Master of Science in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design

The Master of Science in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Copenhagen offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary education dedicated to the creation of sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environments. This programme is designed for students who are passionate about shaping the future of cities and landscapes through innovative design, planning, and management. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing ecological, social, and cultural aspects of landscape and urban development. Students will explore a wide range of topics including landscape ecology, urban planning, environmental psychology, architecture, and heritage conservation. The programme encourages critical thinking and fosters an understanding of the complex interactions between natural and built environments.

At the University of Copenhagen, students benefit from a strong academic environment with access to cutting-edge research facilities and expert faculty members actively involved in international projects. The programme promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and offers opportunities to participate in real-world projects, internships, and collaborations with industry stakeholders. Emphasizing sustainability and innovation, the course equips graduates with the ability to design resilient urban spaces and landscapes that meet societal needs while respecting ecological limits. Graduates of this master's programme are prepared for careers in urban planning agencies, landscape architecture firms, environmental organizations, and public authorities, contributing to the development of more livable, sustainable, and attractive urban areas worldwide. The programme is typically structured over two years, combining lectures, workshops, fieldwork, and thesis research, ensuring students acquire both theoretical insights and practical expertise essential for professional success in landscape architecture and urban design.

The Bachelor’s programme in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Copenhagen offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of designing sustainable and aesthetically appealing outdoor environments. Throughout the programme, students develop a deep understanding of the relationship between humans and their surroundings, learning how to create functional, sustainable, and visually engaging landscapes in urban, suburban, and rural contexts. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing ecological, social, cultural, and economic aspects of landscape architecture.

Students are introduced to core topics such as landscape planning, site analysis, environmental design, and the use of digital tools for design and visualization. The programme explores various scales of work—from detailed design of individual green spaces to large-scale urban development projects—encouraging creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. Emphasis is also placed on understanding legal, political, and societal factors influencing landscape projects, preparing students to navigate complex planning processes and stakeholder interactions.

Throughout their studies, students participate in hands-on workshops, field visits, and studio projects, collaborating with fellow students and industry professionals to simulate real-world challenges. The programme promotes sustainable design practices, integrating ecological considerations and resource management to produce environmentally responsible solutions. Additionally, students learn about historic preservation, ecological restoration, and the social role of landscapes in fostering community well-being.

The final years of the programme focus on individual projects where students apply their accumulated knowledge and skills to develop comprehensive landscape proposals. They are encouraged to approach design problems innovatively, incorporating contemporary trends such as climate adaptation, green infrastructure, and urban resilience. The programme prepares graduates for professional careers in landscape architecture, urban design, environmental planning, and related fields, equipping them with the expertise needed to contribute meaningfully to creating more sustainable, livable, and resilient urban environments.

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Copenhagen requires applicants to have completed secondary education equivalent to Danish upper secondary school. Prospective students must demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as IELTS (minimum score of 6.5 overall) or TOEFL (minimum score of 90 internet-based test). The programme emphasizes a strong foundation in design principles, environmental understanding, and urban planning, and therefore requires applicants to submit a portfolio showcasing their previous work in related fields, including architecture, landscape design, or urban planning. A motivation letter is also part of the application process, where candidates must express their interest in the field and career aspirations.

Mathematical and technical skills are considered beneficial but are not mandatory. Prior experience or education in related disciplines can strengthen the application. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive education in sustainable landscape and urban design, incorporating theoretical courses, practical studio work, and field studies. Students are expected to participate actively in project-based learning, develop their design thinking, and demonstrate creativity and critical analysis skills. Interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged, and students may be required to collaborate with peers from other faculties.

Admission is competitive, with selection based on academic achievements, portfolio quality, motivation, and English proficiency. The programme duration is typically three years for a full-time bachelor’s degree, after which students may pursue further specialization or professional practice. The university provides orientation and preparatory courses for incoming students to ensure they meet the academic and language requirements. No separate entrance exam is generally required beyond the application components; however, interviews or portfolio assessments may be part of the evaluation process, depending on the specific admission cycle. Students must adhere to the university's academic regulations and standards, including ethical considerations, sustainable design principles, and professional conduct.

Financing studies for the Landscape Architecture and Urban Design program at the University of Copenhagen are primarily structured through a combination of government funding, student grants, and loans available to Danish and EU/EEA students. The university participates in the Danish State Education Support Agency (SU) system, which provides financial aid packages to students meeting specific eligibility criteria based on residency, nationality, and academic progress.

For Danish students and students from the EU/EEA, the state-funded support typically covers tuition fees and offers a monthly stipend to assist with living costs. Applicants must apply through the SU portal and meet requirements such as ongoing enrollment, academic performance, and residency status. The amount of support varies based on individual circumstances, including age, housing arrangements, and family income.

International students outside the EU/EEA usually pay tuition fees, which are specified annually by the university. The fees for landscape architecture and urban design range roughly from €8,000 to €15,000 per academic year, depending on the specific program and year of study. These students often seek external funding or scholarships to help cover the costs. The university offers limited scholarships for international students based on academic merit and financial need, which applicants can apply for during the admission process.

Students are also encouraged to explore external scholarships, sponsorships, and grants available from Danish cultural and educational foundations, as well as from international organizations supporting architecture and urban planning studies. Some students may choose to finance their studies through part-time work, internships, or research assistant positions offered at the university, which often provide a modest income to help offset costs.

Moreover, the program promotes awareness of funding opportunities for students interested in research, international exchanges, and specialized projects, some of which come with financial support or stipends. It is important for prospective students to thoroughly review the university’s official financial aid policies, deadlines, and eligibility criteria on the university’s dedicated funding and scholarship portal.

Overall, the financing options are designed to support a diverse student body, with comprehensive support available for Danish and EU/EEA students, while international students are encouraged to seek external funding opportunities to finance their studies.

Landscape Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Copenhagen is a comprehensive program dedicated to understanding and shaping outdoor environments through sustainable and innovative design practices. This program offers students a deep knowledge of ecological systems, urban development, and landscape management, preparing them to create functional, aesthetic, and environmentally responsible public and private spaces. The curriculum combines theoretical courses with hands-on practice, including site analysis, landscape planning, and design methodologies, emphasizing sustainability and social responsibility. Students learn about environmental impact assessments, green infrastructure, and how to integrate natural elements into urban settings to enhance the quality of life for city inhabitants. The program also explores contemporary issues such as climate change adaptation, urban resilience, and the role of landscapes in cultural identity. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, laboratory spaces, and digital modeling tools, to support their creative work and technical skills development. The university collaborates with local and international organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, project collaborations, and fieldwork that connect academic learning with real-world applications. The program aims to produce graduates capable of innovative landscape and urban design solutions that balance ecological integrity, social needs, and aesthetic appeal. Graduates from the program pursue careers in urban planning firms, landscape architecture studios, government agencies, environmental consultancies, and research institutions. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and ethical practice in landscape architecture and urban design. Courses are delivered by experienced faculty members with expertise in landscape ecology, design theory, urban planning, and environmental psychology. The university's strategic location within Copenhagen offers students practical exposure to a vibrant urban context characterized by a focus on sustainability and innovative urban solutions. The program is suitable for students interested in making a positive impact on urban environments and promoting sustainable development through creatively designed landscapes.