Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
First, we are a leading Asia-centred programme.
NUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE is distinctively Asian and pan-tropical in geographic attention with an urban emphasis. Centrally located in Singapore, one of the most dynamic, diverse, and rapidly urbanizing regions of the world, we aim to provide a landscape architecture education that is sensitive to the myriad challenges facing Asian cities, as well as opportunities inspired by the rich heritage and cultural, socio-economic, and ecological elements of the region. Singapore provides an enriching backdrop to our training of landscape architects with its diversity of culture and cosmopolitan outlook, and where greening and ecology of the built environment is a cornerstone of urban development.
Second, we train design professionals who will shape the environment.
Landscape architecture as a professional practice is constantly evolving, and landscape architects’ roles are expanding into new frontiers of practice. Foundational years give students a head start to better engage the diverse issues of designing the environment. In senior years, students choose from a variety of design paths to develop interests, strengths and potentials. These paths provide career opportunities beyond landscape architecture whereby students might venture into architecture, urban design, regional planning, integrated sustainable design, and environmental studies.
Third, we provide a rich, interdisciplinary design education.
NUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE environment is enriched by its affiliation to a full-fledged university built on world-class arts, humanities, and STEM programmes. Hosted by the Department of Architecture, with a long-standing reputation as the top Asian Architecture School and one of the top ten schools in the world, we leverage the close partnership across design disciplines through joint studios, cross-discipline electives, and networking guided by a world-class team of academics and practitioners. When students join the NUS LA programme, they will have access to a variety of cross disciplinary courses and specialised programmes, a broad range of overseas student exchanges, and excellent campus resources.
CDE takes advantage of the natural synergies and growing convergence between the fields of Engineering and Design to offer a distinctive, interdisciplinary education. Exposure to real-world scenarios, broad domain expertise and cutting-edge research in your university education will empower you to thrive in your future professional roles
The Future-focused Common Curriculum allow you to have greater control of your educational experience at NUS – whether you want to go broad, deep or both, in the fields of Design and Engineering. You can craft your own learning journey based on how broad, deep or integrated you want your education to be. More info here.
The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is a four-year Honours degree programme that prepares students to respond to multifaceted socio-ecological issues in Asia through critical thinking, analytical inquiry, and creative expression. The programme provides core foundation training in skills and knowledge that equips our graduates for professional practice or entry into advanced Master degree programmes.
Relevant topics including tropicality, site specificity, boundaries and scales, densification, multifunctionality, and placemaking are played out in the programme through integrated learning platforms in design studios and lectures. The programme is taught in unique education settings that concurrently promote speculation in design and produce grounded, action-oriented design outcomes relevant to real life issues.
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.
No. The 4-year BLA programme is only offered on a full-time basis.
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.
In short, a student of the BLA programme may apply for his/her Accredited Landscape Architect status after 4 years of education plus 3 years of practical experience.
For details on professional registration, please refer to https://www.la-accreditation.org.sg
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 architecture development, locally and internationally. You can also start to learn basic skills such as drawing and use of modelling software such as Auto Cad, Adobe graphic programmes, and SketchUp.