Program Overview

Landscape Architecture - China and UK Delivery - BA (Hons)

Overview

Learn how to create vibrant exterior environments with our accredited Landscape Architecture degree course. The course will change the way you see the world around you as you’re encouraged to think about design in all aspects of your life.

Why Choose Us?

• The course is fully recognised and accredited by the Landscape Institute, allowing you to work towards full UK chartered membership.
• You’ll gain real industry experience, working on a wide range of briefs, from broad strategic scale, down to detailed design for construction.
• 91 per cent of leavers from the College were in employment or further study, according to a recent survey.
• The College of Architecture is highly respected and has a rich history of providing education and opportunities. It celebrated its centenary in 2009.
• Two-thirds of the impact of our research was judged to be very considerable (3) or outstanding (4) - REF2021

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements

• Current Birmingham City University students - one year or one semester in China: The courses delivered by BIFCA are equivalent to the respective courses run at Birmingham City University in the UK. Therefore any current Year 1 students who wish to spend one year or one semester studying abroad may be able to spend their entire Year 2 or half of their Year 2 studying the same modules in Wuhan, China.
• Chinese students: BIFCA will recruit the highest performers in the China National Art and Design examination. If you're from China and are eligible to apply to study the course, you'll be expected to pass the required provincial art test.
• Other international students: If you're a non-Chinese, non-Birmingham City University student, you'll be required to complete an application to BIFCA showing evidence of equivalent qualifications and have a minimum of a Level 5 IELTS.
• Mature students: If you are a mature student and wish to check your eligibility for the course, please email us at .

Fees & How to Apply.

Fees & How to Apply

UK students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: BA (Hons)
• Starting: Sep 2025
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 4 years
• Fees: TBC

International students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: BA (Hons)
• Starting: Sep 2025
• Mode: Full Time
• Duration: 4 years
• Fees: TBC

Course in Depth

Year one

• Laying the foundation for deeper understanding, Years 1 and 2 cover a broad spread of study areas, moving seamlessly, connecting abstract design theory and consideration of global scale contexts, to micro-scale understanding of materials and technology.
• Modules include:
  • 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

• Laying the foundation for deeper understanding, Years 1 and 2 cover a broad spread of study areas, moving seamlessly, connecting abstract design theory and consideration of global scale contexts, to micro-scale understanding of materials and technology.
• Modules include:
  • Materials Elements
  • Design Projects Components
  • Praxis Key Skills
  • Materials Flora
  • Design Project Composition
  • Integrated Research Skills for Art, Design and Digital Media

Year three

• You'll develop professional approaches to design and construction in your third year.
• You will develop connections between key design theories and real-world practice, through debate of current topics, placement study, collaborative projects (Co.LAB), and the exploration of two different multifaceted design processes.
• Modules include:
  • CO.LAB Practice
  • Theory
  • Material Construction
  • Praxis Approach
  • Design Project Global
  • Design Project Vernacular

Year four

• Through guided but self-directed investigations, you will define your own academic pathway.
• Built on research and led via creative but pragmatic exploration in design, you will successfully communicate connections between theory, contextual analysis, project brief, conceptual proposals, design development and design detail, to produce a broad-scale, multi-layered design project.
• Modules include:
  • Special Study Investigate
  • Major Design Project Scope
  • Major Design Project Concept
  • Major Design Project Synthesis
  • Major Design Project Detail

Employability

• You’ll have a sound knowledge of the physical, economic and social factors which influence contemporary built environment practice.
• You’ll also understand the professional, legal and institutional framework of landscape architecture.
• You’ll develop a comprehensive portfolio that shows employers a range of skills in design practice and academic study.
• Experience on live local sites with client-driven briefs in landscape studios will develop your design creativity and hone your professional practice skills.
• You’ll be skilled in the latest techniques, including rapid prototyping and 3D design.

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

• We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
• Landscape Architecture students are based at our City Centre Campus in The Parkside Building, a multi-million pound centre of excellence in the heart of Birmingham.
• The five-floor building opened in June 2013.

Our Staff

• Lucas Hughes: Senior Tutor
• Russell Good: Senior Lecturer in Landscape Architecture, Deputy Course Director MA Landscape Architecture
• Dr Rasha Sayed Mahmoud: Flying Faculty for BIFCA and Link Tutor for BIFCA & SHAPE
• Dr Normah Sulaiman: Lecturer in Landscape Architecture