Norwich University

What you'll study

This programme integrates creative landscape design with planning theory and practice. Teaching emphasises iterative studio work, technical workshops and field-based projects that address ecological, social and regulatory dimensions of landscape. Core themes include site analysis and surveying, landscape design and representation, ecological systems and green infrastructure, urban and regional planning, and participatory design methods.

• Design Studio: sustained, project-based studio units where you develop conceptual, schematic and detailed proposals for real or hypothetical sites.
• Landscape Technologies: workshops on construction detailing, planting design, materials, drainage, and sustainable surface treatments.
• Ecology and Environmental Systems: courses covering habitat creation, ecosystem services, climate resilience and biodiversity-led design.
• Planning and Policy: modules on planning systems, policy instruments, development management and strategic planning processes.
• Research Methods and Professional Practice: training in qualitative and quantitative research, project management, ethics, and practice law/contract basics relevant to landscape and planning work.
• Major Project / Dissertation: an independent, supervised research or design project that demonstrates mastery of design, technical, and theoretical skills.

Delivery typically combines studio contact hours, seminars, technical labs, site visits and independent study. Assessment methods include design portfolios, technical reports, presentations, and a final project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a relevant undergraduate degree — for example in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, planning, geography, or a related arts or environmental science discipline. Typical entry is on the basis of a good degree (equivalent to a UK second-class upper degree or higher) or substantial professional experience and a demonstrable portfolio of design or research work.

Additional application materials commonly requested:

• A portfolio showcasing design work, drawings, diagrams and relevant projects;
• A personal statement outlining motivations, interests and proposed focus for postgraduate study;
• References, normally academic or professional;
• For international applicants, evidence of English language proficiency where required (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent).

Applicants without a directly related undergraduate qualification may be considered if they can demonstrate transferable skills and relevant experience; the programme may recommend pre-sessional study or preparatory modules in such cases.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across landscape, planning and the built environment. Common career pathways include:

• Landscape architect or designer in private practice or consultancy;
• Urban and regional planner with local authorities, government agencies or planning consultancies;
• Environmental and green infrastructure consultant focusing on biodiversity, ecological restoration and flood-risk management;
• Project manager or design coordinator on public realm, infrastructure or regeneration projects;
• Researcher, policy advisor or conservation officer in the public, charitable or academic sectors;
• Further professional qualification routes where graduates pursue accreditation with relevant chartered institutes or professional bodies (depending on national requirements).

The combination of design skills, technical knowledge and planning literacy equips graduates to work on projects ranging from neighbourhood public spaces to large-scale landscape strategies and climate-adaptive infrastructure.

Why study at Norwich University

Studying this master’s at Norwich University gives you a studio-centred curriculum that emphasises hands-on design, fieldwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The city and surrounding county provide a varied set of landscapes — historic urban districts, parks, agricultural countryside and coastal environments — that support field-based learning and live projects.

Students benefit from small-group teaching, technical workshops in modelmaking and digital fabrication, and opportunities to engage with local communities and regional planning bodies. The programme aims to develop designers who are both creative and practically capable, ready to respond to ecological and social challenges in contemporary landscape and planning practice.