Architecture Degrees Online

Entry Requirements
An average tarriff point offer is likely to be 230, including a minimum of two subjects at A2 or equivalent.

Mature students without formal qualifications will be considered individually.

Applicants for this course will be invited to present a portfolio to demonstrate their design ability.

Careers
The course is fully recognised and accredited by The Landscape Institute. Landscape architects are employed in a wide range of national, private and public practices in this country and abroad. Successful candidates can also pursue environmental design based careers in related fields, such as landscape management or landscape planning.

Students who graduate from the course at the appropriate level have access to Birmingham City University’s Postgraduate Diploma course in Landscape Architecture, which provides access to graduate membership of The Landscape Institute, the profession’s governing body.

Course Content
At Level 4 (first year of full-time study) the modules provide students with an introduction to landscape architecture. Modules include design methodology, landscape design history, the earth sciences, and computer aided design, as well as graphics, IT and visual communication. The central focus of the year is a systematic series of design projects which enable students to apply the material from the taught courses and enable the development of basic design skills.

The Level 5 modules build upon Level 1 work in order to teach more creative and experimental approaches to landscape design, and include modules dealing with design theory and process, landscape planning and urban design, graphics, communication, landscape science and technology, and a series of design projects each of which focuses on one aspect of the creative design process. They include planting and construction technology, strategic landscape design, and the design of detail elements.

As the course progresses more student choice is available, and Level 6 provides students with an opportunity to develop their individual strengths and confidence in design, through enabling students to choose their specialist studies from a range of options. Modules at this level include theory, culture and society, technology and complementary skills, and two major design projects, each of which lasts one semester.

The course also offers opportunities for field study tours in England and Europe, as well as study exchange opportunities in America.

Assessment
The majority of learning is through course work and therefore most modules are assessed by coursework based on continuous assessment.

This course is designed for students interested in environmental issues and design of the landscape. Landscape architecture is a well-established discipline which encompasses the study of design, environmental and cultural issues as well as the technical skills which enable landscape designs to be implemented.

In recent years the practice of landscape architecture has been dealing with an increasingly wide variety of exciting topics, ranging from large-scale landscape planning projects through to high quality city centre and urban landscape projects. This course provides students with strongly design-orientated approach to the subject, which equips graduates with the skills necessary to operate effectively across a wide range of design projects and topics. It provides students with the skills, confidence and ability to meet the challenges of the professional landscape architect in today’s society.

The course is for students wishing to continue their landscape architecture studies through to full professional membership of the Landscape Institute.

The course offers:
Landscape Institute accreditation for Associate Membership via PG Diploma award
Extensive staff research and practice background
Opportunities to study topics of individual student’s interest in landscape architecture
Dedicated studio teaching space and extensive IT facilities

Course Content
The postgraduate diploma is designed around the Major Design Project, an extensive four module piece of work based on student selected project sites. This is augmented by four modules in
professional practice
sustainable urban fringe landscape planning and design
conceptual design studio
project resolution and technology

An MA Landscape Architecture is awarded on completion of a Dissertation equivalent to four modules.The course seeks to develop students’ creative and critical abilities as well as their professional expertise.

Staff are drawn from across the School of Architecture and Landscape and there is a strong emphasis on staff research and publication in such areas as D

Spesialisation requirements
The first two years (120 credits) are compulsory and the same for all students in the study programme. In this part of the programme, a one-week obligatory job placement is included in the course LAA113 (Introduction to Landscape Architecture II). In the next three years (180 credits), the students choose between three specialisations. The specialisation Design and Detail Project Planning consists of 80 compulsory credits, 70 elective credits and a Master\’s thesis of 30 credits. The specialisation Superior Landscape Planning consists of 75 compulsory credits, 75 elective credits and a Master\’s thesis of 30 credits. The specialisation Urban Green Space and Landscape Management consists of 90 compulsory credits, 60 elective credits and a Master\’s thesis of 30 credits. In all the three specialisations, a compulsory specialisation course at the 300 level is included in the fifth academic year that is directed towards the respective specialisation and where the purpose is to gather all the academic threads. The elective part should primarily consist of courses in landscape architecture or courses particularly relevant to the specialisation course in the chosen specialisation. The compulsory courses that are included in the first and second part of the programme are specified in the Internet version of the curriculum.

