UofC

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) - course-based

Students in the MLA program are registered during the Fall and Winter terms (September to April) with a regularly scheduled break from May to August.

Prospective applicants are advised to use opportunities within their four-year recognized university undergraduate degree studies to develop knowledge in at least one and possibly more than one of the following areas: design, humanities, social science, arts, engineering, biological or earth sciences – including wherever possible studio, laboratory and collaborative learning experiences.

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Admission, the program requires:

a) Statement of Interest
A clear, well-written statement of interest which describes the applicant's interest in landscape architecture and how the applicant's specific educational background and professional or personal experience relates to Landscape Architecture as a field of study (maximum two pages).

b) Digital Portfolio
Evidence of original and/or creative work in any field or medium. This could include design work, professional work, research, creative ability, or ideas related to their statement of intent or interests in Landscape Architecture. The requirements for digital portfolio submissions are found on the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape website at: sapl.ucalgary.ca/future-students/admissions/how-apply.

c) Curriculum Vitae
A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).

d) Reference Letters
Three reference letters, of which at least two should be academic.

e) Proof of English Proficiency
For applicants who are required to prove proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 105 (Internet-based test); or an IELTS score of 7.5; or a CAEL overall score of 70 with a minimum score of 70 in each component. This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of "A-" in each course.

Note: Applicants with previous related design degrees (e.g. a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture) may have some or all of the foundation year courses waived. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, this review will require supporting documentation such as course outlines. An assessment of these prerequisite requirements will be made by an admissions committee and applicants will be informed in offers of admission which, if any, courses at the Foundation level will be required.

Deadline for submission of complete applications is available on the Future Students website: ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/landscape-architecture-master-landscape-architecture-course-based.

A student may apply for advanced credit for previous courses that have not been used to satisfy the requirements of any other degree or diploma program. See Advanced Credit. 

Course Exemptions: Students registered in a graduate degree program may receive an exemption from a specific course if they can demonstrate successful completion of an equivalent course. In order to be eligible for an exemption, the student must provide original transcripts, course outlines and samples of course assignments which will be assessed for academic equivalency. Courses for which exemptions are being sought must be from a recognized institution, and they must be graded courses with a minimum grade of "B-". Students granted an exemption from a course may be required to take another, equally-weighted, course to satisfy credit-hour requirements for their program.

The Master of Landscape Architecture program is structured around a core studio sequence. Required courses and electives make up the remainder of the program. Successful completion of the MLA must include the following academic requirements:

Foundation Year (Qualifying Year)

• Planning 600
• Planning 602
• Planning 606
• Planning 608
• Planning 612
• Landscape Architecture 600
• Landscape Architecture 602

a) Core required courses:

• Planning 616
• Planning 626
• Landscape Architecture 604
• Landscape Architecture 606
• Landscape Architecture 608
• Landscape Architecture 610
• Landscape Architecture 612
• Landscape Architecture 614
• Landscape Architecture 616
• Landscape Architecture 700
• Landscape Architecture 702
• Landscape Architecture 688
• Architecture 675

b) Nine units of elective courses.

c) 3 units from Landscape Architecture 670, 672, 674, or 676

A laptop computer is required for all course-based degree programs in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. Further information pertaining to specifications will be sent out to newly-admitted students in the summer term prior to the commencement of their studies.

Attendance at orientation for first year students is required.

Only undergraduate courses numbered 500-599 may be considered for graduate-level credit and are subject to approval by the Associate Dean (Planning and Landscape).

Students are expected to enroll on a full-time basis and complete the degree requirements within two registration years (excluding the Foundation year). Maximum completion time is six registration years. See Time Limits.

Financial assistance may be available to highly qualified students but cannot be guaranteed. For information on admission and academic awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this calendar, the SAPL website and the Awards Database on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.