International Master of Landscape Architecture (IMLA)

Overview

This English-language master's is structured around practice-oriented subject areas that build technical, design and managerial competence in landscape architecture. The curriculum concentrates on real-world project work and applied methods, with a particular emphasis on European and cross-border issues. Students work on projects carried out in various European countries, giving the course a distinctly international and practice-driven focus.

What you will study

The programme covers the following practice-oriented topics:

• Planning and designing projects at various scales
• International planning and design
• Planning and project management
• Information technology in planning and design
• Planning and design methods
• Landscape as a system

The programme is designed to deliver high-quality, labour-market relevant training with a strong practical orientation. For a complete breakdown of modules, learning outcomes, application procedures and entry criteria, please download the programme guide.

Entry & application — key points

• Language of instruction: English
• Practical, project-based focus with projects in multiple European countries
• Training aimed at meeting current and future labour-market demands in landscape architecture
• For full details on admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fees and the complete curriculum, consult the programme guide (available for download)

Program structure

This international Master’s in Landscape Architecture is jointly delivered by two German universities, with the campus for each intake alternating between the partner institutions. The course is organised into three semesters (first: summer, second: winter, third: summer) and culminates in a master’s thesis. Teaching balances design and theory with a strong practical orientation: many modules on management, marketing and digital planning methods are taught by external specialists, and project work is regularly reviewed by invited guest critics.

Curriculum focus and learning outcomes

The programme develops technical, managerial and research skills needed for contemporary landscape architecture practice. Early semesters build core competencies in GIS, landscape theory (including landscape democracy), planning and design methods, and project management—teaching students to analyse landscapes as systems and to lead spatial planning initiatives. Mid-programme modules deepen digital and strategic capabilities (visualisation, digital terrain modelling, strategic project management) while training in research methods, monitoring and assessment prepares students to evaluate project performance. The third semester offers an international elective or studio project and reserves time for the master’s thesis; preparatory assessments include a landscape-architecture internship and an international online seminar. Graduates leave able to produce digitally informed designs, manage complex projects, conduct applied research and work across national planning systems.

Curriculum highlights

• Semester 1 (summer): Geographical Information Systems; Landscape Concepts / Landscape Democracy; Planning and Design Methods; Work Methodology; Project Management in Spatial Planning; Landscape as System; Main project I
• Semester 2 (winter): Visualisation and Digital Terrain Modelling; Strategic Project Management; Landscape Architecture Research; Monitoring and Assessment of Landscape Architecture Projects; Planning Systems; International Approach to Planning and Design; Main project II
• Semester 3 (summer): Elective (international seminar or international studio project); Master’s thesis

Entry / preparatory requirements (as specified)

• Landscape architecture internship (preparatory assessment)
• International online seminar (preparatory assessment)
• Note: study location alternates between the two partner universities for each intake

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for practice-oriented roles in landscape architecture, spatial planning and project management, particularly in international and cross-border contexts. Practical project work, strategic management modules and training in digital planning tools aim to develop skills that match evolving labour-market needs in European planning and landscape sectors.

Internships, international studio projects and industry-led teaching increase graduates' employability by providing real-world experience and professional contacts. Alumni can expect to pursue careers in design offices, planning authorities, consultancies or NGOs engaged in landscape, urban and environmental planning across Europe.