phd in landscape architecture in canada

Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture, Landscape, and Design (Ph.D.)

Application, deadline to apply.

• January 3, 2024 : You must make your application payment and submit all transcripts electronically by this date. Note: Transcripts are uploaded only after the payment is made.
• January 10, 2024 : You must submit all other supporting documents (Letters of Reference, CV, Research Proposal, Portfolio, and Writing Sample(s)) by this date.

Submissions are due by 11:59pm (EST; Eastern Standard Time).

Academic Requirements

Applicants should have appropriate academic credentials (a master’s degree or equivalent in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Fine Arts, Engineering, Environmental Design or, exceptionally, in a related field) with an average grade of at least A-. A Master of Architecture or Master of Landscape Architecture first professional degree or Master of Fine Arts is preferred, but not required.

Transcripts

Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended must be submitted electronically . Applicants who receive an offer of admission will be required to submit official hard copy transcripts to the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design prior to registration.

Carefully read the Transcripts page for submission instructions.

English Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. The required minimum scores and further details on how to submit test results are listed on the School of Graduate Studies website . This requirement should be met at the time of application.

Applicants must:

• Self-report the test results on the online admission application as instructed and;
• Arrange for the official results to be sent electronically to the University of Toronto by the testing agency. The Daniels Faculty will not approach testing agencies on behalf of an applicant.

Please note: Applicants submitting English proficiency testing may be asked for further demonstration of their English proficiency.

Supporting Documents

Note: All documents being sent or handed in to the Daniels Faculty should clearly indicate applicant number and full legal name of applicant on packaging unless being sent directly from an institution. Once supporting documents are submitted they become the property of the University of Toronto and cannot be returned.

All supporting documents listed below are mandatory and must be submitted with your application. Carefully read the information below for guidelines on each supporting document.

Curriculum Vitae

Letters of Reference

Research Proposal

• Writing Sample(s)

Portfolio (Optional)

There are no page limits or specific requirements; however, we encourage applicants to edit this carefully. It is not recommended that an applicant include their photograph on their CV or any other application materials.

Three letters of reference are required for each application. These letters of reference are submitted electronically on the Online Admissions Application and are only shared among the programs listed on the application. The system will automatically email an electronic submission request to each referee as soon as the reference portion of the application has been saved.  It is highly recommended that applicants confirm referee availability prior to submitting contact details.   All letters of reference  must   be received by the document deadline for the application to be considered complete.

We recommend checking with each referee to ensure they have received the automatic email request. University of Toronto emails will sometimes be blocked by email security filters. If a referee has not received the email, please ask them to check their Junk Mail folder. If they still have not received the request, applicants have the ability to re-send the request through the Online Admissions Application. Do not use this function as a reminder for your referee.

Letters of reference will be part of the official student academic record; they are confidential and applicants/students will not have access to them. For more information, please see  FIPPA and its Application to the University of Toronto . 

A two-page research proposal must be submitted. As the PhD program aims to support emerging forms of design and scholarly practice that address the complex issues confronting the built environment, it is expected that applicants’ research proposals will be in this spirit. In their research proposal, applicants should describe a topic of research that relates to one of the four areas of study ( history and theory , computation and fabrication , health and society , and technology and environment ) as well as initial ideas for how the proposal might go beyond disciplinary lines to take advantage of synergies between these fields. Likewise, applicants are encouraged to describe how skills from prior studies would be developed and applied in this context.

The proposed topic must be congruent with the interests and expertise of at least one member of the Ph.D. Program Faculty .

Writing Sample

Applicants must submit a writing sample, in the form of a substantial research paper or publication. The writing sample must be submitted electronically   and should demonstrate academic communication skills. Writing samples must be limited to 10 pages or less.

Applicants who feel a visual representation of work is required to support their research proposal have the option to portfolio of work. The portfolio  must be limited to 12 pages or less.

• Save file name as Lastname_Firstname_PhDPortfolio and send as a single PDF file
• Clearly indicate your full name (as it appears on your online application) in your email and on your portfolio
• Clearly indicate your full application number

Supervision

Supervisor Preference 

As part of the application, applicants are required to list three choices for a preferred Primary Supervisor from the Daniels ALD PhD Core Faculty List   and submit a brief description of how their research interest is congruent with the interests and expertise of these faculty members.

Applicants are not required to secure a supervisor prior to submitting an application, however, we strongly recommend that you contact potential supervisors via email well in advance of the application deadline as it is best to list faculty members who have responded with interest.

Note: A commitment from the potential supervisor is not necessary for application as our students are selected by an admissions committee and not by a single supervisor. This information is gathered for admission purposes only, a supervisor will be assigned to you officially upon admission into the program.

