ADMISSIONS

Admission

1.1 What are the subject requisites for admission to BLA programme.

I) A levels (New Curriculum):

H1 pass in Chemistry or Mathematics or Physics; OR pass in ‘O’ level Additional Mathematics.

II) Diplomas (excluding Advanced Diplomas/ Specialist Diplomas/ Certificate Courses) from local Polytechnics:

A pass in E Maths attained at the GCE ‘O’ Level exam

Applicants who do not fulfil the minimum GCE ‘O’ Level Elementary Mathematics requirement but have obtained the relevant following Diploma Plus Programme*

Transcripts / Certificate in University Preparatory Mathematics depending on the Polytechnics would be deemed as having met the Mathematics requirement.

* Diploma Plus Programme (Certificate in Advanced Computing Mathematics)
* Diploma Plus Programme in Advanced Engineering Mathematics

III) International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Pass in SL Chemistry or SL MAA or SL Physics; OR HL MAI

IV) NUS High School Diploma

A good major CAP in either Chemistry or Mathematics or Physics

V) International Students

Year 12 or Higher Level pass in Chemistry or Mathematics or Physics or Physical Science.

For detailed admission requirements, please refer to www.nus.edu.sg/oam

1.2. Who are eligible to be considered under discretionary admission?

For discretionary admission, other factors besides academic grades will be taken into consideration. The following are some samples of exceptional achievements that the University may take into consideration:

• Medal winner at the International Olympiads (Biology, Chemistry, Informatics, Mathematics and Physics)
• Winner in the National Science & Talent Search
• Represented Singapore in Arts and/or Sports
• Active participation in community service and volunteer programmes.
• Work experience relevant to the course applied for (supporting document/s is/are required)
• Key leadership positions in community organisations, sports and athletic clubs, etc (outside school)
• Other relevant supporting documents related to the course applying for.

1.3. I enrolled into a polytechnic via PFP, so do not have any O’ Levels. How will this affect my eligibility?

Applicants who do not fulfil the minimum GCE ‘O’ Level Elementary Mathematics requirement and do not have the Graduate DDP Transcript mentioned may still submit an application. They will be assessed based on their polytechnic results and other results/ certificates presented under the Outstanding Achievements section. The University may evaluate these applicants on a case-by-case basis. Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an admissions interview under the discretion of the School of Design and Environment.

1.4 What is the GPA requirement for BLA enrolment of Polytechnic Students?

As this is a new course, there is no indicative grade profile (IGP).

Students can refer to the subject requisites to find out the requisite for admission and the IGP of the other courses as reference. Click here to find out more.

Admission Interview

2.1. Who are required to attend the admission interview?

Shortlisted Candidates will be required to attend an interview with portfolio as part of the selection process in order to be considered for admission.

Candidates with Diploma in Landscape Architecture / Landscape Design & Horticulture from local Polytechnics will be required to present their portfolio during the interview. Other candidates are encouraged (although not compulsory) to present their creative work during the interview

2.2. Do I need to submit a portfolio together with my application?

You need not submit the portfolio at the point of application.

However, should you be selected to attend the admission interview, you are required (for Diploma students) or encouraged to bring along your portfolio as evidence of your interest in design.

2.3. What do I need to include in the portfolio?

The portfolio should show the candidate’s creative work.

If possible, this should document an accumulation of work over several years. The content may include (but should not be restricted to) drawings, paintings, graphic design, magazine layouts, posters, stage design, web design etc. As far as possible, the portfolio should be neatly arranged, bound and indexed in a suitable format, determined by the applicant.

2.4. Is drawing a requisite skill in order to be considered for admission?

Although it is beneficial for applicants to know how to draw, it is not a prerequisite. Drawing is only one of many components needed in the course. It is also a skill which can be picked up if you are diligent and determined.

2.5. How would I know if I have the aptitude for landscape architecture?

You should show an interest in design, a curiosity in how things work and in the outdoor environment . You should have keen observation skills, and an ability to express and describe ideas in visual and verbal formats.

