MSc Landscape Management

MSc Landscape Management

Duration
A full-time student can complete this modular course in one year, studying two taught semesters from September to June. The research dissertation is then handed in after the following summer. Part-time students can take two - three years to complete the course accessing the course on a weekly day release basis. The part-time programme offers greater flexibility for those with demanding work or home based commitments.

Course Aims Students who have successfully completed this degree will be able to demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and critical evaluation of:

• strategic, policy, planning and delivery issues within a landscape context;
• the interdisciplinary and holistic nature of the management of landscape;
• issues of lifestyle, consumption and culture as they affect people's lives and the choices they make when using landscapes;
• the diversity that prevails within the management of landscapes in relation to stakeholders such as consumers, employees, organisations, and government and external agencies.

In addition, students will be able to apply research methodology and information technology to landscape management and identify and critically evaluate important issues, trends and developments within the landscape industries

Who is the Course for This is a course for students with a strong interest in the management of our green infrastructure and designed landscapes. It will address the strategic skills gap identified by CABE Space, Landscape Institute, LANTRA and others. It will appeal to students who wish to develop their knowledge of landscape theory, science, history and how human landscapes interact with nature. Applicants will normally hold a BSc/BA or equivalent in a related topic, but applications are equally welcome from individuals with extensive industrial experience. Applications from non-UK students are particularly welcome.

There is also an option to study for Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma and then progress on to the full Masters course.

Delivery and Assessment Teaching methods are a rich mix of lectures, workshops, studios, seminars, tutorials, visits, case studies and student managed learning. Self guided study takes place under the supervision of landscape management staff who ensure that students maximise their use of all study facilities at the College, including the estate. Students will be assessed by a variety of methods including written papers, case studies and project reports most of which will be grounded in practice. This flexible approach allows students to monitor their knowledge and skills development throughout the course.

The dissertation provides an opportunity to undertake specialist research in specific fields. It must also include an investigative component to demonstrate that the student can apply learning to a problem-solving situation. The project is supervised by a member of the academic staff, and takes place over a 20-week period during the summer. The research project can be based at Writtle, a work place or at an external organisation; international placements may also be arranged. However students who embark upon an industry-based project must have access to the same level of facilities and support as students carrying out their research at the College.

Key Features

• A combination of theory, practical experience and industrial engagement alongside the development of interpersonal and communication skills
• Course content that is local and international
• Opportunity to undertake studies and original research in the UK or abroad

Career Prospects Upon completion of the course, graduates will move into managerial and practitioner status with national and local government organisations landscape architect practices and other companies and organisations involved with the management of landscape.

Professional Acreditation Some of the modules on this course are drawn from the Master of Arts in Landscape Architecture, which in 2009 achieved full accreditation from the Landscape Institute. The College is currently working with the Landscape Institute on provisional accreditation for other courses, including the MSc in Landscape Management.