Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Landscape Architecture (Research) at Lincoln University is a 120-credit, thesis-based research master's for graduates who already hold an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. It is designed to help students explore landscape architecture theory and practice in greater depth and develop a specialised research focus.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced research-based study in landscape architecture.
• Opportunity to specialise through an individual research thesis.
• Development of advanced analytical, design and research capabilities.
• Study within Lincoln's School of Landscape Architecture, New Zealand's oldest school of landscape architecture, with more than 50 years of professional education experience.
• Exposure to real-world landscape issues through Lincoln's landscape architecture teaching and research environment, including site visits, field trips and field tours.
• The programme is accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA). Graduates are eligible to become registered professionals, subject to the applicable professional requirements.
• Potential progression to PhD-level research. Lincoln specifically notes that students completing the MLA can be eligible to continue to PhD study.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

This is a research-only, thesis-based programme rather than a conventional taught master's with a fixed set of coursework subjects.

The programme consists of:

• 120 credits.
• A research thesis.
• Approximately 12 months of full-time study.

The research topic is developed with an appropriate supervisor and can explore a specialised area of landscape architecture.

Potential research areas within Lincoln's School of Landscape Architecture include:

• Landscape management.
• Landscape planning.
• Landscape visualisation.
• Master planning.
• Residential design.
• Urban design.
• Urban ecology.
• Landscape architecture theory and practice.
• Landscape sustainability.
• Landscape assessment and design.
• Indigenous M?ori landscape design.
• Resilient landscape design.
• Sustainable communities.
• Urban and rural landscapes.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The programme does not publish fixed named specialisations. Instead, students undertake an individual research project that allows them to develop a specialised area of landscape architecture.

Possible research directions include:

• Landscape planning.
• Landscape management.
• Urban ecology.
• Urban design.
• Landscape visualisation.
• Sustainable landscape design.
• Landscape assessment.
• Residential landscape design.
• Master planning.
• Environmental and ecological design.
• Maori and indigenous landscape approaches.

Programme Highlights

• Research Master's qualification.
• Level 9 master's study.
• 120 credits.
• Normally 1 year full-time.
• Thesis-based programme.
• Designed for graduates of an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
• Minimum 80% average required.
• Lincoln University Campus.
• Supervisor-led research.
• Start date can be arranged depending on supervisor availability.
• NZILA-accredited qualification.
• Potential pathway to PhD study.
• Strong connection with professional landscape architecture practice and research.

Career Outcomes

Lincoln states that its landscape architecture graduates are highly sought after in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. The School's qualifications are professionally recognised, and graduates of its accredited landscape architecture programmes are eligible to become registered professionals, subject to the relevant professional requirements.

Potential career areas include:

• Landscape architect.
• Landscape planning.
• Urban design.
• Landscape management.
• Environmental design.
• Ecological landscape design.
• Landscape consultancy.
• Landscape visualisation.
• Master planning.
• Residential landscape design.
• Public-sector landscape planning.
• Private landscape architecture practice.
• Research and academic careers.
• PhD-level research.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest programme page currently shows:

• Semester 1 2027: 22 February 2027.
• Semester 2 2027: 19 July 2027.
• Qualification: Research Master's.
• Duration: 1 year full-time.
• Credits: 120.
• Location: Lincoln University Campus.
• 2026 international fee estimate: NZ$37,000 for 120 credits.

The programme page also states that students can start at any time depending on supervisor availability. Therefore, prospective applicants should contact a potential supervisor before finalising their intended research start date.

Special requirements include:

• Accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
• Minimum 80% average.
• English-language requirement where applicable.
• Suitable research topic.
• Suitable supervisor.
• Approval of the proposed course/research programme through Lincoln's academic processes.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students must hold a current and valid New Zealand visa to study at Lincoln University. Lincoln's student-visa guidance says new students generally need:

• Offer of Place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence that tuition fees have been paid, normally a fee receipt.
• Passport.
• Digital photograph.
• Proof of funds for living expenses of NZ$20,000 per year.
• Evidence of funds for travel to the student's home country at the end of study, or an air ticket.
• Visa application fee.