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Architecture, Landscape, and Design, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture, Landscape, and Design advances research and scholarship addressing the social, environmental, historical, physical, and technical questions of design and the built environment. The program is based on existing areas of faculty expertise and research within the John H. Daniels Faculty. This structure allows for cross-disciplinary study and collaboration that is not found in comparator programs. Additionally, the program is the first of its kind in Canada and will raise the profile of landscape architecture within the professional world and within academia by integrating it within the study of architecture and design at the doctoral level. The program will enable research in landscape and related topics that will engage advanced study in architecture and urban design. It will begin to meet the demand for research that addresses problems across the design disciplines including environmental and ecological quality from historical, theoretical, and cultural perspectives. One of the foci of the program is to contribute to emerging forms of design and scholarly practice that address the complex issues confronting the built environment.  It will also address a need for advanced specialized research within the design disciplines. Graduates will be grounded in a research informed practice that will transcend current disciplinary boundaries and position them to engage and lead the emerging, broader discussion, outside and between the specific design disciplines.  They will become traditional academics, consultants, and leaders in diverse fields, such museums and other cultural institutions; non-profit organizations; government; finance; and the consumer market.

Potential applicants will hold a master’s degree or equivalent in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Fine Arts, Engineering, Environmental Design. Students will complete 12 half-credit courses, a two-part comprehensive exam, a dissertation proposal, and a dissertation.  The PhD is designed to be completed in four years.

School of Graduate Studies

Landscape architecture, program overview.

The professional Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) degree, for students new to the discipline, uses intensive studio-based courses to address the design challenges facing urban landscapes today. Complementary lecture and seminar courses in history, theory, technology, and environmental studies provide comprehensive professional training and serve as a forum to examine landscape architecture’s synthetic role in design and planning at scales ranging from the garden to the region.

After a four-session core curriculum, students develop independent research directions that culminate in the final term’s thesis studio. The program’s goal is to develop progressive models for landscape architecture practice: we encourage work that explores and extends the discipline’s ties to the humanities, environmental and social sciences, and engineering.

Quick Facts

Master of landscape architecture, program description.

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is a professional program that focuses on urban and regional landscape architecture within a studio-based curriculum. Integrated courses in design; visual communication and modelling; history, theory, and criticism; site engineering and material technologies; horticulture, ecology, hydrology; professional practice and research methods seminars, as well as options for electives, provide a comprehensive professional education in landscape architecture. The program prepares students with a strong base in the fundamentals of the profession, while fostering innovative thinkers able to work collaboratively with allied disciplines, in preparation for becoming the next generation of leaders in landscape architecture.

MLA Program (3-Year Option)

The 3-year option within the MLA program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become a Landscape Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

A bachelor's degree (such as BA, BSc, BASc, BES, BFA, BCom) with a minimum average of mid-B.

Some preparation or experience in architectural design or the creative arts is encouraged, but not required, such as hand or digital drawing, film or animation, graphic design, or sculpture. This program is suitable for those without formal training in design or the arts; graduates of any discipline are encouraged to apply.

Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 15.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

14.5 FCEs in core courses:

4.0 FCEs: Design Studio

1.0 FCE: Design Studio Options

1.5 FCEs: Design Studio Thesis

2.0 FCEs: Visual Communication

2.0 FCEs: History, Theory, Criticism

1.5 FCEs: Technology

1.5 FCEs: Environment

1.0 FCE: Professional Practice and Research Methods

1.0 elective FCE.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W/F/W)

3 years full-time

MLA Program (2-Year: Second-Year Advanced-Standing Option)

The 2-year option within the MLA program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become a Landscape Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

An appropriate bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, architecture, architectural studies, or environmental design, or a comparable degree focusing on the design of landscapes and the built environment.

Admission is based on the merits of the applicant's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the admissions committee.

Admission to the advanced-standing option depends upon the student's previous coursework exempting them Year 1 of the MLA curriculum. If the student's coursework does not satisfy the Year 1 requirements, they may be considered for the 3-year option.

Minimum previous completion of three design studio courses, two courses in digital visual representation (including Rhinoceros, Illustrator, Laser Cutting), two courses in landscape architecture history and theory (one in 20th-century), and two courses in landscape architecture site engineering (i.e., site grading) and planting design, horticulture, urban ecology, or forest ecology.

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 10.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

9.5 FCEs in core courses as follows:

2.0 FCEs: Design Studio

1.0 FCE: Visual Communication

0.5 FCE: History, Theory, Criticism

1.0 FCE: Technology

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W)

MLA Program (1-Year: Post-Professional Advanced-Standing Option)

The 1-year option within the MLA program is ideal for those who wish to undertake a graduate-level, academic research project, independent of the pathway to professional licensure. Those who wish to become a licensed Landscape Architect should consider the 2- or 3-year program options above.

A post-professional advanced-standing option is available for students who are interested in pursuing advanced study beyond their professional degree.

Applicants must have completed all requirements for an accredited professional degree in landscape from a recognized university.

The post-professional advanced-standing option does not grant a professionally accredited degree.

Each student’s program of study must receive the approval of the Program Director and, in general, shall consist of a research or design project on which a thesis must be submitted. Faculty members have research expertise in the following areas of interest, which students may pursue: Computation and Fabrication; Health and Society; and Sustainability and Environment.

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

4.0 FCEs in core courses:

0.5 FCE: ALA4010H Field Course

0.5 FCE: ALA4020H Thesis Preparation

1.0 FCE: ALA4021Y Thesis I

1.5 FCE: ALA4022Y Thesis II

0.5 FCE: ALA4030H Colloquium

2.0 elective FCEs, of which 1.0 FCE must be in the student's area of interest.

2 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W)

“It's okay sometimes to feel lost. This is part of research.”

