Landscape Architecture MLA

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MLA | 21 months | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
Study location

Lauriston campus

Accreditation

Available

Apply now

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About the degree programme

Landscape Architecture is a design discipline that gives you the skills to contribute to a more sustainable and just future for all. 

If you are a creative person who cares deeply about the living planet and the environment that surrounds you, this programme will empower you to imagine and enact the change you want to see.

Our professionally accredited, two-year, full-time post-graduate Master’s in Landscape Architecture (MLA) programme is open to students from a range of academic and professional backgrounds who want to develop their own socially and environmentally aware design practice.

Why landscape architecture? 

Landscapes are vibrant, complex entities which are always changing. They sustain us. They are powerful sensory spaces we inhabit or simply traverse. They are also the sites of some of the most pressing challenges of our times.

Landscape architects plan and design with landscapes. They work across urban and rural environments, often in exciting multi-disciplinary teams.

Landscape architecture is deployed on spatial scales ranging from the garden to the region, and timescales ranging from seasons to centuries. Being a landscape architect gives you the tools to make sense of and work within complex socioecological contexts.

Why choose our programme? 

We constantly re-examine our teaching and research practices to respond to our current context and student feedback.

The question of how to design with landscapes and their multispecies communities in a climate and biodiversity crisis underpins our programme.

We are in an art college with a distinctive design culture and exceptional workshop facilities. We are therefore uniquely placed to support you in developing your making-thinking practice, which will enable you to critically understand and apply environmental theories to practical contexts.

Taught by dedicated academics and practitioners, you will actively engage with urgent socioecological questions through site-specific and design-led learning. You will explore how to formulate meaningful design responses in our time of crisis.

If you are curious, creative and motivated to grow your landscape architectural voice, we would love to have you on our programme. 

Thinking about studying MLA Landscape Architecture 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

  • We are the only professionally orientated and Landscape Institute-accredited postgraduate programme in Landscape Architecture in Scotland.
  • Established over 60 years ago but always evolving to respond to student feedback, the MLA programme has an acknowledged national and international reputation.
  • Our graduates often win prestigious prizes in recognition of their original work and are extremely sought-after with very high employment rates.
  • You will have access to state-of-the-art workshop facilities, enabling you to develop a creative design practice applying environmental theory to practical, site-specific contexts.
  • You will be taught by a diverse team of research-active academics and practicing Landscape Architects, with contributions from allied disciplines including Architecture, Art, Botany, Ecology, Geology and Urban Design.

I completed my undergraduate studies in Landscape Architecture at Beijing Forestry University, where the curriculum emphasised plant knowledge and a technical, science-based approach.

For my postgraduate studies, I was eager to explore a more artistic and open-ended approach to design. What attracted me to ECA was its strong artistic environment, which not only provided solid design teaching but also allowed me to explore a wide range of creative workshops—from bookbinding and woodworking to film processing and printmaking. These hands-on experiences helped me reconnect with the materiality of landscape and fostered a more direct, tactile relationship with the site.

What I appreciated most about the MLA was the freedom to explore ideas that truly interested me. Alongside design studios, we engaged with readings from philosophy, psychology, and landscape theory. These broadened my understanding of landscape as both spatial and cultural practice. I developed a strong interest in posthumanism and deep time, and began to explore how non-human life and long-term processes shape the environments we inhabit. I also enjoyed creating my academic portfolio in my final year. Revisiting and weaving together past projects into a cohesive narrative helped me see the evolution of my work more clearly. It was a process of reflection and pride, and a meaningful way to conclude my time at ECA.

Yuxiao Li MLA Landscape Architecture graduate, 2025

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

There are some mandatory additional costs for this programme. To fully participate in the programme, you should budget a minimum of £760 (approximately £300 for year 1, and £460 for year 2) on top of the tuition fee. This does not include the purchase of a laptop. 
 
All the figures listed are indicative. Field-trip destinations and programme budgets change every year and might have an impact on your additional costs.
Travel, accommodation and clothing
There are required travel costs associated with field trips. You are expected to pay the cost of local, national or international travel and the cost of accommodation for approximately one week over the duration of the programme.

Fieldwork is central to the programme. For your safety and comfort, you will need appropriate equipment to take part in the field trips (costing approximately £200): 

  • Hiking boots: these need to be fully waterproof, preferably ankle high
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Waterproof jacket
Equipment and software

Most equipment and software will be provided by the School, but you will be expected to provide some specialist equipment, including a laptop, headphones, and USB drives.

You will probably find it useful to have your own laptop, able to run AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and GIS software, and with a good graphics card. There are also options to borrow a laptop from the University, and you will also have free access to all our computer labs.

