Program Overview

Introduction to the Landscape Architecture Program

The Landscape Architecture program at Birmingham City University is a comprehensive and accredited course that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to succeed in the field of landscape architecture. This program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the principles and practices of landscape architecture, as well as the skills and knowledge required to design and manage landscapes that are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing.

Program Overview

The Landscape Architecture program is a four-year, full-time course that covers a wide range of topics, including design theory, landscape ecology, urban planning, and construction techniques. The program is accredited by the Landscape Institute, which ensures that graduates meet the highest standards of professional practice.

Key Features of the Program

• The program is fully recognized and accredited by the Landscape Institute, allowing graduates to work towards full UK chartered membership.
• Students gain real industry experience, working on a wide range of briefs, from broad strategic scale to detailed design for construction.
• 91 percent of leavers from Architecture were in employment or further study, according to a recent survey.
• The department of Architecture is highly respected and has a rich history of providing education and opportunities.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Landscape Architecture program, applicants must meet certain entry requirements. These include:

• Current Birmingham City University students: one year or one semester in China, with successfully passed all required modules and obtained credits for Year 1 study.
• Chinese students: recruitment through the Gaokao system, with required provincial art test and minimum Tier 1 level in the Gaokao matriculation examination for students from Hubei Province.
• Other international students: completion of an application to BIFCA, showing evidence of equivalent qualifications and a minimum of a Level 5 IELTS, with a required portfolio to support the application.

Fees and How to Apply

The tuition fees for the Landscape Architecture program are to be confirmed. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation or to reflect changes in Government funding policies. To apply, students can select their student status to view fees and apply online.

Included in the Course Fees

• Access to computer equipment
• Printing credit
• Field trips and associated travel costs
• Access to Microsoft Office 365
• Key software, including SPSS and Nvivo
• Key subscriptions to journals and websites
• Specialist software, including AutoCad, Vectoworks, and Twinmotions
• Free Adobe Creative Cloud licence

Not Included in the Course Fees

• Project materials, estimated at £50-100 per year
• Media consumable items, estimated at £50-100 per year
• Exhibitions, with costs varying depending on the event
• Excess printing, with costs from 5p per sheet
• Personal stationery and study materials, estimated at £30 per year
• Placement expenses, with costs varying depending on the placement
• Field trips, with costs varying depending on the trip
• Gallery visits, with costs varying depending on the event
• Competition fees, estimated at £50-100
• Books, with costs varying depending on the book
• Personal equipment, with costs varying depending on the equipment
• Software, with costs varying depending on the software
• Memberships, with costs varying depending on the membership
• Accommodation and living costs, with costs varying depending on the location and lifestyle

Course in Depth

The Landscape Architecture program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of landscape architecture. The course covers a wide range of topics, including design theory, landscape ecology, urban planning, and construction techniques.

Year One

• Inspiration Foundation
• Precedent
• Academic Language Skills for Art, Design and Digital Media
• Communication and Study Skills for Art, Design and Digital Media
• Key Concepts and Reflective Practice for Art, Design and Digital Media

Year Two

• Materials Elements
• Design Projects Components
• Praxis Key Skills
• Materials Flora
• Design Project Composition
• Integrated Research Skills for Art, Design and Digital Media

Year Three

• CO.LAB Practice
• Theory
• Material Construction
• Praxis Approach
• Design Project Global
• Design Project Vernacular

Year Four

• Special Study Investigate
• Major Design Project Scope
• Major Design Project Concept
• Major Design Project Synthesis
• Major Design Project Detail

Employability

The Landscape Architecture program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the field of landscape architecture. Graduates of the program have gone on to work with companies such as Fira Architecturer and Stax Creations, and have secured roles such as Graduate Landscape Architect and CEO-Founder.

Placements

The program includes a range of placement opportunities, including a three-month paid summer placement at Atkins. Students also have the opportunity to participate in collaborative projects, such as the Co.LAB program, which provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world projects with industry partners.

Facilities and Staff

The program is based in the multi-million pound Parkside building, which provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including digital studios, 3D design workshops, and traditional drawing workshops. The program is taught by a team of experienced and respected academics, including Lucas Hughes and Dr. Normah Sulaiman.

Our Facilities

• Design studios
• Physical and digital library
• Loanable laptops
• Dedicated social spaces
• Cafés

Our Staff

• Lucas Hughes, Senior Tutor
• Dr. Normah Sulaiman, Lecturer in Landscape Architecture

Conclusion

The Landscape Architecture program at Birmingham City University is a comprehensive and accredited course that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to succeed in the field of landscape architecture. With its strong focus on industry experience, collaborative projects, and state-of-the-art facilities, this program is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about landscape architecture and want to pursue a successful career in this field.