International Landscape Architecture

The exacting but effective programme is divided into five practice-oriented subject areas - planning projects at various scales, international planning and design, planning and project management, information technology in planning and design, and planning and design methods - and provides high-quality training geared to labour market demands, thus giving students an opportunity to hone skills for which there will likely be an increased demand in the future. The IMLA programme has a strong practical focus. The Master's programme incorporates a wide variety of European countries and cross-border issues. Projects are conducted in various European countries.

Educational organisation

The international Master's programme in landscape architecture (known as the IMLA programme) is organised by two higher education institutions:

• Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Bavaria, Germany
• Nürtingen-Geislingen University, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

The location of studies alternates each time the programme begins. Students joining the programme for the summer semester 2017 will study in Nürtingen (near Stuttgart).
Students joining the programme for the summer semester 2018 will study in Freising-Weihenstephan (near Munich).

Structure of Courses and Schedule:

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"

The programme has a strong practical focus. Much of its teaching in the area of management, marketing, and digital planning methods is provided by external specialists, and experts are invited to act as guest critics on projects. The faculty members are highly qualified in their areas of specialisation and also in didactics.

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, Italy, Hungary, Turkey - 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, thesis

Course 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 equivalent.
There is no German language requirement at the time of entry into the course.

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 university. The degree must show evidence of above-average examination results.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Approx. 150 EUR per semester (varies depending on the university)

Costs of living

Approx. 800-900 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Funding opportunities within the university

Students can apply for scholarships after enrolment. Availability is limited.

Services and support for international students

IMLA students are supported by the programme assistants at each university location.
The International Office supports international students regarding their first steps in Germany and offers various excursions.

Accommodation

Student halls of residence or private rooms