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Architecture, landscape, and design, architecture, landscape, and design: introduction, faculty affiliation, degree programs, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, visual studies.

• Curatorial Studies;

Collaborative Specializations

The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:

• Architecture, Landscape, and Design, PhD
• Landscape Architecture, MLA
• Architecture, MArch
• Urban Design, MUD
• Visual Studies, MVS

The Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design offers professional graduate programs in areas characterized by exceptional change. Globalization and the convergence of new media, new materials, and new building technologies have led to significant economic, technological, and aesthetic shifts. As a leading school of architecture, landscape, forestry, and design in North America, the Faculty is responding to these changing realities.

The greater Toronto region serves as a dynamic laboratory for critical studies and the exploration of design alternatives of international significance. Students also have access to Toronto’s large professional design community. Students and faculty are incredibly cosmopolitan in sensibility, hailing from every part of the world, with their work crossing geographic and cultural boundaries. The city’s multicultural networks and international connections make the Faculty a powerful place to start a career.

The Faculty has grown exceptionally in recent years with the hiring of new faculty and the revamping of its master's programs. With architecture, landscape architecture, forestry, urban design, and visual studies sharing facilities, the Faculty benefits from rich collaborations and crossover between related disciplines.

The growth has led to the recent construction of a new building which doubles the Faculty’s size and creates a new and unprecedented centre at the University of Toronto for education, research, and public outreach on architecture, urbanism, visual arts, landscape, and conservation.

Contact and Address

Web: www.daniels.utoronto.ca Email: [email protected] PhD program: [email protected] Telephone: (416) 946-3897

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design University of Toronto 1 Spadina Crescent Toronto, Ontario M5S 2J5 Canada

Architecture, Landscape, and Design: Graduate Faculty

Full members, members emeriti, associate members, architecture, landscape, and design: architecture march, master of architecture, program description.

The Master of Architecture (MArch) is a professional degree program and provides a thorough base of knowledge in history, theory, technology, ecology, society, and professional practice, while developing skills in design through an intensive sequence of design studio courses. These are supported by courses in visual communication and architectural representation including computer modelling and other new media. The program aims to develop critical, creative, and independent thinking and research that responds to current design issues and societal changes. The greater Toronto region is used as an urban laboratory for the development of new knowledge and forms of practice.

In Canada, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is the sole agency authorized by the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) to accredit Canadian professional degree programs in architecture for the purposes of architectural licensure.

MArch Program (3-Year Option)

The 3-year option within the MArch program is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become an Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

A bachelor's degree (BA, BSc, BASc, BES, BFA, BCom) with a final-year grade point average of at least mid-B.

Recommended: courses in secondary calculus, secondary physics, and university-level architectural history (0.5 full-course equivalent [FCE]).

Some preparation or experience in architectural design or the creative arts is encouraged, but not required, such as hand or digital drawing, film or animation, graphic design, or sculpture. This program is suitable for those without formal training in design or the arts; graduates of any discipline are encouraged to apply.

Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

The course of study is a rigorous full-time, comprehensive program and prepares graduates for the full range of professional activities in architecture. The core program is extensive, and students are required to use their electives to develop an area of special skill and knowledge through an independent study program that culminates in a design thesis.

Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

Students who complete their Master of Architecture program and are eligible to graduate will have their relevant information automatically forwarded by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) , unless the student opts out in writing. The certification confirms the individual’s academic qualifications in compliance with the Canadian Education Standard (CES) in Architecture for entry to the profession. CACB grants and issues certification to applicants who meet the Education Standard and maintains a National Register of those certified and confidential records of all pertinent documentation for all applicants.

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 16.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

14.0 FCEs in core courses:

4.0 FCEs: Design Studio

1.0 FCE: Design Studio Research

1.0 FCE: Design Studio Thesis

1.0 FCE: Research Methods

0.5 FCE: Visual Communication

1.0 FCE: History

1.0 FCE: Design Technology

3.5 FCEs: Technics and Planning

1.0 FCE: Professional Practice

2.0 elective FCEs, of which 0.5 FCE must be in the History and Theory category.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W/F/W)

4 years full-time

MArch Program (2-Year: Second-Year Advanced-Standing Option)

The 2-year option within the MArch program is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become an Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

An appropriate non-professional bachelor's degree in architectural studies or environmental design, or a comparable degree focusing on the built environment.

Admission to the advanced-standing option is based on the merits of the student's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the MArch admissions committee.

Required: minimum previous completion of

four design studio courses

one course in visual communications or representation

one course in design technology

two courses in architecture history and theory (one in 20th-century)

one course in structures

one course in building science

one course in environmental systems.

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 10.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

8.0 FCEs in core courses:

2.0 FCEs: Design Studio

2.0 FCEs: Design Studio Research

0.5 FCE: Research Methods

0.5 FCE: Design Technology

2.0 FCEs: Technics and Planning

2.5 elective FCEs, of which 0.5 FCE must be in the History and Theory category.

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W)

MArch Program (1-Year: Post-Professional Advanced-Standing Option)

The 1-year option within the MArch program is ideal for those who wish to undertake a graduate-level, academic research project, and independent of the pathway to professional licensure. Those who wish to become a licensed Architect should consider the 2- or 3-year program options above.

