Architecture, Landscape and Environment MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
Study location

Central Area

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

The MSc Architecture, Landscape, and Environment offers you the opportunity to advance your studies in the dynamic teaching and learning environment of Edinburgh College of Art.

As an Architecture, Landscape and Environment MSc student, you will explore and work with an expanded understanding of critical theories and practices at the forefront of contemporary environmental and societal challenges, delivered by an experienced group of research-led senior staff at the University of Edinburgh.

Interdisciplinary in nature, this programme offers a unique opportunity to explore the interconnected histories and theories of the built environment and landscape in relation to pressing environmental concerns.

The programme is not design-based but follows a generalist structure. It offers a flexible framework that supports student-led choices, enabling you to shape your own learning experience. This approach allows you to explore and develop a broad range of specialised and experimental methods relevant to situated, spatial, and site-related theory and practice.

You will join a programme that achieved 100% overall student satisfaction in the 2024/25 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey. Teaching and Learning was rated at 100%, while other areas, including Engagement, Skills Development, Support, Learning Resources (online and on-campus) and Community Building, all scored above 90%.

Thinking about studying MSc Architecture, Landscape and Environment at Edinburgh College of Art? Discover the programme, how you'll be taught, and hear from our students about their study experiences with us.

Programme benefits

  • Adopt an ethos of situated knowledge and experimental engagement with the historical and contemporary landscape and built environment.
  • Engage with interdisciplinary research, spatial and landscape theories and practices with environmental concerns.
  • Select optional courses that will provide you with significant scope to build your own pathway of specialist learning.
  • Develop your critical thinking skills, collaborate and co-produce knowledge in a supportive learning environment.
  • Learn through the exploration of sites as diverse as, for example, a city, a building, an archive and/or a landscape.

I really appreciated the freedom to tailor my studies to what I am interested in. I felt that every course, whether it be the core courses or the electives, I’ve been able to apply the general concepts that have been discussed to my own focus.

Jamie Litton Lanfranco MSc Architecture, Landscape and Environment, graduated 2024

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Additional programme costs

To fully participate in this programme, you are recommended to budget a minimum of £500 on top of the tuition fee for the following costs:

Travel and Accommodation

There are optional travel costs associated with fieldwork/data collection for the core courses, including the final situated research project in semester 3. You will be expected to pay the cost of travel and the cost of accommodation if you choose to work outside of Edinburgh.

Materials

You will be expected to buy general art and design materials, such as sketchbooks, paper and pens. Course organisers will support you in meeting intended learning outcomes while keeping material costs to a minimum, encouraging sustainable, responsible sourcing through the Free Use Hub, but you will be expected to pay optional material costs as necessary for your project work.

Equipment and software

Most equipment and software required will be provided by the School, but you will be expected to provide some specialist equipment, including a laptop, headphones, SD cards, and so on. You are advised to have a laptop computer rather than a phone or tablet for your studies.

Printing

You are expected to pay for occasional printing of A4/A3 printing and booklet binding. This will be optional as all submissions are online.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

Relevant subjects include architecture, architectural history, landscape architecture, or another humanities, social science, or creative arts subject.

We also welcome applicants who do not meet academic entry requirements but demonstrate relevant professional experience.

You must submit a personal statement as part of your application. Your personal statement must include a 300-word summary addressing the following points:

  • What is your specialist field of interest?
  • How would you hope your time on this programme will further your academic interest?
  • What are your ambitions following your successful graduation from this programme?

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The MSc Architecture, Landscape, and Environment is a one-year postgraduate taught programme delivered over three semesters. The programme structure includes:

  • compulsory courses which provide a theoretical understanding of site-based/situated knowledge
  • experimental approaches to research
  • expanded conceptions of fieldwork
  • humanities-based methodologies.

Compulsory courses

Running through semesters 1 and 2, the two aims of compulsory courses are: 

  • to allow you to develop a methodological approach to your final research project (60 credit compulsory course in semester 3)
  • provide a theoretical foundation to which compulsory course options and recommended elective course options add specialist areas of practice and knowledge.

Compulsory course options include a suite of courses specifically aligned with the programme as specialist pathways, covering key thematic areas of: 

  • environmental humanities
  • critical heritage studies
  • cultural landscapes
  • landscape theory and practice.

Option courses

Recommended elective course options include a suite of existing courses within Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) and across the University of Edinburgh, offering you the opportunity to either diversify your interests or underpin your area of specialism.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Field trips

Being in the field is key to the MSc Architecture, Landscape and Environment. We use an expanded notion of the 'field' where you can learn through the exploration of sites as diverse as, for example:

  • an archive
  • a city
  • a building
  • a digital platform.

