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Master Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture researches, sketches and shapes the landscape in which we live. We work on different scale levels, from garden to region, and always take the influence of time into account. In this field, you will work with the natural and the human made, the tangible and the imaginary, the practical and the poetic on a daily basis. As a landscape architect, you have practical knowledge of soil, water, trees and plants, among other things. You understand how people and nature are intertwined and how to shape this relationship.

Programme details
Study load240 EC (120 study, 120 practice)
Study length4 years, part-time
Language of instructionEnglish
CROHO-code44337 (M Landscape Architecture)
TitleMaster of Science (MSc)
HeadJoost Emmerik

What you learn

In the Landscape Architecture programme at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture, we explore alternative relationships between people and nature. We look beyond the current anthropocentric approach, in which everything is at service of humans, and seek a more ecocentric attitude. In doing so, we design conditions that benefit all forms of life, human and non-human. This way of working is in line with the Academy's Climate Curriculum, in which we strive for nature-positive, regenerative and equitable design in all our education and research.

Landscape architecture is sometimes described as ‘drawing in the topography’, but the profession encompasses much more. In the master's course at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture, you will acquire the knowledge, insight and skills that enable you to solve spatial problems through design and to visualise new topographical situations. You will not only learn to reconcile new elements such as water, infrastructure, buildings or greenery with the existing qualities and possibilities of the natural and historical environment, but also how to set a process in motion which an increasing amount of parties will latch on to.

As part of the Amsterdam University of the Arts, we at the Academy of Architecture are in a good position to connect the practical and the poetic in our design and research studios, together with our students, and thus arrive at meaningful designs that contribute to improving the living conditions for all forms of life. 

Research is an important part of the work, as genuine understanding and innovation can arise from this. That also means gaining understanding of other factors than the spatial one: the users, the creators and the managers. Above all, the landscape architect is explicitly aware of the influence that the time factor has on the quality of the environment, and can let this do its work. By introducing the right basic conditions, a high-quality outdoor environment is created.

In the landscape architecture curriculum, I strive to connect the practical and the poetic, thereby creating meaningful designs that contribute to improving living conditions for all forms of life.
Joost Emmerik

About the curriculum

All three study programmes have the same structure. In the six teaching semesters prior to graduation, six forms of education are offered parallel to each other: projects, research, form studies, lectures, electives and reflection. These forms of education are not only devoted to the development of knowledge and skills with these educational components, but students also actively work on their own portfolio.

During your studies, you will spend half your time studying and the other half in the professional field. This educational model — the concurrent model — gives you the opportunity to build a peer network and gain experience in professional practice during your studies. Read more about the curriculum in our Study Guide or watch the video below. 

 

EMiLA: European Master in Landscape Architecture

EMiLA offers landscape architecture students the opportunity to learn about the profession in the European context and to gain teaching experience abroad. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the major European themes for landscape architecture and learn about the different approaches to the subject. Students learn how political differences within Europe affect the landscape and gain insight into cross-border landscape cooperation. 

If you choose the EMiLAprogramme as a Landscape Architecture student, you will not attend classes at the Academy of Architecture in your second year of study, but two semesters at two schools of your choice instead. In addition to the programme at these participating institutes, you will follow a Summer School programme and an e-learning programme. Read more about EMiLA.

Interdisciplinary and international

Architecture, urban design and landscape architecture are independent disciplines, but are inextricably linked with each other at the same time. The Amsterdam Academy of Architecture is the only Dutch design study programme that offers these three spatial disciplines in combination. By focusing on the essence and skills of your profession and, at the same time, partly working in interdisciplinary groups, you will be prepared for an integrated professional practice in the current field of work, where there is an increasing demand for your specific design skills within blurring boundaries. Working within an international context is also becoming increasingly important.

The Academy also maintains an active network of foreign study programmes, through which students and lecturers are exchanged on a small scale, and is a member of the European Association of Architectural Education (EAAE).

After graduation

After the Master’sprogramme in Landscape Architecture, you will have access to a broad and well-grounded range of design and research tools and you will be able to operate as a landscape architect both nationally and internationally. Moreover, you will be able to effectively collaborate with other disciplines in the design, planning and implementation process as an independent designer within a bureau, or you can begin your own bureau. After successfully completing your programme, you will have direct access to the Dutch Architects' Registration Board.  Curious to find out what students think of the programme? Watch the video below. 

 

Image in header: Stadswildernis by alumnus Mark Vergeer.

 

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Application and admission

More information

 

Open days

Get to know the Academy, in-person or online!

 

Study Guide 2025-2026

Read more about the curriculum