A post-professional advanced-standing option is available for students who are interested in pursuing advanced studies in architecture beyond their professional degree.

Applicants must have completed all requirements for an accredited architectural professional degree from a recognized university.

The post-professional advanced-standing option does not grant a professionally accredited degree.

Each student’s program of study must receive the approval of the Program Director and, in general, shall consist of a research or design project on which a thesis must be submitted. Faculty members have research expertise in the following areas of interest, which students may pursue: Computation and Fabrication; Health and Society; and Sustainability and Environment.

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

4.0 FCEs in core courses:

0.5 FCE: ALA4010H Field Course

0.5 FCE: ALA4020H Thesis Preparation

1.0 FCE: ALA4021Y Thesis I

1.5 FCE: ALA4022Y Thesis II

0.5 FCE: ALA4030H Colloquium

2.0 elective FCEs, of which 1.0 FCE must be in the student's area of interest.

2 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W)

3 years full-time

Architecture, Landscape, and Design: Architecture MArch Courses

Not all electives are offered every year. Please check the timetable for current listings available.

Core Courses

Design studio, design studio research, design studio thesis, design technology, post professional, professional practice, research methods, technics and planning, visual communication, elective courses, architecture and health, computer modelling, history and theory, independent study, architecture, landscape, and design: architecture, landscape, and design phd, doctor of philosophy.

The PhD program in Architecture, Landscape, and Design engages students in advanced research from an intra-disciplinary approach to architecture, landscape, and urban design. The program addresses cultural, social, environmental, historical, and technological questions of the art and design disciplines and the built environment. The program is intended for students entering careers that demand a syncretic approach to research in design and related disciplines.

This full-time program normally begins in September.

An appropriate master's degree with an average grade of at least A–. A professional degree in a design discipline is highly desirable, but applicants with a master’s degree in a related discipline in the humanities and social sciences may be considered. An additional specialized program of study may be proposed for successful applicants without professional training.

A writing sample in the form of a substantial research paper or publication.

Recommendation from three referees.

A two-page proposal that indicates a topic of research within a design discipline, possible sub-field(s) (if desired), and potential supervisors. Although letters of commitment from faculty members are not required, the proposed topic must be congruent with the interests and expertise of at least one member of the PhD standing committee. The admissions committee will obtain commitment from the potential supervisor before admitting an applicant, and the applicant will be informed of this in the letter of offer.

A portfolio of creative work may also be requested where it is relevant to the applicant’s proposed area of research and the degree to which it may require technical skills typically gained in a professional degree program. For example, this could pertain to an applicant whose proposal includes producing renderings. Questions about whether to include a portfolio in an application should be directed to the Program Director or the applicant’s prospective supervisor prior to the application deadline.

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

ALD4030H Doctoral Research Colloquium (0.5 FCE).

ALD4040H Theories and Methods (0.5 FCE).

ALD4050H Research Practicum (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

ALD4060H Preparation for Thesis (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

4.0 elective FCEs chosen from advanced (3000 and 4000 series) graduate-level courses offered by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. Depending on their field of study, students may also take advanced graduate courses in cognate disciplines across the University, pending the approval of the Faculty and in consultation with their supervisors.

To complete the chosen thesis topic, students may be required to take additional courses or acquire other skills. This will be determined by the supervisor and the Director of Graduate Studies and may include competence in another language.

Comprehensive examinations. All PhD students must complete a two-part comprehensive examination normally before their second Summer session. Successful completion of the examinations is required to achieve PhD candidacy. The exam's specific nature and scope are to be determined in consultation with the student's supervisor.

The first part, normally to be completed in the Summer session of Year 1, is to achieve breadth in the primary area of study so that the student can teach and conduct research within a larger chosen area within the design disciplines. This will usually involve preparing an annotated bibliography in consultation with the supervisor in the early Summer and writing the exam at the end of the Summer. The first part of the exam will consist of a written response to three questions.

The second part, normally to be completed during the second session of Year 2, is to achieve depth in a secondary area of study, within the Faculty or beyond, so that the student can master the context for the advanced research they plan to undertake for their thesis. For the secondary area of study, most students are expected to specialize in one area of study of the design disciplines (for example, architectural history). Alternatively, for this requirement students may focus on a secondary area of study. (For example, computational technologies.) This exam may be administered by a faculty member other than the supervisor, to be determined by the student in consultation with their supervisor. This second part can take one of two formats:

a second annotated bibliography to achieve depth in a sub-section of the primary area of study;

a course syllabus with readings and outlines of lectures, themes for tutorial discussions, as well as a minimum of three lectures drawn from across the syllabus.

Both parts of the examination are marked on a pass/fail basis. An oral examination will follow the completion of the second part of the exam. The oral examination will last no more than 90 minutes.

A second attempt of the comprehensive examinations will be allowed within six months, only on the recommendation of the student’s supervisor. If the student fails again, their registration will be terminated. The student must pass both parts of the comprehensive examinations before permission to submit a thesis proposal will be granted.

Thesis. Following completion of the comprehensive exam, the student’s supervisory committee will be formed. This will take place no later than the Summer of Year 2 to allow the committee to advise on the development of the student’s thesis proposal.

