The programme is for graduates of design related disciplines that wish to deepen their understanding and knowledge of modern landscapes. It is a research-based programme (not a professional one) that takes a critical approach to contemporary landscape themes. We recognise the landscape as a broad, interdisciplinary subject and students shape their own studies in self-motivated fashion, typically conducting individual (or small group) project work. Small classes, tutorials, and discussion are key. The programme seeks to build each student’s ability to pursue independent enquiry. It teaches transferable skills; students acquire robust methodologies for enquiry, and develop a critical approach that reflects on the purpose, results and process of their enquiries. Interdisciplinary exchange is fundamental in this programme, elements of which are co-taught by or with other disciplines such as ecology, planning and engineering. The course is located on campus amongst a group of related courses and disciplines from the designed environment and students enjoy a menu of open presentations and lectures. Understanding of the Irish landscape is encouraged through direct experience with excursions and site visits. Tutors and lecturers from Ireland and abroad bring a variety of practice and academic experiences to the classes and students present their work to a wider audience of students and academics, to broaden interdisciplinary discussion and enrich feedback.
- School
- School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Level
- Graduate Taught
- NFQ Level
- 9
- Award
- Master of Architectural Science
- Mode of Delivery
- On Campus
- Programme Director
- Dr Miriam Fitzpatrick
- Overall Programme Credits:
- 90
- Programme Credits:
- Stage 1
Core/Option: 90 Electives: 0 - Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
- Stage 1: 90
Curricular information is subject to change.
Recognising the wide range of contemporary landscape topics present in this rapidly changing world, the structure of this one-year programme allows students to deepen their knowledge of subjects that correspond with chosen individual interests. Landscape Studies students meet the Masters of Landscape Architecture students in a year-long real world site-based multidisciplinary design studio. Design in this context includes policy design and visualisation, cultural interventions, exhibitions, as well as spatial design and representations and scenario building.
UCD Landscape Architecture offers Ireland’s only graduate degree programmes in Landscape Architecture and our teaching staff includes some of the country’s top practitioners and academics.
This year-long programme of multidisciplinary study is mainly for graduates of landscape architecture, architecture and other design-based degrees but also accepts graduates of associated disciplines such as environmental studies, geography, planning and forestry.
2 - have knowledge of established research methodologies, that they will have used to create insights and findings to inform their understanding
3 - have developed a critical approach to their work.
4 - be able to summarise a wide range of findings, make decisions, and draw conclusions that lead to relevant proposals.
5 - have practice in presenting the process and findings of their studies in logical, interesting and well argued written, graphic and verbal form
6 - have experience of interdisciplinary exchange, ability to identify the potential of other disciplines to influence the landscape and to communicate informed ideas and proposals about the landscape in that exchange
7 - be comfortable working as an individual and group member, and presenting thinking in a public forum
A common challenge in the future will include the management of landscape resources and infrastructures. Those with advanced qualifications in this field will have a distinct advantage over others hoping to shape the future of the built and natural environment. Graduates of this programme participate in changing the way that local and everyday landscapes are perceived, designed, planned and protected, all over the world.
Stage 1
The MArchSc Landscape Studies is a 1-year 90-credit Masters Programme comprising 60 credits of Core Modules and 30 credits of Option Modules. If students would prefer to take one or more Option modules not listed, that may be possible as a Negotiated Option. Any request to take a module that is not listed as an Option Module will require approval of the Governing Board. Students are advised to contact the Programme Director (miriam.fitzpatrick@ucd.ie) before the start of their studies so as to discuss and agree Options and negotiated options, in accordance with individual learning requirements.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
LARC40520 | Landscape Study II | Autumn | 15 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
LARC40490 | MArchSc Thesis (Landscape Studies) | Spring | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Students must select 30 credits of Option modules or negotiated option credits. To give a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester, it is recommended that 15 credits should be taken in the Autumn Trimester, and 15 credits in the Spring Trimester. Any unlisted modules to be taken as negotiated options must be discussed with the Programme Director, and will require the approval of the Governing Board. |
ARCT30030 | History & Theory of the Designed Environment IV - Architecture, Urban and Landscape | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Students must select 30 credits of Option modules or negotiated option credits. To give a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester, it is recommended that 15 credits should be taken in the Autumn Trimester, and 15 credits in the Spring Trimester. Any unlisted modules to be taken as negotiated options must be discussed with the Programme Director, and will require the approval of the Governing Board. |
GEOG20040 | Rivers, Estuaries and Coasts | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Students must select 30 credits of Option modules or negotiated option credits. To give a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester, it is recommended that 15 credits should be taken in the Autumn Trimester, and 15 credits in the Spring Trimester. Any unlisted modules to be taken as negotiated options must be discussed with the Programme Director, and will require the approval of the Governing Board. |
GEOG30370 | River Catchment Management | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Students must select 30 credits of Option modules or negotiated option credits. To give a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester, it is recommended that 15 credits should be taken in the Autumn Trimester, and 15 credits in the Spring Trimester. Any unlisted modules to be taken as negotiated options must be discussed with the Programme Director, and will require the approval of the Governing Board. |
GEOG30860 | Environmental Assessment | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Students must select 30 credits of Option modules or negotiated option credits. To give a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester, it is recommended that 15 credits should be taken in the Autumn Trimester, and 15 credits in the Spring Trimester. Any unlisted modules to be taken as negotiated options must be discussed with the Programme Director, and will require the approval of the Governing Board. |
HORT30050 | Landscape Plants | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Students must select 30 credits of Option modules or negotiated option credits. To give a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester, it is recommended that 15 credits should be taken in the Autumn Trimester, and 15 credits in the Spring Trimester. Any unlisted modules to be taken as negotiated options must be discussed with the Programme Director, and will require the approval of the Governing Board. |
LARC40420 | Landscape Research 1 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Students must select 30 credits of Option modules or negotiated option credits. To give a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester, it is recommended that 15 credits should be taken in the Autumn Trimester, and 15 credits in the Spring Trimester. Any unlisted modules to be taken as negotiated options must be discussed with the Programme Director, and will require the approval of the Governing Board. |
AESC20070 | Soil Resources | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Students must select 30 credits of Option modules or negotiated option credits. To give a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester, it is recommended that 15 credits should be taken in the Autumn Trimester, and 15 credits in the Spring Trimester. Any unlisted modules to be taken as negotiated options must be discussed with the Programme Director, and will require the approval of the Governing Board. |
GEOG40750 | Reimagining Dublin: An Interdisciplinary Exploration in Urban Regeneration | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 6 of: Students must select 30 credits of Option modules or negotiated option credits. To give a balanced workload of 30 credits per Trimester, it is recommended that 15 credits should be taken in the Autumn Trimester, and 15 credits in the Spring Trimester. Any unlisted modules to be taken as negotiated options must be discussed with the Programme Director, and will require the approval of the Governing Board. |
PLAN40540 | Planning Law | Spring | 5 |
Module Weighting Info
| Award | GPA | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programme | Module Weightings | Rule Description | Description | ||
| MTARCH002 | Stage 1 - 100.00% |
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 |
|||
- A bachelors degree with a minimum upper second class honours (NFQ level 8) or international equivalence in a relevant programme.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.