2.6. How can I prepare for an education in landscape architecture?

You should talk to people who are working as landscape architects and senior students to understand the professional and student life. It would be helpful to acquaint yourself with basic landscape architecture knowledge through books and the internet and have an appreciation of landscape architectural development, locally and internationally. You can also start to learn basic skills such as landscape drawing and use of modelling software such as SketchUp.

NUS Landscape Architectural Education

3.1. What is the academic structure of the landscape architecture programme offered at NUS?

NUS Landscape Architecture provides a holistic programme which equips students with design, technical and critical thinking skills and knowledge.

In the first year, students are introduced to foundational concepts in design—ways of sensing, reading, understanding, and interpreting fundamental landscape elements in forms, structures, materiality, and functions. A basic grounding in the first year includes an introduction to landscape architecture, history and theory course, and essential landscape representation through multidimensional drawing and model-making.

In the second and third years, students progress to acquire more advanced skills in site representation, site analysis, design representation and through specialized software, and spatial analytical tools like Geographic Information System. Students begin to synthesize landscape forms, structures, processes and functions as means to develop thorough understand of site. Students acquire more specialized knowledge in planting design, landscape engineering, as well as skills in advanced water sensitive urban design. Students are introduced to various aspects of professional practice and have an elective to intern with a local practice. Studios increasingly intensify in complexity and scale to enable students to research a wide range of landscape issues and approaches.

The fourth-year overlaps the first year of the Master of Landscape Architecture programme, and emphasizes critical analysis, research and grasp of emerging techniques. Students begin to explore site data capture using remote sensing and application of point clouds in performative landscape design. Students are also offered opportunities for independent studies under the guidance of a supervisor.

Upon completion of the four-year programme, students are eligible to apply for the MLA programme. Successful students can expect to graduate with an MLA upon completion of the second year of the MLA programme.

The NUS Landscape Architecture environment is enriched by its affiliation to a full-fledged university built on world-class arts, humanities, and STEM programmes. When you join NUS Landscape Architecture, you will have access to a variety of cross disciplinary courses and specialised programmes, a broad range of overseas student exchanges, and excellent campus resources.

3.2. Is the BLA  programme offered on part-time basis?

No. The 4-year BLA  programme is only offered on a full-time basis.

3.3. Is BLA programme a licensed programme?

There is currently no professional licensing  / Qualified Person certification required for Landscape Architects in Singapore. However, graduates are encouraged to pursue accredited landscape architects status.

NUS Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is not a licenced program but it is a professional programme that is recognised by the Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (SILA) Landscape Architects Accreditation.

In order to qualify for the professional exam conducted by SILA, BLA graduates need to undertake at least 3 years of practical experience after completion of the BLA programme.

MLA graduates need to undertake at least 2 years of practical experience in order to qualify for the professional exam conducted by SILA.

For details on professional registration, please refer to https://www.la-accreditation.org.sg

In short, a student of the BLA programme may apply his/her Accredited Landscape Architect status after 4 years of education plus 3 years of practical experience.

3.4. What are the exchange and overseas enrichment opportunities available for architecture students?

In its emphasis to engage the opportunities and challenges of globalisation, NUS has implemented Student Exchange Programmes (SEP) to more than 150 universities. Landscape Architecture students have the opportunity to participate in SEPs for one semester, with more than 30 partner universities (at Departmental and University Level) in Asia, Europe and USA.

In addition to the student exchange programme, the Department creates opportunities and sponsors numerous overseas field trips, overseas enrichment programmes and design workshops conducted abroad (TBC). These activities enhance our students’ academic experience and enrich their exposure to design conditions under myriad social-cultural milieus.

3.5. Are students able to take part in internships to gain practical exposure?

Most students obtain practical experience through internship with landscape architectural practices during the semester break. The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture students can participate in a structured Landscape Architecture Internship Programme between their third and fourth year of study, to gain practical experience in the profession.

3.6. Are there any scholarships available?

Gardens by the Bay scholarship and Design Singapore Scholarship are available for BLA students.