No later than the beginning of Year 3, the student must submit to the PhD program director a thesis proposal that has been approved by the student’s supervisory committee. Once the thesis proposal has been approved, the student will achieve candidacy.

The doctoral candidate will then proceed to researching and writing the thesis. The student must meet with their thesis supervisory committee within three months of submitting the thesis proposal; thereafter, the candidate is required to meet at least once a year with the supervisory committee.

By the end of Year 4, the candidate should complete a thesis based on original research and the thesis should make a significant contribution to the area of study. The supervisory committee must approve the completed thesis before it is submitted for examination.

The candidate will defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination .

6 years full-time

Architecture, Landscape, and Design: Architecture, Landscape, and Design PhD Courses

Not all electives are offered every year. Please check the timetable for current listings available from the Summer session. Electives are to be selected from advanced (3000 and 4000 series) graduate-level courses offered at the Daniels or other Faculties. These include the following:

Architecture, Landscape, and Design: Landscape Architecture MLA

Master of landscape architecture.

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is a professional program that focuses on urban and regional landscape architecture within a studio-based curriculum. Integrated courses in design; visual communication and modelling; history, theory, and criticism; site engineering and material technologies; horticulture, ecology, hydrology; professional practice and research methods seminars, as well as options for electives, provide a comprehensive professional education in landscape architecture. The program prepares students with a strong base in the fundamentals of the profession, while fostering innovative thinkers able to work collaboratively with allied disciplines, in preparation for becoming the next generation of leaders in landscape architecture.

MLA Program (3-Year Option)

The 3-year option within the MLA program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become a Landscape Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

A bachelor's degree (such as BA, BSc, BASc, BES, BFA, BCom) with a minimum average of mid-B.

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 15.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

14.5 FCEs in core courses:

1.0 FCE: Design Studio Options

1.5 FCEs: Design Studio Thesis

2.0 FCEs: Visual Communication

2.0 FCEs: History, Theory, Criticism

1.5 FCEs: Technology

1.5 FCEs: Environment

1.0 FCE: Professional Practice and Research Methods

1.0 elective FCE.

MLA Program (2-Year: Second-Year Advanced-Standing Option)

The 2-year option within the MLA program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become a Landscape Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

An appropriate bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, architecture, architectural studies, or environmental design, or a comparable degree focusing on the design of landscapes and the built environment.

Admission is based on the merits of the applicant's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the admissions committee.

Admission to the advanced-standing option depends upon the student's previous coursework exempting them Year 1 of the MLA curriculum. If the student's coursework does not satisfy the Year 1 requirements, they may be considered for the 3-year option.

Minimum previous completion of three design studio courses, two courses in digital visual representation (including Rhinoceros, Illustrator, Laser Cutting), two courses in landscape architecture history and theory (one in 20th-century), and two courses in landscape architecture site engineering (i.e., site grading) and planting design, horticulture, urban ecology, or forest ecology.

9.5 FCEs in core courses as follows:

1.0 FCE: Visual Communication

0.5 FCE: History, Theory, Criticism

1.0 FCE: Technology

MLA Program (1-Year: Post-Professional Advanced-Standing Option)

The 1-year option within the MLA program is ideal for those who wish to undertake a graduate-level, academic research project, independent of the pathway to professional licensure. Those who wish to become a licensed Landscape Architect should consider the 2- or 3-year program options above.

A post-professional advanced-standing option is available for students who are interested in pursuing advanced study beyond their professional degree.

Applicants must have completed all requirements for an accredited professional degree in landscape from a recognized university.

Architecture, Landscape, and Design: Landscape Architecture MLA Courses

Environment, history, theory, criticism, architecture, landscape, and design: urban design mud, master of urban design.

The Master of Urban Design (MUD) is a post-professional program that prepares architects and landscape architects for design-based research and professional practice at the urban and regional scales. The MUD program is committed to design as a primary medium of operation and research in a broad intellectual framework that includes geography, environmental studies, social sciences, media studies, economics, and engineering. It aims for responsible and creative design in the context of contemporary city and region building, with attention to new paradigms of urbanization, global economic restructuring, and information technology. The program emphasizes a coherent intellectual approach that is committed to analysis and critique and seeks to become the central Canadian forum for advanced research, design innovation, scholarship, criticism, and debate in urban design.

MUD Program (2-Year)

A professional degree in architecture (BArch or MArch) or landscape architecture (BLA, MLA). Applicants with a degree in urban planning (MCP, MUP, or MScPl) may be considered for admission if they are able to demonstrate design potential in their application portfolio. Applicants may be required to complete design and/or visual communication workshops before they begin the MUD program, to prepare them for the design studio component of the MUD curriculum.

All applicants must submit a portfolio of design work for review. Admission is based on the merits of the applicant's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the admissions committee.

Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's candidacy for the degree program.

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

7.5 FCEs in core courses:

1.0 FCE: Design Studio

2.0 FCEs: Option Design Studio

0.5 FCE: Thesis Preparation and Research

1.5 FCEs: Design Thesis

1.0 FCE: History, Theory, Criticism

1.5 FCEs: other courses

2.5 elective FCEs, of which 1.5 FCEs must be selected from offerings in the History, Theory, Criticism category.