Student advising
The academic staff and the student adviser are responsible for providing guidance in relation to courses, project assignments and Master\’s thesis, and in addition, the following advisory channels have been established: Several information meetings for the students are held each year: Information meetings at the beginning of a new academic year, information meeting about study periods abroad, information meeting at the beginning of the spring semester, information meeting for postgraduates, information meeting about choice of topic for the Master\’s thesis, information meeting about choice of specialisation, and other information meetings when necessary.

Evaluation
The teachers in the study programme have staff meetings regularly where the programme\’s content and profile are discussed. Each semester, day-long staff meetings are also arranged where specific courses in the study programme are discussed. Staff meetings are also arranged at the end of each semester where study techniques and experiences from recent courses are discussed and evaluated by the teachers in plenary. Time is set aside for mid-semester evaluations by the students. These are used to adjust the direction of the course. External examiners from the profession are some of our most important correctives when it comes to teaching. Once a year, meetings with the board in the Norwegian Association of Landscape Architectures are held to discuss the study programme.

LAAR 513 Landscape Resources
Three Hours: 3 Credits
An introduction to natural systems analysis for land use suitability and basic principles governing ecosystems. The role of natural factors as guiding determinants of urban land development is studied. Ecologically based planning methodology and techniques for resources preservation, reclamation, management and development are examined. The aim is to instill the sense of stewardship toward the landscape as a basis for urban landscape planning and design. This course is cross-listed with CREP 542. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 520 Landscape Architecture Studio II: Site Planning and Design
Ten Hours: 6 Credits
An introduction to site analysis and site design. Emphasis is placed on analysis, representation and design of site specific landscapes within the urban context and social environment. Prerequisites: LAAR 510 and LAAR 513, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 522 Technology I: Grading & Drainage
Four Hours: 3 Credits
The study of shaping of the earth’s surface in an ecological, technical and aesthetic manner with an emphasis on the technical ability to transform design ideas into physical reality. Specific topics include contours and slope analysis, the grading process, earthwork, and storm runoff analysis. Prerequisites: LAAR 510 and LAAR 513, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 523 Plant materials
Three Hours: 3 Credits
An introduction to plant materials in terms of their botanical identification, design characteristics and ecological requirements. Trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers commonly used in urban planting design are emphasized. Prerequisites: None.

LAAR 525 GIS for Landscape Architects
Four Hours: 3 Credits
An introduction to Geographic Information Systems and its specific application to the landscape architecture profession. Topics include: spatial modeling, visual analysis, resource management, site design, master planning, and public advocacy. Prerequisites: None.

LAAR 530 Landscape Architecture Studio Ill: Nature in the City
Ten Hours: 6 Credits
This course addresses how nature can be integrated into the urban fabric through the design of greenways, urban forests, city and neighborhood parks, street tree plantings, green plazas, and community gardens. Emphasis is placed on such environmental values as contact with nature, sustainable landscapes, climatic comfort, and environmental health. These concerns are studied in relation to land use patterns, site context, and the socio-cultural values of city users. Prerequisites: LAAR 520, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 532 Technology II: materials & Methods of Construction
Four Hours: 3 Credits
This course covers the basic materials and methods of landscape architecture site construction with an emphasis on sustainable materials and construction methodologies. Specific topics include construction details for paving, curbs, edgings, steps and ramps; construction details for freestanding walls and fences and retaining walls; deck, pergola, bridge construction; structural loads, and ponds, pools and fountain construction details. Prerequisites: ENST 770 and LAAR 522, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 533 Plants in the City
Three Hours: 3 Credits
An urban study of plants from morphologic and physiologic adaptations in the environment to soil structure, nutrient chemistry and contaminant loading. Students study ecological needs and planting practices as well as the design benefits of plants in the urban environment. The class looks at typical urban street conditions, urban wetlands, brown-fields and city parks as areas of unique plant requirements. Prerequisites: LAAR 523, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 540 Landscape Architecture Studio IV: Urban Communities
Ten Hours: 6 Credits
This studio is focused on community design with the physical environment viewed as a catalyst for community enhancement and revitalization. Typical issues of concern include community identity, social cohesiveness, the role of open space in urban neighborhoods, and community safety and livability. The urban context and the pedestrian realm are used as the point of departure for designing public spaces and community places. Studies are aimed at accommodating the everyday life of local residents and users while recognizing the indigenous context of the built environment and the socio-behavioral characteristics of the inhabitants and their cultural heritage as formative influences during the design process. Prerequisites: LAAR 530, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 541 Technology Ill: Advanced Site Construction
Four Hours: 3 Credits
This is the capstone course of the technology series. Specific topics include: road alignment, and site demolition and layout. The major emphasis of the course, however, is the preparation of a complete set of technical construction documents with specifications and cost estimates. Prerequisites: LAAR 522 and LAAR 532, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 550 Landscape Architecture Studio V: Urban Design
Ten Hours: 6 Credits
This studio addresses issues related to the planning and design of the urban landscape. Studies focus on advancing skills in land development, programming, master planning, and site design of urban projects. Emphasis is placed on enhancing urban aesthetics, the quality of the pedestrian realm and the design of public spaces within site-specific contexts. The socioeconomic and cultural aspects of design and planning are also addressed. Prerequisites: LAAR 540, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 551 20th Century History and Theory of Landscape Design
Three Hours: 3 Credits
This course is an historical investigation of the development of landscape architecture and urban design in the twentieth century. Emphasis is placed on the rise of modernism in architecture and landscape architecture, the ecological critique of modernism, emerging theories of landscape design, and twentieth century urban design and theory. Prerequisites: None

