StudyQA — Master: Landscape Architecture — Anhalt University of Applied Sciences

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The international two-year full-time accredited Master of Landscape Architecture programme is a design-based professional programme aimed at applicants with academic and professional achievement with the potential for professional leadership. The programme benefits from its unique relationship with the Master's programmes in architecture, nature conservation and other related fields at the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, as well as with the world-famous "Bauhaus" - a revolutionary movement in architecture, art, and design.

Since its conception in 1998, the Master of Landscape Architecture programme has aimed to provide an intellectual base of knowledge in the field of landscape architecture and to enable students to create sustainable solutions to current landscape architectural challenges. The new curriculum conceived in 2008 develops this focus further to emphasise design and the European context. Current and innovative landscape and urban design of landscape architecture constitute highlights of the programme.

Co-operations with other leading universities in landscape architecture and with landscape professionals enable the MLA programme to offer real-time projects on current issues in Germany, Europe and abroad to extend the base of knowledge of the professional field beyond academic theories.

The MLA programme is designed to impart knowledge and skills which are essential for landscape professionals - as an educator, researcher and/or practitioner. The major emphasis on design and the underlying emphasis on the European context pervade the various modules in the programme. Competencies in the use of multi-media as well as soft skills equip the students to face developments and challenges in the field of landscape architecture.

Educational organisation

The standard period of study including the examination period is four semesters. The study includes theoretical and practice-oriented courses in the form of modular lectures and a Master's thesis to be completed within 20 weeks and, finally, defended in a colloquium.
The first and second semesters provide an intensive programme of study encompassing the following modules:
First semester:

Atelier Urban Design
Basics of Landscape Architecture
Basics of Planting Design
Environment
Computer Sciences

Optional-Compulsory Subjects

Architecture and Design
Project Management

Additional Subjects

English for Landscape Architecture
German

Second Semester:

Atelier Landscape Design
Technology
Sustainable Development
Urban Site Design

Optional-Compulsory Subjects

New Media in Landscape Architecture
Philosophy and Sociology

Additional Subjects

English for Landscape Architecture
German

The course contents are taught in an application-oriented manner on a scientific basis. The teaching and learning methods used include studios, seminars, exercises, internships and excursions.

In the third semester of the standard period of study, a 20-week internship must be completed, which accounts for 25 credits. The internship may be interrupted only once. However, it should be noted that one of these two parts must include a period of at least eight successive weeks.

In the fourth semester the students write their Master's thesis. The colloquium for the Master's thesis is the pinnacle of the course and represents its completion.

Study abroad unit(s)

None

Internships

In the third semester of the standard period of study, a 20-week internship must be completed which accounts for 25 credits. The internship may be interrupted only once. However, it should be noted that one of these two parts must include a period of at least eight successive weeks.
Upon completion of the internship, students have to submit a report according to the internship regulations.
Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

Forms of assessment

The following types of examinations are possible:
1. Written examination
2. Oral examination
3. Project
4. Assignment
5. Design/course work
6. Paper
7. Presentation and colloquium

The standard period of study including the examination period is four semesters. The Master's degree requires at least 120 credits.

Course objectives

The objective of this course is the attainment of global competitiveness on the part of the graduates. After they have completed their studies, students should be able to deal with new developments in international landscape architecture in a professional and team-oriented manner. This course aims to further develop students' ability to work scientifically, implement scientific findings in practice, and determine and solve problems, while also improving students' communication skills. The main emphasis of the course is on the development of sustainable landscape architecture with a rich cultural landscape, whereby the imparting of extensive design knowledge and skills is of particular importance.

During the course of study, a more intense view on landscape architecture, based on the first university degree, is ensured and proficiency in fundamental areas of application is procured. This enables graduates to work in all occupational fields of landscape architecture. The main focus of this course is placed on design as a central aspect of architectural work combined with the graduates' aspired professional competence. In the course of their education students will be continually trained in the application and use of modern media. This course is scientifically- and application-oriented.

Language requirements

The candidate's proficiency in spoken and written English is a condition for admission. Such proficiency has to be proven if the presented final certificate was not acquired from an English-speaking college or university. In this case, TOEFL test results of at least 85 from 120 (iBT, Internet-based test) and 6.5 from 9 (IELTS) will be the standard. Alternatively, proof of proficiency can be provided by adequate language certificates in conjunction with an assessment test held by Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.

Academic requirements

Evidence of qualification for the study course must be provided in accordance with the Higher Education Act of the State of Saxony-Anhalt.

The admission requirement is the presentation of one of the national or international university degrees Diploma, Magister, Baccalaureus, Master's or Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture with a duration of at least three years of regular study.

Applicants with a university degree according to afore-mentioned criteria in architecture, urban and regional planning as well as in a related course of study may be admitted. As a basis for admission, an aptitude test is held in which the final grade achieved in the previous course of study and the quality of the design work to be submitted will be considered.
For this purpose, a design portfolio has to be submitted. This design portfolio must include five works designed by the candidate. If the candidate has previous work experience, two of these design works should be based on his or her occupational experience.
The MLA offers online-courses to get the necessary credits if applicants lack the required knowledge in Landscape Architecture.

Enrolment fees

76 EUR semester fee (covering a contribution to the Student Services and Student Union, but no public transport semester ticket is included or available)

Costs of living

Approx. 670 EUR per month to cover living expenses (incl. accommodation, excl. health insurance costs). Cheap rail fares/student discount on trains available.

Job opportunities

Anhalt University has the possibility to offer small jobs on campus or assistance jobs for lectures (tutors).

Arrival support

The MLA management provides all information needed for obtaining a visa, accommodation etc. Programme students are available to assist students upon arrival. Pick-up from the airport can be organised.

The International Office/Akademisches Auslandsamt runs a student-to-student buddy programme for incoming international students on all three sites of Anhalt University. This includes pre- and post arrival support (pick-up support, local information on university and place of residence etc.). Interested international students should contact their future degree programme staff at Anhalt if they wish to have a buddy before and on arrival.

Anhalt University's sites at Köthen, Bernburg and Dessau run different formats of welcoming sessions/weeks for international students at the beginning of each semester.

For further information see: http://www.hs-anhalt.de/international/international-students.html