Architecture, Landscape, and Design: Urban Design MUD Courses

Architecture, landscape, and design: visual studies mvs, master of visual studies.

The Master of Visual Studies (MVS) is a two-year, full-time professional program with two fields:

Curatorial Studies: prepares students for contemporary curatorial practice through research-based scholarship and critical discourse.

Studio: prepares students to further their contemporary art practices through research-based scholarship and critical discourse.

The program normally begins in September.

Field: Curatorial Studies

An appropriate bachelor's degree with significant coursework in humanities and cultural theory from a recognized university, or an appropriate BFA degree from a recognized university.

Overall average of at least a B+.

Applications must include:

artist's statement that includes a description of the proposed body of work in curatorial to be undertaken during the two-year program;

full curriculum vitae (CV) with details of exhibition, professional activity, and education;

documentation of recent curatorial work;

three letters of recommendation;

a critical writing sample;

transcripts;

a portfolio of previous work dependent on the field of future study.

Applicants must present a portfolio with documentation of exhibitions including exhibition brochures, curatorial essays, announcement cards, and/or catalogues from curatorial work.

Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

4.5 FCEs from the approved course list for Curatorial Studies.

0.5 FCE MVS Proseminars.

1.5 FCEs in electives. Elective courses are selected in consultation with the student's advisor and are subject to the approval of the Program Director.

The internship requirement is normally completed during the Summer session between Year 1 and Year 2.

MVS Curatorial Studies students are supervised by an Advisory Panel made up of the Director of the Visual Studies program (or their designate), a graduate faculty member who will be considered to be the student's Principal Advisor, one of the University of Toronto's gallery directors, and an external reader chosen upon approval of the Principle Advisor and Program Director.

The graduating thesis project is composed of an exhibition and a qualifying paper.

An FZ (fail) in any one course or a B– grade in any two courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student’s registration in the degree program.

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

Field: Studio

artist's statement that includes a description of the proposed body of work in studio to be undertaken during the two-year program;

documentation of recent studio work;

Applicants must present a portfolio with documentation of their artworks. Applicants will also include a fully annotated listing for all portfolio materials that provides detailed information about media, year of production, dimensions, part of a series, full running length (in the case of media artworks), and circumstances of display (in the case of installation works and performance works).

4.5 FCEs from the approved course list for Studio.

MVS Studio students are supervised by an Advisory Panel made up of the Director of the Visual Studies program (or designate), a studio faculty member of the MVS program who is considered the student's Principal Advisor, a second MVS studio faculty member, and another faculty member (not necessarily a member of the MVS program). The Final Studio Thesis defence requires an external reader chosen upon approval of the Principal Advisor and Program Director.

Architecture, Landscape, and Design: Visual Studies MVS Courses

Mvs curatorial studies courses, mvs studio courses, mvs elective courses.

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The majority of graduate programs are NOT impacted by recent government announcements about tuition increases. PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay Quebec fees. International PhD fees will see the same 3% increase as Quebec fees.

Architecture (PhD)

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Architecture offered by the Peter Guo-hua Fu School of Architecture in the Faculty of Engineering is a research-intensive program that emphasizes rigorous and thought-provoking learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in original thinking, literature review, and information synthesis to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

Unique Program Features

• The School operates a number of important auxiliary facilities that include workshops, research labs, and other resources that support both teaching and learning activities in addition to research activities;
• Students benefit from access to The Blackader-Lauterman Library of Architecture and Art, the John Bland Canadian Architecture Collection, The Architecture Slide Library, and The Orson Wheeler Architectural Model Collection;
• Our program is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) and is recognized as accredited by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in the U.S. (Note: while graduation from a CACB-accredited program does not assure registration, the accrediting process is intended to verify that each accredited program substantially meets those standards that, as a whole, comprise an appropriate education for an architect).

University-Level Admission Requirements

• An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
• English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

PhD in Architecture website

Department Contact

Graduate Program phd.architecture [at] mcgill.ca (subject: PhD%20in%20Architecture) (email)

Available Intakes

Application deadlines.

Note: Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

Application Resources

• Application Steps webpage
• Submit Your Application webpage
• Connecting with a supervisor webpage
• Graduate Funding webpage

Application Workshops

Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage.

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.

The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anisininew, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More

University of Manitoba

University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2

Landscape Architecture (MLArch)

Established in 1972, the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLArch) program was the first graduate program of its kind in Canada. More than 420 students have graduated, many of whom now occupy senior positions in the profession.

Program details

Admission requirements.

• Faculty of Architecture • Faculty of Graduate Studies

• Master of Landscape Architecture

Expected duration

Program options.

• Cooperative Education/Integrated Work program

Study with us

Landscape architecture is a design practice that is deeply rooted in ecological thinking and sustainable actions. Through design, planning or management landscape architects contribute to healthy environments and communities in collaboration with other designers, scientists and the public.

Hands-on education

Project-based learning is a specific characteristic of design education and we consider the Design Studio as the opportunity of synthesizing knowledge with action and learning by doing. We provide a stimulating studio atmosphere and sufficient time to work on designs.