LAAR 552 Planting Design
Three Hours: 3 Credits
In this course, students study the use of plants as a major site design factor. The course presents the uses of botanic elements to develop spatial definition and character and its relationship to architectural form and order. Plants are also studied for their uniqueness as a design element, color composition, form and order. Course compositions look at rhythm, order, form texture, color and balance as an expression of a landscape medium. Prerequisites: LAAR 520, LAAR 523, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 560 Studio VI: Master’s Degree Project
Six Hours: 6 Credits
Students investigate a topic of their own choosing through a site specific design project. Emphasis is on the framing of the problem, building on relevant literature and precedents and articulating a position and explanation of how the project addresses the critical issues of the site and problem. Prerequisites: LAAR 751, completion of the entire design studio sequence, (LAAR 510-550).

LAAR 561 Landscape Architectural Practice
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Students examine the role of the landscape architect in a variety of work environments such as private practice, government practice, education and related industries. Study includes the legal, ethical, and contractual responsibilities of landscape architectural practice and basic procedures, management and information systems used in professional offices. Prerequisites: Must be in the final year of the MLA program, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 562 Urban Stream Restoration
Three Hours: 3 Credits
This course introduces students to stream restoration techniques. Topics covered include: river mechanics, stream classification systems, stream morphology, and hydraulic geometry relationships. Students learn how to use stream measurement techniques, develop and construct stream protection and restoration strategies, and conduct post-construction monitoring. Prerequisites: LAAR 522, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 572 Urban Hydrology
Three Hours: 3 Credits
This is an advanced course for students wanting to become proficient in hydrologic applications, particularly those used in urbanized areas. Topics covered include Maryland’s storm water Management Regulations, storm water runoff calculations, storm drain design, and state-of-the-art best management practices. Prerequisites: LAAR.522, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 751 Research Methods
Three Hours: 3 Credits
This course provides an overview of research methods commonly used in landscape architecture focused on the development of each student’s individual scholarship either a thesis or a master’s degree terminal project. Emphasis is placed on the articulation of a research “problem” and the development of that problem into an appropriate project, approach, and time frame for investigating it. Prerequisites: Must be in final year of the MLA program, or permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 788-789 Supervised Research
Three Hours: 3 Credits
These courses are designed to enable students to participate in research areas of their competence under the supervision of faculty. Students are required to submit research findings verbally and to submit a written report to the graduate faculty. Prerequisites: The submission of a well organized, focused, operational research proposal and permission of the Program Coordinator.

LAAR 797 Thesis Guidance
Two Hours: 2 Credits
Thesis guidance (for the LAAR.799 option only) provides students, who have not completed their thesis in the assigned semester, a mechanism for continuing their work under faculty supervision. Prerequisites: Permission of the Thesis Advisor or Program Coordinator.

There are two final options for students pursuing the MLA degree: the “Master’s Degree Project” or the “Thesis Seminar.” (Students, after consultation with the Program Coordinator, will decide which of the two options they will complete)

LAAR 799 Thesis Seminar
Three Hours: 3 Credits
Students are expected to demonstrate leading professional knowledge through rigorous thesis research. A research-based thesis is for students having an interest in a topic relevant to landscape architecture history/ culture, theory, design, construction, or practice; the presentation format is a written text with supporting graphics as appropriate. The thesis option must meet all of the requirements for completing a thesis as outlined in the School of Graduate Studies Dissertation/ Theses Handbook. This option is required for students pursuing the MSLA degree. Prerequisites: Completion of the entire studio sequence, or permission of the Program Coordinator.