UCD is at the forefront of Landscape Architecture education in Ireland. UCD is currently the only university in Ireland to offer an undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture. This four-year Honours Level 8 BSc (Landscape Architecture) Degree Programme is accredited by the Irish Landscape Institute (ILI) and recognised by the International Foundation for Landscape Architecture (IFLA-Europe).
Curricular information is subject to change
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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.
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.
Recent exchange opportunities include: Leibniz University Hannover, Germany, École Nationale Supérieure de la Nature et du Paysage, Blois, France, University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan – Triesdorf, Germany.
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 Neworks 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.
Module ID | Module Title | Trimester | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
AESC10010 | Land Use and the Environment | Autumn | 5 |
LARC10050 | Landscape Studio 1A | Autumn | 15 |
LARC10110 | Understanding Landscape I | Autumn | 5 |
LARC10120 | Plants&Landscape Architecture | Autumn | 5 |
LARC10090 | Landscape studio 1B | Spring | 15 |
LARC10100 | Understanding Landscape II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)MIN1OF: Students must register to a minimum of 55 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Therefore, all Students MUST select one of the following Option Modules. Students MAY also take an Elective Module or select another Option Module from the list below, in order to fulfill their Stage requirements. |
|||
ARCH10050 | Intro archaeology of Ireland | Spring | 5 |
BIOL10030 | Cell and Plant Biology | Spring | 5 |
ENVP10010 | Environment Change & Policy | Spring | 5 |
HORT10020 | Plants and People | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)MIN1OF: Students must register to a minimum of 55 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Therefore, all Students MUST select one of the following Option Modules. Students MAY also take an Elective Module or select another Option Module from the list below, in order to fulfill their Stage requirements. |
|||
BIOL30020 | Landscape Ecology | Autumn | 5 |
HORT30050 | Landscape Plants | Autumn | 5 |
LARC20150 | Landscape Studio 2A | Autumn | 15 |
AESC20070 | Soil Resources | Spring | 5 |
LARC20160 | Landscape Studio 2B | Spring | 15 |
LARC20170 | Landscape Theory and History | Spring | 5 |
PLAN10010 | Introduction to City Planning | Autumn | 5 |
FOR20110 | Forests, Climate and Carbon | Spring | 5 |
ARCT30030 | History & Theory of the Designed Environment IV - Architecture, Urban and Landscape | Autumn | 5 |
LARC30150 | Landscape Studio 3 A | Autumn | 15 |
Stage 3 Options - A)MIN1OF: Students must register to a minimum of 55 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Therefore, all Students MUST select ONE of the following Option Modules. Students MAY also take an Elective Module or select another Option Module from the list below, in order to fulfill their Stage requirements of 60 credits. |
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GEOG40770 | GIS for Environmental Assessment | Autumn | 5 |
LARC30170 | Site Specific Design 1 | Autumn | 5 |
PLAN30020 | Placemaking: Urban and Rural Design | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A)MIN1OF: Students must register to a minimum of 55 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Therefore, all Students MUST select ONE of the following Option Modules. Students MAY also take an Elective Module or select another Option Module from the list below, in order to fulfill their Stage requirements of 60 credits. |
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LARC30220 | Landscape Architecture Internship - Long | 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) | 30 |
Stage 3 Options - C)MIN0OF: Select this Option ONLY if you wish to undertake Study Abroad on Exchange ( equivalent to 20 credits) in Spring along with a Short (10-credit) Landscape Architecture Internship. Credits from this Trimester of Study Abroad on Exchange will be added to your academic record following successful completion of the Exchange. |
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LARC30230 | Landscape Architecture Internship – Short | 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum) | 10 |
Stage 3 Options - C)MIN0OF: Select this Option ONLY if you wish to undertake Study Abroad on Exchange ( equivalent to 20 credits) in Spring along with a Short (10-credit) Landscape Architecture Internship. Credits from this Trimester of Study Abroad on Exchange will be added to your academic record following successful completion of the Exchange. |
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BOTN30050 | Diversity of Plant Form & Function | Spring | 5 |
FOR20110 | Forests, Climate and Carbon | Spring | 5 |
LARC30120 | Landscape Studio 3B | Spring | 15 |
LARC30140 | Site Specific Design 2 | Spring | 5 |
GEOG30860 | Environmental Assessment | Autumn | 5 |
LARC40390 | Landscape Studio 4A | Autumn | 15 |
LARC40420 | Landscape Research 1 | Autumn | 5 |
LARC40360 | Landscape Studio 4 B | Spring | 15 |
PLAN30150 | Planning Law | Spring | 5 |
PLAN40040 | Rural & Landscape Planning | Spring | 5 |
LARC30170 | Site Specific Design 1 | Autumn | 5 |
LARC40620 | Climate Policy and Politics | Autumn | 5 |
PLAN40030 | Planning, Society and Diversity | Autumn | 5 |
LARC30140 | Site Specific Design 2 | Spring | 5 |
LARC40550 | Building Biodiversity: nature as Builder | Spring | 5 |
Award | GPA | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Programme | Module Weightings | Rule Description | Description | ||
BHARCH005 | Stage 4 - 50.00% Stage 3 - 50.00% |
Standard Honours Award | First Class Honours | 3.68 |
4.20 |
Second Class Honours, Grade 1 | 3.08 |
3.67 |
|||
Second Class Honours, Grade 2 | 2.48 |
3.07 |
|||
Pass | 2.00 |
2.47 |
|||
BHARCH010 | Stage 4 - 70.00% Stage 3 - 30.00% |
Standard Honours Award | First Class Honours | 3.68 |
4.20 |
Second Class Honours, Grade 1 | 3.08 |
3.67 |
|||
Second Class Honours, Grade 2 | 2.48 |
3.07 |
|||
Pass | 2.00 |
2.47 |