscape Architecture leads to an IFLA accredited professional degree. Students acquire fundamental knowledge and skills in landscape research, analysis and design, enabling them to enter the profession on graduation or to continue their education and specialise in one of the various fields shaping the future of the landscape. This interdisciplinary programme emphasises understanding of built and natural landscapes, and the potential for addressing spatial problems through design.

Embedded in a research active environment this programme raises awareness of contemporary landscape issues, and of the ecological, social and cultural significance of landscapes. It introduces methods to conserve, maintain, and develop rural, urban, sub- and peri-urban landscapes at a range of scales. This programme aims to instill in students intellectual confidence imbued with a sensitivity towards the landscape. Multidisciplinary by nature Landscape Architecture has close links to different subject areas across the university, to national and international professional bodies concerned with the landscape, and maintains close relations with a range of international schools of Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Design and Arts.

Studio -based learning is at the centre of the teaching. This is supported by a range of lectures, seminars and field trips.  Students are encouraged to develop professional and transferable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication through tutored and self-directed individual or small group research and project-work, allowing knowledge transfer from tutors, both academics and practitioners, to students as well as peer learning.  Assessment in landscape architecture modules is largely based on continuous review of project work and student performance during the semester supported by end of term portfolio submissions and exhibitions.

1 - On completion of the programme students should be able to: Observe and analyse the built and natural landscapes of Ireland and elsewhere.
2 - Understand the roles, responsibilities and challenges of landscape architecture in contemporary society.
3 - Understand problem-solving strategies in designing landscape and the capacity to apply these techniques in different situation.
4 - Undertake field investigations to identify significant natural and cultural features, characteristics, and systems.
5 - Appreciate and understand fundamental landscape precedents, historic to contemporary, key literature, and landscape and design theories.
6 - Demonstrate transferable skills in research, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication.
7 - Communicate process, findings and design proposals verbally, graphically and in written form to their peers and wider audiences.
8 - Work competently both as an individual and also as a group member in interdisciplinary and/or intercultural groups.
9 - Develop conceptual design, planning and management solutions for protection and management of land resources.
10 - Envision the implications of design, planning, and management proposals on natural and cultural systems at a range of scales.
11 - Work with established research methods in gathering, analyzing and evaluating various forms of landscape related data.

UCD produces landscape architects who, in their working lives, draw on a great diversity of skills and knowledge to plan, design and manage spaces which are useful, sustainable, and fit for the specified purpose. UCD landscape architects are involved in enhancing, improving and conserving our natural and built environment, creating inspiring places to live, work and relax and transforming degraded environments. Their work combines scientific and cultural understanding, design creativity, and knowledge of man-made materials and structures with an understanding of ecology, land use and ecosystems. Their training ensures that graduates are equipped to work on diverse projects ranging from regeneration of urban and rural sites, conservation and management of heritage landscapes and waterways to the design of public and private open spaces. Landscape architects also advise on landscape resource management, the siting and potential impact of new structures in the landscape and management of site construction.

Our education model is designed to give students the creative ability and discipline to work alone or as part of a team of specialists. As graduates, they frequently work as part of large multidisciplinary teams alongside architects, engineers, planners, artists, ecologists, and surveyors. Such is the broad overview gained in UCD Landscape Architecture that graduates are often chosen as the master-planners for large-scale projects.

The UCD Landscape Architecture degree programme comprises two main elements: studio project work and lectures. Design modules make up 50% of this degree programme and students spend half of the week in the studio. Design methodology is taught and practised in studio-based landscape design modules involving on-site projects and requiring an important element of self-direction. As students progress through the programme they will learn to inform design decisions by analysis of information concerning the natural and cultural processes affecting particular case studies.

The other half of the programme involves lecture modules, which provide theoretical material in the areas of ecology and environmental sciences, human and social sciences, technology and culture, professional practice and management. In addition to their core landscape architecture modules, students can avail of elective options in UCD, which will enable them to choose to study modules across a varied range of subjects from politics to philosophy, language to law and art history to maths. The programme also offers students the opportunity to gain professional experience interning in a landscape related company or institution.

Erasmus Exchange and other Non-EU Exchange opportunities exist.

The UCD Landscape Architecture degree programme is part of the European Landscape Education Exchange. This Erasmus programme is a landscape architecture education network involving 11 universities in Europe and providing opportunities for staff and student exchange. Students regularly spend time abroad, either on short field trips, or participating in intensive design studios with students from other universities, or opting to spend a semester studying at one of our partner universities.

Opportunities to date have included:

• Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany
• L’école Nationale Supérieure de la Nature et du Paysage, France
• Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Freising, Germany
• Virginia Tech, Virginia, USA
• Haute ècole de paysage, d’ingénierie et d’architecture de Genève, Switzerland

Students have the opportunity in their third year to study abroad in a partner University in Europe, Australia or the U.S.

See our UCD Global exchanges page for more information

Graduates of UCD Landscape Architecture work all over the world because of their transferable skills. Our students become professional landscape architects, setting up in business, working in private practice, for governmental bodies or NGOs. Others go onto further academic study in landscape architecture or related subjects and some go onto work in areas such as: Environmental and Ecological Policy-Making, Conservation and Resource Management, Planning or Urban Design.

The majority of our students become professional landscape architects. After two years of approved work experience, graduates sit the Irish Landscape Institute professional exams, which lead to full professional membership of the ILI. (See www.irishlandscapeinstitute.com).

A Master of Landscape Architecture is available for those who wish to pursue the subject at taught graduate level. The School of Architecture also offers related Masters by Research and Doctoral programmes.

Also check out the UCD Career Networks career guide for the College of Engineering & Architecture for details on the career supports available to UCD students.

UCD Engineering and Architecture Programme Office,
Room 122 (first floor), UCD Engineering and Materials Science Centre,
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 1868
Enquiries Email: choosearchitecture@ucd.ie
Current Students Email: eng.arch@ucd.ie
Web: www.ucd.ie/engarch. and www.ucd.ie/apep.

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

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