Landscape Architecture (MSc)

Overview

This Master of Science in Landscape Architecture is housed in the Faculty of Architecture and builds on the Bachelor’s programme in Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning at the Weihenstephan Science Centre as well as equivalent degrees from other universities. The degree is offered in German and English. Applicants whose prior degree programmes carry fewer than 240 ECTS must make up the missing credits after admission, which will extend the overall study period.

The programme runs for three semesters (90 ECTS) and is organised as a practice- and research-oriented project study. Design-related project work is the central component, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to complex landscape and urban problems and engaging with current research and social challenges. The first two semesters combine studio projects with elective modules; the final semester is dedicated to an independently supervised Master’s thesis, which must be completed within six months.

Teaching and research in the programme are anchored in four core professorships that collaborate closely: Landscape Architecture and Public Space (urban and landscape development processes, design of inclusive urban spaces); Landscape Architecture and Industrial Landscape (analysis and design of city, garden and landscape relationships in industrial and post‑industrial contexts); Landscape Architecture of Regional Open Spaces (planning and development of larger spatial contexts, cities and cultural landscapes); and Green Technologies in Landscape Architecture (biological‑technical innovations for new open‑space typologies, their aesthetic and technical performance). The Master’s level both integrates these chairs in teaching and research and prepares the next generation of researchers.

Requirements and key facts

• Degree level: Master of Science (MSc)
• Duration and credits: 3 semesters, 90 ECTS
• Structure: Project-based studios (semesters 1–2) + electives; semester 3 for Master’s thesis
• Thesis: Completed within six months
• Entry qualification: Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture/landscape planning or equivalent
• Credit threshold: Applicants from programmes with <240 ECTS must complete missing credits after admission (extends study time)
• Language of instruction: German and English

Program overview

This official Master’s programme, offered by the Faculty of Architecture at TUM, is a research-informed course that brings together planning, artistic creativity and technical expertise in the field of landscape architecture. It is open to graduates of equivalent study programmes from other universities and aims to balance a strong theoretical foundation with preparation for professional practice.

Core areas and modules

Rather than listing specific course titles, the curriculum is organised around several interrelated thematic areas: spatial and urban planning, creative and artistic design processes, and technical methods for landscape construction and environmental systems. Teaching combines analytical methods and design studios so students learn to conceive, test and implement solutions for open spaces and complex urban systems across multiple scales.

Learning outcomes and professional orientation

Graduates will develop competencies in analytical thinking, creative design and technical execution related to open-space and urban landscape projects. The programme emphasizes the ability to work across scales—from detailed site design to broader urban systems—and prepares students for careers that require both conceptual design skills and practical planning or technical know‑how. For a full, official description of the programme structure and courses, please see the degree programme documentation (PDF, German).

Admissions requirements (concise)

• Applicants must hold a degree from an equivalent study programme at another university.
• Consult the degree programme documentation (PDF, German) for complete entry requirements and application details.

Graduates are prepared for professional practice in landscape architecture, open space planning and urban development, working in design offices, municipal planning departments, environmental consultancies and private industry focused on post‑industrial and industrial landscapes. The programme’s strong project and research orientation equips students to address social and technical challenges in urban and regional contexts, including implementation of green technologies and ecological design solutions.

The Master also builds a foundation for research and academic careers; students interested in research can pursue doctoral studies or roles in applied research institutions. Practical career paths include roles in landscape and urban design, landscape planning, ecological restoration, public space conception, and consultancy relating to sustainable and technical green infrastructure.