MALandscape architecture

Study location	Poland, Wrocław
Type	Master, full-time
Nominal duration	4 sem. (120 ECTS)
Study language	English
Awards	MA (Landscape architecture)

Entry qualification

Undergraduate diploma (or higher) A candidate must have BSc degree in Landscape Architecture or in a similar area of study and meet the English language requirements on B2 level. Your BSc degree should cover most of the following subjects/ skills: *Mathematics, plant biology and geometry necessary to understand and describe space. A candidate should know the basic principles of perspective, proportion, sculpture and drawing composition and space mapping. *Creating design guidelines based on conclusions drawn from analyses. Using basic principles of landscape shaping and of small architecture designing. *Taxonomy and nomenclature of plants, plant classifying on the basis of organism structure, habitat requirements and of its usage in landscape design. A candidate should know basic principles of conducting plant inventory and green areas maintenance. *Basic skills of drawing simplified project documentation in accordance with the formal and legal requirements. Ability to present the documentation in the form of drawings and description. A candidates should possess the knowledge of visualization techniques and the landscape shaping principles with the usage of geometry principles and computer techniques. He/ she is able to use hand drawing for spatial analysis and conveying information on landscape. *A candidate has basic knowledge in terms of natural laws and activities in favour of the environment (its maintenance, shaping and protection). He/ she knows the principles of cultural landscape composition. *Recognising the characteristic features of historical periods in urban and rural systems. A candidate knows the old and modern trends in garden shaping. He/ she understands the their philosophical and cultural backgrounds. *A candidate possess the knowledge of protection methods of historical buildings within the landscape. *A candidate knows the basic building materials and their use in building industry and landscape architecture. He/ she knows the mechanisms of the market economy and the basics of doing business. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English / Polish. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. If you are eligible for admission, you must submit a set of original paper documents in order to be accepted.

Territory requirements	Applications are accepted from the following territories (based on citizenship): China, Poland.

Language requirements

English Candidates need to proof their English proficiency on at least B2 level (of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR). Language test requirements: - University of Cambridge Exams: FCE with minimum points 160; CAE or CPE with minimum points 120, - TOEFL (Internet based) with minimum of 75 points, - IELTS Academic Test with minimum of 5,5 points. Exception from English tests: Applicants who have obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the home country with English as the Language of instruction are exempt from the test.

Other requirements	A motivation letter must be added to your application.

Overview

This programme is a joint degree Master’s course. It is provided by Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław and by Hunan Agricultural University of Changsha in China.
A Student of the Landscape Architecture Master’s course gains in-depth knowledge in technical and natural sciences. The programme aims at mastering design skills with the use of various computer tools and programs. A graduate will acquire advanced spatial arrangements skills.
Studies last 4 semesters. First semester is provided in Poland for all students. Second semester is a practical one, which means students have practice which takes place in Poland (for Chinese students) and in China (for Polish students). Last (third) practical semester is conducted at Hunan Agricultural University of Changsha in China or at WUELS in Wroclaw. Polish students spend the fourth semester at the University in Poland. It is students’ choice where they want to defend their Master’s thesis (Poland or China). It’s a joint degree program so after graduating you are granted double diploma, Chinese and Polish.

Programme structure

Obligatory subjects: Shaping of landscape of the rural areas in Europe, Chinese traditional landscape engineering and technology, The construction and protection of Chinese historical and cultural city landscape, The construction and protection and recover of rural landscape in China.

Elective subjects: history and theory of space shaping, social aspects of shaping urban landscape, comprehensive abilities to landscape architecture, introduction to landscape architecture, garden building and ornaments design, urban green space system planning, environmental art performance techniques, shaping of therapeutic environment, historical fortification in landscape, stone in landscape.

Career opportunities

The course equips a student to pursue a professional career in landscape design, in executive and advisory work. The profession of the landscape architect is mainly a freelance job, so the most crucial things in this field are: knowledge, practical skills, and experience gained in internships and projects. A graduate will be ready to conduct detailed inventory, asses the vegetation condition, design small architecture and park surroundings. Combining study experience in both Poland and China will enhance employability in the market and will be a distinguishing asset in the professional career path.

Where will you be able to work after graduation?

A graduate is prepared to run his own landscape architecture business or may work in any organization that focuses its activity on designing, arranging and maintaining of green areas also those combined with built-up areas. A student will be ready to cooperate with other landscape shaping specialists (e.g. town planners) while working on rural or urban areas planning.