Program Overview
Landscape Thesis (BARC0119)
Key Information
The Landscape Thesis module is part of the MA/MLA Landscape Architecture programme at the UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment. The teaching department is the Bartlett School of Architecture, and the module has a credit value of 45.
Restrictions
This module is only available to students on the MA/MLA Landscape Architecture programme.
Alternative Credit Options
There are no alternative credit options available for this module.
Description
The module begins with introductory sessions where students identify an individual area of research, outlined in a Research Proposal. This proposal is developed in discussion with the Module Coordinator and programme tutors. Students then research and develop an argument or proposition on an area of particular landscape architectural interest, supported by critical reasoning skills, research, and theoretical and technical sources.
The thesis is a textual document supported by graphic evidence and is a research module where students develop the basis and theory that informs and underpins their work. Research may draw on multiple disciplines and bodies of theory. Students are expected to attend and participate in associated events, including lectures, seminars, reviews, and tutorials, and must be enrolled on the BARC0119 Landscape Thesis Moodle page.
The module aims to teach students how to write an illustrated critical evaluation informed by theoretical and technical sources, describe experiments, and support the development of their critical position and project narratives in relation to landscape architecture.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the ability to produce an argument for the project based on critical reasoning skills and supported by graphic evidence and research. They will also have knowledge of how to construct a field of historical precedents and theoretical thought relevant to the project and skill in preparing a well-structured, clearly and persuasively argued document with appropriate supporting material.
Method of Delivery
Teaching and learning methods include introductory lectures, workshops, seminars, individual and group tutorials. Tutors are individually allocated based on the student's chosen field of study. Module teaching is supported by tutors with expertise as landscape practitioners, technical professionals, theoreticians, and historians.
Assessment is via coursework submission, which may be written, drawn, modelled, filmed, etc., as appropriate to the student's area of investigation. Formative feedback is given at appropriate points.
Seminars and Thesis Reviews
Seminars take place during Term 2, and all students must attend these to inform their decision about the choice of thesis, methods of research, and to receive details of completing their Research Proposal. Students work with a tutor towards their thesis and can expect individual tutorials and feedback on a draft document.
Assessment
The module has two assessed submission components: the Research Proposal (10%) and the Thesis (90%). Both elements must be submitted to pass this module.
Research Proposal
The Research Proposal is a 1500-word submission outlining the proposed area of research, research methods, and sources to be drawn upon.
Thesis
The thesis is a 7,000 to 9,000-word document (or equivalent) using relevant research sources and outcomes. A proportion of this document may comprise testing/prototyping processes, diagrams, drawings, records of installations, photography, and video, and records of experiments. The word count must be stated on the first page.
Theses should demonstrate a selected area of study that critically informs, augments, or extends the design portfolio in technical, historical, and theoretical understandings. All submissions should demonstrate effective and appropriate 'critical tools' that aid advanced understandings of landscape architectural design.
Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year
The intended teaching term is Terms 2, 3, and the Summer period for postgraduate students (FHEQ Level 7).
Teaching and Assessment
The mode of study is in-person, with 100% of the assessment being dissertations, extended projects, and reports (2 assessments). The mark scheme uses numeric marks.
Other Information
The number of students on the module in the previous year was 43.