Inspiring facilities

The  Workshop ,  FABLab , CADLab , Centre for Architectural Structures and Technology ( C.A.S.T .) and  Architecture/Fine Arts Library , are superb research facilities with up-to-date and comprehensive technological equipment (digital and analogue).

Thesis and practicum opportunities

All Master of Landscape Architecture students undertake a thesis or practicum. This is an independent study into an approved topic. The purpose of the thesis or practicum is for students to demonstrate that they have mastery of the topic and are fully conversant with relevant literature.  

The MLArch program is comprised of design studios, lecture/seminar courses and a thesis or practicum.

Expected duration: 2 years

Tuition and fees: Students with a BEnvD Landscape + Urbanism degree from UM will be charged two years of fees. Fees for students with similar undergraduate qualifications will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Students with a non-design qualification will be charged three years of fees (refer to Graduate tuition and fees ).

Students entering the program are required to complete between 42 and 111 credit hours, depending on academic background. Students with a bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture or a Bachelor in Environmental Design with a Landscape + Urbanism option (BEnvD, L+U) may be eligible to complete their program of study over two years, while other students will take three or more years to complete the program.

Accreditation

The Landscape Architecture program at the University of Manitoba is an accredited program that has met the standards of the  Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council (LAAC). Programs accredited by the  Canadian Society of Landscape Architects  (CSLA) through LAAC are also recognized by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Sample course offerings

• EVLU 3002: Site Planning (3 credit hours)
• EVLU 3000: History of Designed Environments (3 credit hours)
• EVLU 3004: Ecology + Design (3 credit hours)
• EVLU 3012: Site Morphology + Grading (3 credit hours)
• EVLU 4000: Philosophy, Ethics + Aesthetics (3 credit hours)
• EVLU 4002: Construction Materials (3 credit hours)
• EVLU 4008: Plant Ecosystems + Design (3 credit hours)
• LARC 7002: Landscape Construction and Professional Practice (3 credit hours)
• GRAD 7030: Practicum (0 credit hours)
• LARC 7020: Field Studies (3 credit hours)

Faculty of Architecture’s Cooperative Education/Integrated Work program (Co-op/I) Graduate Option

Students must complete two 10-week work terms to have the Co-op/I option acknowledged on their graduation parchment. Each term requires submission of a written report and portfolio covering the work completed for the professional assignment. These are above and beyond graduate course requirements.

To qualify for the Master of Landscape Architecture program, you must have a minimum of: 

• A four year bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent from a university recognized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• IELTS:  A minimum score of 7.0 on the Academic Module
• TOEFL (iBT):  A minimum score of 94, with a score of 20 in each of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum  admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies .

How to apply

A supervisor is not required at time of application. Applications for the MLArch program must be completed online and include several parts:

• $100 application fee (non-refundable)
• Unofficial copies of transcripts and degree certificates
• Two letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
• Statement of intent
• Digital portfolio (PDF Format, maximum size 20MB)
• Proof of English language proficiency , if required

Please read the  Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions  before beginning your application.

Portfolio requirements

Portfolios are intended to communicate design interests, inclinations, creative abilities and potential. These guidelines are intended to assist applicants with selection of the contents of their portfolio.

The body of work that you include should seek to illustrate creative experience and/or graphic communication skills attained to date. The contents can range from representing your passions and/or hobbies through to the inspirations that led you to pursue your previous field of study. The Admissions Committee is interested in projects that you have done on your own, as well as those done for school assignments or in the workplace.

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects should be included. These projects can be photographed or reproduced digitally and should be accompanied by a brief description. In the case of school work, please include a summary of the project brief, the main aims of the project, the dates and duration of the project and your instructors’ names.

You should also include written evaluations and grades received where available. If group or office work is presented, clearly indicate your specific role in the work. Credits must be provided for all work presented in the portfolio. Please do not include CDs, videos, films, slides, etc. Do not submit unclear or poorly reproduced photographs, reproductions or drawings. Photographs should not be smaller than 100 mm (4”) x 150 mm (6”).

Possible portfolio content 

Your portfolio might include:

• Written material: poetry, articles, travel journals, research papers, music, etc.
• Graphic material: photography, sketches, drawings, paintings, or technical drawings, etc
• Constructed material: photographs, drawings and sketches of built projects – including ceramics, models, sculptures, hobby crafts, instruments, theatre sets, renovations to buildings, objects, cars, and/or photo-documentaries of experiences with building construction.

Application deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Architecture reviews applications in March.

Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for City Planning reviews applications in March.

Winter applications are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Design and Planning reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Interior Design reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Landscape Architecture reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Anthropology reviews applications in March/April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Applications open September 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications open   up to 18 months prior  to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for History reviews applications in February.

Applications are reviewed on a  rolling basis .

Applications open July 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  Committee basis . The Committee for German and Slavic Studies reviews applications in February/March.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis .

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Management reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Physical Therapy reviews applications in April / May.

Applications open  August 1 of the year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Program currently undergoing review, applications will not be opening at this time.

Select Preventive Dental Science in the Program drop-down on the application form.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Educational Administration, Foundations and Psychology reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Education reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed after the deadline, with decisions issued in March - April.