Materials

You will need to pay for general art and design materials, such as:

  • sketchbooks
  • rolls of A3 tracing paper
  • pencils (HB), eraser and sharpener
  • black pens of different thicknesses
  • a metal ruler, minimum 30cm long
  • scalpels and blades
  • scale rulers ranging from 1:5 to 1:2,500 (cost approximately £75)

You are expected to pay for some specialist materials required by your course, such as card, wood or metal.

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.

Printing

You are expected to pay for occasional A4/A3/A2/A1 printing and booklet binding.

You will also be required to print in sizes and lengths outside of the A range, off rolls, or larger than A1, frequently in long or high banner formats on different media like paper, toile, trace and film.

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 such as landscape architecture, architecture, design, art, geography, planning, ecology and horticulture.

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

You must submit a portfolio of recent work as part of your application. Your portfolio should include the following:

  • A CV. Applicants who do not meet the academic entry requirements listed above should use their CV as an opportunity to evidence other relevant experiences.
  • A personal statement. This should include (but is not limited to) a 300-word summary addressing the following points:

   1.    What is your field of interest within Landscape Architecture?
   2.    How do you see your experience on our programme informing your approach in landscape architecture? You need to make direct references to this specific MLA programme in this part of your statement. Please use this as an opportunity to provide additional insights beyond the information available on our webpage.
   3.    What are your ambitions following your successful graduation from this programme?

If you do not meet the academic entry requirements you should use the personal statement to articulate how your previous experiences (academic, professional and self-directed) have led you to Landscape Architecture, and why you feel this programme is relevant to your trajectory.

  • A sample of your work. This should be sourced from your own work produced during a relevant first degree, relevant professional experience, or through extra-curricular activities or self-led projects. The work displayed in your portfolio should:

   1.    Demonstrate creative skills.
   2.    Showcase your potential ability to visualise your design ideas.
   3.    Display design and/or socio-environmental work that clearly links to landscape architectural concerns.
   4.    Evidence an awareness of place, communities and ecologies. 
   5.    Communicate your work through clear visuals and writing.

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 6.5 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 92 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 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 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 MLA programme is divided into four semesters of eleven weeks, with two semesters per academic year.

  • There are 9 courses across the two years of MLA:
  • Four courses are design-focused, where you will be asked to develop a landscape architectural project through various scales, from region to detail.
  • Four courses are centred on contextualising design practice through theory, developing critical thinking and understanding technical dimensions relevant to the discipline.
  • You can also choose one elective course from the available courses in the Edinburgh College of Art and the University of Edinburgh.

Specific course briefs vary from year to year to respond to student feedback, our changing context and opportunities for collaboration. As a guideline, the two years of the MLA are structured as follows:

Year 1 

In the first year of the MLA, the design, theory and techniques courses are designed to cater to both students with and without a landscape architectural background. The course briefs are written to cover the fundamentals of landscape architecture, including:

  • design methods and skills at a range of scales, from region to detail
  • landscape interpretation and critical appraisal
  • The fundamentals of geology, geomorphology, soils, ecology and climate, and how these shape landscapes
  • fieldwork
  • landscape architectural theory
  • ethical and sustainable use of materials in landscape architectural projects
  • Inclusivity, diversity and accessibility
  • technical skills and conventions
  • representation and curation as tools for analysis, research, design and communication

The openness of the course briefs also enables students with more experience in the discipline to sharpen their interests beyond those fundamentals. This is supported by individual tutorials, which enable us to accompany you on your journey.

Year 2

In the second and final year of the MLA, your trajectory with us culminates in a research-led design course through which you can position yourself as a soon-to-be Landscape Architect through a distinctive design proposal.

During this course, you will work with your MLA peers as well as final year students from our MA and EMiLA programmes, creating a rich and diverse studio environment. 

You will also have one elective course and one portfolio course through which you will reflect on your individual landscape architectural practice. 

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 landscape architectural practice. We see field trips as a fundamental learning tool, as well as an important opportunity to strengthen the sense of community within the programme.

All our design studios are grounded within a specific geographical context and start with a field trip to the study site.

Other MLA field trips include:

  • site visits to live construction sites to gain first-hand knowledge of the landscape construction process
  • trips to case study sites to provide you with an experiential knowledge of places and to build your ability to read landscapes and projects in the field

While study trips might be abroad if they support unique learning opportunities, we prioritise local field trips when we can to limit our carbon footprint and to engage with the rich communities and landscapes in Scotland and the UK.

Edinburgh, and Scotland more broadly, have extraordinarily beautiful and dramatic landscapes as well as pressing challenges to engage with, such as:

  • tensions around land ownership
  • coastal erosion
  • a complex post-industrial and post-oil legacy

These issues and their associated landscapes will form some of the context of the course briefs and reflections you will develop during your time with us. 