There are also various NUS scholarships and financial aid available. Please refer to the following links for more details:

http://www.nus.edu.sg//oam/scholarships.html

http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/financial-aid

Career Opportunities

4.1. What are the job prospects and types of jobs for a BLA graduate from NUS? Is it difficult to get a job? What is the approximate average starting salary expected?

NUS BLA graduates have several choices. They can work in government agencies, architectural or landscape architectural firms or in other related fields as project managers, graphic designers, animators, model makers, etc. They may continue their study up to masters level offered in the Department: Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA), further leading to PhD degree. Alternatively, they may also continue their education with other masters programs in and across a variety of fields.

Approximate starting salaries vary, depending on several factors including type of company and prevailing economic situations at the time of graduation and job application.

Others

5.1 What is the difference between the BLA and the BA(Architecture) programme in NUS?

The key difference between an architect and a landscape architect is the scale of design work each focuses on.

An architect typically works at a building scale but can also work at smaller scales including interiors and objects; a landscape architect designs outdoor environment that surrounds us, buildings and all built infrastructure.

The BA (Arch) programme primarily focus on architectural formations of various scales and context. The study of landscape architecture spans the local, micro and mesoscales, covering spaces from gardens and parks, to towns and cities (green infrastructure systems, green space planning and design), to urban agglomeration (biodiversity corridors, peri-urban and rural areas), with a special focus in Asia.

The primary remit of a landscape architect is to create environments that protect and conserve nature, and of which foster connection with human connection to nature. Modules which are unique to the BLA programme include, History & Theory of Landscape Architecture, Planting Design, Geo design, and Landscape Construction.

5.2 I would like to transfer to NUS from an overseas university. What are the admission criteria and application process?

You may refer to office of admission website http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/

for admission procedures through International Candidates category. The requisite for the course is Year 12 or higher level pass in Chemistry or Mathematics or Physics or Physical Science.. Information on the financial resources, tuition fees etc can also be accessed from the above website.

Applicants who are shortlisted would be required to attend an interview that would be held in April/ early May at our Department.

Credit transfer from your previous course will only be considered after the candidate has been offered a place in the programme and it is not guaranteed.

Normally we would need to review the programme syllabus and the results of the candidate for any exemption consideration.

5.3 What is the tuition fee for the BLA programme?

The tuition fees for the BLA programme is not published yet.

You can use the fees under Design and Environment as a rough guide first

http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/ug/UGTuitionCurrent.pdf

5.4 Is CCA important in the BLA enrolment selection process?

CCA may be considered under discretionary admission. See http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/undergraduate-programmes/igp-faqs point 8

5.5 How long does overseas studio last for and are the expenses included in the school fees?

Students may have one overseas studio in Year 4 of BLA. Overseas studio tend to span over a period of 7-10 days. Expenses required for the overseas trip are not included in the school fees.

5.6 Are students enrolled into BLA provided with the design softwares (e.g. Autocad, Adobe photoshop, Sketchup, Revit etc.)  required for the course?

NUS provides Adobe software for students to use in the campus computer clusters.

Students who require to have the design software on their laptop, will have to purchase the software on their own from https://www.adobe.com/sea/creativecloud/buy/students.html

Google Sketchup is provided for students’ use in the lab clusters in NUS.

Design software are not provided for installation into personal laptops/computers.

Students can make use of student’s version of required software for installation into their personal devices. Such software might be free version of Sketchup, and student license for Autodesk software.

5.7 I am currently pursuing another degree in a different institution, can I apply for a course transfer?

Yes, interested applicant can apply for transfer under http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/apply-to-nus/transfer-applicants under the Current students in NUS/Yale-NUS/NTU/SMU/SUTD/SUSS/SIT seeking a change of course section.

5.8 Can I apply for a Minor programme while pursing my undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture?

Yes. We have put together a list of recommended Minor programmes that will facilitate a greater appreciation for design and the environment for undergraduates of the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture course. More details can be found here.

For more information on the Minor programmes available in NUS, please visit http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/academic-information-policies/undergraduate-students/special-programmes/minor-programmes