The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) at Lincoln University is a four-year, 480-credit professional undergraduate degree focused on landscape design, planning, ecology, sustainability and the creation of resilient urban and rural environments. The programme combines design studios with environmental science, landscape ecology, planning, cultural studies and professional practice. Lincoln states that the degree is accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA), and graduates are eligible to pursue professional registration.

The supplied IPU programme link currently leads to IPU New Zealand's Master of Contemporary International Studies page and does not identify this Lincoln Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. IPU's current public programme listing also does not publicly specify a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture partnership or pathway with Lincoln University. Therefore, IPU-specific admission, pathway, fee and scholarship information for this particular Lincoln programme is not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Combines creative design with environmental and ecological science.
• Prepares students for professional landscape architecture practice.
• Covers urban, rural, riparian and montane landscapes.
• Develops skills in landscape planning, conservation and management.
• Provides extensive design-studio experience and real-world projects.
• Students work with landscape architecture practitioners and undertake field tours.
• Develops knowledge of sustainable and resilient community design.
• Includes M?ori and Indigenous approaches to landscape design.
• Develops skills in landscape assessment, planning and environmental analysis.
• Provides practical professional experience before graduation.
• Offers exposure to plant materials, planting design and landscape implementation.
• The qualification is professionally accredited by NZILA.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current programme structure includes the following courses.

Year 1 – Semester 1

• DESN 101 – Digital Tools for Design – 15 credits
• ENSC 101 – Introduction to Earth and Ecological Sciences – 15 credits
• DESN 103 – Visual Communication – 15 credits
• MAST 104 – Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) – 15 credits

Year 1 – Semester 2

• ENGN 106 – Structures and Land Surfaces – 15 credits
• DESN 102 – Introduction to 3D Design – 15 credits
• DESN 104 – History of Design – 15 credits
• BLA suggested elective.

Year 2 – Semester 1

• LASC 211 – Planting Design and Management – 15 credits
• LASC 215 – Landscape Analysis, Planning and Design – 30 credits
• LASC 217 – Design Details – 15 credits

Year 2 – Semester 2

• LASC 206 – Landscape Planting Practice – 15 credits
• LASC 218 – Landscape and Culture – 15 credits
• LASC 216 – Site Design – 15 credits
• Elective.

Year 3 – Semester 1

• LASC 316 – Innovative Design (A) – 15 credits
• LASC 393 – Practicum: Applied Landscape Practice – 15 credits
• LASC 321 – Urban Design – 15 credits
• Elective

Year 3 – Semester 2

• LASC 312 – Landscape Ecology – 15 credits
• DESN 301 – Design Theory – 15 credits
• LASC 322 – Sustainable Design and Planning – 30 credits.

Year 4 – Semester 1

• LASC 406 – Complex Design – 30 credits
• LASC 318 – Landscape Assessment and Planning – 15 credits
• Elective

Year 4 – Semester 2

• LASC 409 – Major Design – 30 credits
• LASC 415 – Landscape Architecture Professional Practice – 15 credits
• Elective.

Suggested Electives

Lincoln currently suggests the following courses for first-year students:

• ERST 201 – Environmental Analysis – 15 credits
• SOCI 117 – Introduction to New Zealand Government and Public Policy – 15 credits.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The BLA does not present separate named majors in the way some commerce or science degrees do. Instead, students progressively develop expertise across several landscape architecture disciplines.

Key areas include:

• Landscape architecture
• Landscape design
• Landscape ecology
• Landscape planning
• Urban design
• Rural landscape design
• Sustainable design
• Landscape assessment
• Planting design
• Landscape implementation
• Environmental science
• Ecological science
• Design theory
• Maori and Indigenous design approaches
• Landscape and culture
• Professional practice.

Practical Work Requirements

Practical experience is an important compulsory component of the BLA.

Students are expected to complete:

• At least 6 weeks in an approved office-based professional practice.
• At least 3 weeks in an approved aspect of landscape implementation.
• 3 weeks of applied practice through LASC 393 – Practicum: Applied Landscape Practice.
• Attendance at the compulsory field tour.

Programme Highlights

• 4-year professional bachelor's degree.
• 480 credits.
• Campus-based learning.
• Dedicated landscape architecture studios.
• Strong combination of art, design, science and planning.
• Real-world design projects.
• Field tours.
• Landscape ecology and environmental analysis.
• Sustainable and resilient design.
• Urban and rural landscape planning.
• M?ori and Indigenous approaches to design.
• Professional practice component.
• Office-based practical experience.
• Landscape implementation experience.
• Major fourth-year design project.
• Professional practice course.
• Accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects.
• International career opportunities in landscape architecture.

Career Outcomes

Lincoln states that BLA graduates are highly sought after in public and private sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and internationally.

Potential career areas include:

• Landscape architect
• Landscape designer
• Urban landscape designer
• Landscape planner
• Environmental designer
• Urban design
• Landscape planning
• Landscape assessment
• Landscape ecology
• Sustainable design
• Environmental planning
• Landscape implementation
• Landscape consultancy
• Public-sector landscape and planning roles
• Private landscape architecture practice.

Professional Recognition

The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA).

Lincoln states that graduates are eligible to become registered professionals and are highly sought after in public and private sectors in New Zealand, Australia and further afield.

This professional accreditation is one of the programme's strongest advantages for students intending to establish a career as a professional landscape architect.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this full-time programme in New Zealand generally need a Fee Paying Student Visa unless another visa category applies.

Lincoln currently requires new international students to provide:

• 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.
• Applicable visa application fee.

Students may additionally be asked for:

• Medical certificates.
• Chest X-ray.
• Police Certificate.
• Additional information where the student is under 18