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching on this programme is delivered through:

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

You will also be expected to work critically, creatively and experimentally in a self-directed manner between points of contact with tutors.

Design studios typically start with a short period of group work through which you will learn to work collaboratively with others, before moving on to individual work, through which you will grow your design practice.

You will be encouraged to develop a design approach that involves thinking-through-making. We provide some fundamental instruction in drawing, model making and digital skills. However, it is expected that you will also work independently to deepen your digital and analogue practice while on the programme.

The studio culture is central to our courses: we work, teach and make in the studio. We promote a safe, inclusive and supportive peer-based learning environment in which helpful and constructive feedback can be shared across staff and students.

Assessment

On the MLA programme, you will encounter a range of assessment and submission formats, including:

  • presentation panels
  • drawings
  • models
  • portfolios
  • exhibitions
  • reports
  • publications
  • essays
  • verbal presentations

Your work will always be assessed against clear learning outcomes, which are shared with you at the start of each course.

Learning outcomes

Joining our MLA programme will enable you to develop:

  • A critical understanding and creative skills in the technical, theoretical and practical concerns of the discipline of Landscape Architecture at Masters level.
  • An ability to read and understand a range of environments and landscapes at a range of spatial and temporal scales.
  • A making-thinking practice enabling you to engage with and apply environmental theory to practical and site-specific contexts in a time of climate and biodiversity crises.
  • A sophisticated ethically, socially and environmentally aware landscape architectural design 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

Our academic staff

At ECA, you'll join a community of practising landscape architects, designers, architects, architectural historians and more.

Staff on the programme include:

  • Anais Chanon
  • Elise Campbell
  • Miguel Domingues
  • Kenny Fraser
  • Nikolas Kourampas
  • Lisa MacKenzie
  • Barbara Prezelj
  • Chris Rankin
  • Anna Rhodes
  • Milja Tuomivaara
  • Norman Villeroux

Where you will study

Study location

Edinburgh College of Art is based in the heart of Edinburgh, within the University's Central Area. 

You will be taught in studios, lecture theatres, and seminar rooms within ECA and across the University's Central Area.

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

Academic facilities

You will have access to a wide range of facilities, including:

  • dedicated large open-plan design studios where you will have a workspace
  • extensive and well-equipped wood, metal and digital fabrication workshops
  • a subject-specific library
  • a printing suite
  • continually upgraded computer and media facilities in the buildings on Chambers Street

Additionally, we are integrated into the wider College of Art, which means students have access to facilities, and exceptional resources at Lauriston Place.

A wide range of amenities are found throughout the central University of Edinburgh campus, which is minutes from our Lauriston campus:

  • libraries
  • art suppliers
  • student unions and bars
  • cafes  
  • You will also have access to:
  • design studios
  • specialist facilities at ECA and the wider University
  • a range of study spaces and specialist classrooms
  • computing facilities and creator labs
  • libraries and special collections

In addition to these facilities, we have the ECA Store on campus where you can purchase materials for your projects, along with our Free-Use Hub where you can access free recycled materials.

Students also have access to Bookit, where you can access and loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment for free.

Find out more about facilities and resources at ECA

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

Accreditation

Our MLA programme is accredited by the Landscape Institute (LI), which provides national and international recognition to your degree.

Upon successful completion of the MLA you will have an accredited degree, which is the first step towards being a Chartered Landscape Architect in the UK.

The Landscape Institute accreditation is recognised in the UK and worldwide.

Career opportunities

Our graduates are sought after by landscape architecture design practices in Scotland, the UK and beyond, with very high employment rates, often working in leading design studios.

We support you in moving towards the type of landscape-related practice you are passionate about. Beyond landscape architectural design studios, your landscape architectural skillset can also be deployed in other contexts, including:

  • planning
  • landscape advocacy
  • policy writing
  • conservation and rewilding
  • environmental activism
  • community engagement
  • landscape-related art practice
  • research

Examples of organisations our graduates work at or are affiliated with include:

  • Connecting Threads, an ambitious cultural project in the River Tweed
  • Glasgow and Edinburgh City Councils
  • Harvard University Graduate School of Design
  • NatureScot, Scotland’s Nature Agency
  • Trees for Life, a charity working to rewild the Scottish Highlands
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • SUSTRANS, Scotland’s Active Travel charity 

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.

Portfolio

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. You won't be able to submit your portfolio immediately, but you'll receive an email prompt within a few days of submitting your application that will explain how to upload your portfolio.

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 co-exist 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 landscape architecture.

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.

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Admissions Office

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