On this programme, the site is a pedagogical tool to engage you with sociocultural debates, a theoretical context, social and political issues, an institutional framework, a community or social event and/or a historical condition. 

Field trips are also an important opportunity to strengthen the sense of community in the programme.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The overall teaching mode for this programme is delivered through:

  • field trips
  • group and individual tutorials
  • seminar discussions.

You will also be expected to work in an independent and self-directed manner between points of contact with tutors.

Based on critical and participatory pedagogy, we encourage you to develop your critical thinking skills, collaborate and learn from each other, co-produce knowledge in the classroom and inform the curriculum. The programme aims to provide you with a critical understanding of how the landscape and environment are situated in and produced through particular social realities, histories and practices.

Individual supervision by research-led senior staff is built into the programme structure, and will help you achieve the learning outcomes of the major situated research project in semester 3. The range of methods you will encounter on the programme, especially situated methods and engagement with everyday practice, are highly tangible and you will find this reinforces and underpins the written and project work you will work on. The experimental approaches you might use will therefore also be firmly grounded in tangible spaces.

Assessment

The programme’s two core courses in semesters 1 and 2 have their own individual summative assessment based on reflective, experimental and situated research methods.

You will engage with different textual forms to communicate your work (such as reflective diary and report). For your final situated research project in semester 3, you will develop a portfolio and written reflective report of 8,000 words based on your own fieldwork.

Learning outcomes

Joining our MSc Architecture, Landscape and Environment programme will enable you to:

  • Draw from an experienced group of research-led senior staff at the University of Edinburgh, to appreciate and develop a wide range of specialised and experimental approaches relevant to the field of spatial and site-related theory and practice.
  • Work closely with other disciplines to demonstrate and work with an expanded understanding of interdisciplinary theories and practices at the forefront of contemporary environmental and societal challenges.
  • Use sites in Scotland and abroad as contexts of enquiry, apply critical approaches to fieldwork that identify, conceptualise and define contemporary environmental and societal concerns, while developing creative responses through site-related investigations.
  • Apply knowledge and skills in applying a range of advanced spatial theories, concepts and methods of enquiry, while demonstrating originality in planning and executing a significant investigative site-related project.
  • Demonstrate initiative in articulating ‘situated’ projects as outcomes that respond to current environmental and societal challenges and situations, while theorising these as identifiable contributions to critical spatial theory and practice.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Where you will study

Study location

As one of Europe's cultural capitals, Edinburgh offers an inspiring environment to live and study in, while being a short distance from many of Scotland’s dramatic landscapes.

While on the programme, you will spend your time between a dedicated seminar space in Minto House, the ECA Lauriston Campus and University of Edinburgh facilities (including exceptional workshops and libraries), and the landscapes you will focus on for your coursework.

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus | Edinburgh College of Art

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour. 

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art 

Career opportunities

As an advanced postgraduate programme, the MSc Architecture, Landscape, and Environment will provide you with a strong foundation to further your career path in your chosen disciplinary areas, with an expanded understanding of critical theories and practices relevant to contemporary environmental and societal challenges.

The programme offers you the necessary critical skills to pursue a diverse career in areas such as:

  • spatial and design practices
  • the creative arts
  • policy (for example, heritage management)
  • advocacy in third sector organisations (such as international NGOs and charities related to climate emergency, landscape conservation or cultural landscapes)
  • cultural organisations
  • museums and global media

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 29 June 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Personal statement

As part of the application process, you must submit a personal statement. Your personal statement must include a 300-word summary addressing the following points:

  • What is your specialist field of interest?
  • How would you hope your time on this programme will further your academic interest?
  • What are your ambitions following your successful graduation from this programme?

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media. 

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art Student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Our community

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we bring together creative practices that shape the world around us.

We deliver innovative teaching, research and public engagement in an inclusive and sustainable environment with outstanding services and facilities to support your ambitions.  

With degrees in Art, History of Art, Music, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and Design, you’ll be joining a diverse community of artists, art historians, designers, academics, researchers, architects, landscape architects and musicians.

ECA is a rich, textured, and inclusive learning environment. Diverse practices coexist as the embodiments of an individual and collective pursuit of knowledge, for the betterment of humankind and our planet.

Our approach is explicitly inclusive, future-facing and interdisciplinary, embracing bold innovation and continuous enhancement.

Find out more about the Edinburgh College of Art community

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study architecture, landscape and environment.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland. 

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include: 

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • the Centre for Research Collections
  • St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum 

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz and Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

Contact us

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