International Landscape Architecture at Nürtingen-Geislingen University offers a comprehensive and globally oriented education in the field of landscape architecture. This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and creative abilities to develop sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing landscapes in diverse contexts around the world. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, integrating ecological, cultural, social, and economic considerations into the planning, design, and management of outdoor spaces. Students will explore a wide range of topics including landscape ecology, design principles, environmental planning, site analysis, and computer-aided design tools. Emphasizing an international perspective, the program encourages students to understand and respect diverse cultural landscapes and to develop innovative solutions suitable for different regional environments. The program is delivered in English to prepare students for careers in international markets and multinational companies. Students will have opportunities for hands-on experience through workshops, internships, and site visits, gaining valuable insights into real-world challenges and practices. The program aims to develop well-rounded professionals capable of engaging in multidisciplinary teams, promoting sustainability, and contributing positively to urban and rural environments. Graduates will be prepared for careers in landscape architecture firms, environmental consultancies, municipal planning departments, and international development agencies. The program typically spans three years for full-time students and may include opportunities for study abroad, exchange programs, and joint degrees with partner institutions. Upon completion, students will be awarded a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, qualifying them for further study at the master's level or entry into the professional field.
Educational organisation
The international Master's programme in landscape architecture (known as the IMLA programme) is organised by two higher education institutions:- Nürtingen-Geislingen University, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Bavaria, Germany
The location of studies alternates for each intake of studies. Students joining the programme for the summer semester 2017 will study in Nürtingen (near Stuttgart).
Semester 1 (summer semester):
- Geographical Information Systems
- Landscape Concepts
- Planning and Design Methods
- Work Methodology
- Project Management in Spatial Planning
- Main Project I
Semester 2 (winter semester)
- Visualisation and Digital Terrain Modelling
- Strategic Project Management
- Public Participation
- Monitoring and Assessment of Landscape Architecture Projects
- Planning Systems
- International Approach to Planning and Design
- Main Project II
Semester 3 (summer semester)
- Elective: International seminar or international studio project
- Master's thesis
- Preparatory assessments: Landscape architecture internship and international online seminar, online seminar "Cultural and Linguistic Concepts of Landscape Architecture"
IMLA provides high-quality training geared to labour market demands, thus honing skills for which there is likely to be an increased demand in the future.
The programme has a strong practical focus. Much of its teaching in the area of management, marketing and digital planning methods is provided by outside specialists, and experts are invited to act as guest critics on the projects. The faculty members are highly qualified in their areas of specialisation and also in didactics.
This is a joint degree programme.
Study abroad unit(s)
Theoretical courses will be held at one of the partner universities.Planning projects and design studios are carried out in various European countries - such as Romania, Belgium and Italy - requiring field trips of one to two weeks to the project areas. Some of the projects include cooperation with students from additional partner universities.
Internships
The third semester includes an internship in a design or planning office accompanied by online lectures (virtual classroom/virtual campus). Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship. The internship is compulsory for students without previous studies in landscape architecture.Forms of assessment
Project work/design studios, oral examinations, research papers and presentations, thesisCourse objectives
IMLA enables its graduates to use modern methods and technical aids in taking a creative and interdisciplinary approach to the professional, legal and management challenges emerging in the various fields of landscape architecture.Language requirements
English at level B2 of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages (CEFR) or equivalentThere is no German language requirement at the time of entry into the course, but German up to level A2 is taught as part of the programme in order to prepare for the professional internship. The respective certificate (A2 / CEFR) needs to be submitted until the end of the second semester.
Academic requirements
Successful completion of a degree course in landscape architecture, landscape planning, landscape construction, landscape management, architecture, town planning or physical planning at a German or Swiss university or "Berufsakademie" (University of Cooperative Education) or a comparable Bachelor's degree course in any of the above subjects at a foreign universityThe degree must show evidence of above-average examination results.
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