Currently not accepting applications to this program.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. Applications received by the March 1 deadline for a September start-date will receive first consideration for any available funding. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis for any available funding, please contact the department for further information.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Human Rights reviews applications in January - March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Law reviews applications in January - March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Nursing (MN) reviews applications in April / May.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Nursing PhD reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee reviews applications as per the timelines noted below each table.

Winter applications reviewed in October Summer applications reviewed in February Fall applications reviewed in June

Winter applications reviewed in June Summer applications reviewed in October Fall applications reviewed in February

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. This includes having the support of a faculty supervisor before you apply.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Natural Resources Management reviews applications in March - June.

After the annual application deadline (see below), applications are reviewed on a committee basis by the Faculty of Social Work internal admissions committee. Once this process is complete, decisions are sent to all applicants in March / April. 

Applications open  July 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Social Work reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Music reviews Fall term applications in December / January, and Winter term applications in July.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Occupational Therapy reviews applications in May / June.

Master of Occupational Therapy regular program  applications open September 15 of the year prior to deadline .

Master of Occupational Therapy accelerated program  applications open October 1  of the year prior to deadline .

The name of your confirmed supervisor is required at the time of application. To identify a prospective thesis research supervisor on your application, please  contact Immunology Faculty members .

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Community Health Sciences reviews applications in March / April.

The name of your preferred supervisor is required at time of application.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Students selected for in-person interview will be notified in February.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Physician Assistant Studies reviews applications in April.

Offers of admission will be released to successful applicants on May 17, 2024 from the University of Manitoba Master of Physician Assistant Studies, the same day as the University of Toronto BScPA Program and McMaster University Physician Assistant Education Program. The three institutions are pleased to provide applicants their offers on the same day to help with the decision-making process.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Pharmacology and Therapeutics reviews applications one month after the application deadline.

Applications for Pathology MSc are reviewed on a  rolling basis .

Applications for Pathologist Assistant are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Pathologist Assistant reviews applications in April / May. 

The Pathologist Assistant program only admits Canadian and US students every two years. The Fall 2023 intake has been suspended. The next intake is tentatively scheduled for Fall 2025.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Statistics reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Biological Sciences reviews applications one month after deadline.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Indigenous Studies reviews applications in February and June.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. For those who wish to be considered for scholarships, applications must be received by January 15 of the year in which you're seeking admission.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions Committee for Applied Human Nutrition reviews applications in February.

Les demandes d’admission sont évaluées par un comité . Le comité d’admission évalu les demandes durant les mois de Mars et Avril.  

Les demandes peut être surmise jusqu’à concurrence de 18 mois avant le début de premier trimestre.

Toute demande d’admission en ligne doit être déposée, avec documents à l’appui, au plus tard aux dates indiquées.

Soumettre ou continuer votre application

Our faculty and staff

The research and creative projects of our faculty and staff encompass a wide range of knowledge, including interdisciplinary creative practice.

Scholarships and awards

The Faculty of Architecture is continually striving to provide additional funding for students to support them through their programs.

Tuition and fees

Learn about tuition and fee requirements for graduate students at UM.

Academic calendar

Explore program requirements and detailed descriptions for required and elective courses throughout the MLArch program.

Explore the Faculty of Architecture

Through its focus on design excellence, teaching and research, the Faculty of Architecture demonstrates its commitment to improving the quality of the built environment and the associated ecological, economic, physical and social well-being of the global community.

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Explore the Faculty of Graduate Studies

Discovery happens here. Join the graduate students and researchers who come here from every corner of the world. They are drawn to the University of Manitoba because it offers the opportunity to do transformational research.

• Funding, awards and financial aid
• Graduate student experience

Keep exploring

Discover more programs

With over 140 graduate programs across multiple faculties, schools and colleges, the University of Manitoba offers more learning, teaching and research opportunities than any other post-secondary institution in the province.

• Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvD)
• Master of Architecture (MArch)
• Master of City Planning (MCP)
• Master of Interior Design (MID)

Join the students and researchers who come here from every corner of the world.

What it's like to be a UM student

Be adventurous, challenge yourself and make a difference.

Opportunities for Indigenous students

Experience a world-class education in the heart of Canada.

Why international students study with us

We offer state of the art facilities with 140 years of history.

Our campuses

Admission and application inquiries.

Faculty of Graduate Studies Room 500 UMSU University Centre 65 Chancellors Circle University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus) Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

[email protected] Phone: 204-474-9377

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program inquiries

Faculty of Architecture 201 John A. Russell Building 84 Curry Place University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus) Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M6

[email protected] Phone: 204-474-6578 Fax: 204-474-7532

10 Best universities for Landscape Architecture in Canada

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in Canada ranked based on their research performance in Landscape Architecture. A graph of 6.4K citations received by 247 academic papers made by 10 universities in Canada was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

Please note that our approach to subject rankings is based on scientific outputs and heavily biased on art-related topics towards institutions with computer science research profiles.

1. University of Guelph

For Landscape Architecture

2. Carleton University

3. University of Montreal

4. University of British Columbia

5. University of Toronto

6. Concordia University

7. University of Waterloo

8. McGill University

9. Simon Fraser University

10. University of Alberta

The best cities to study Landscape Architecture in Canada based on the number of universities and their ranks are Guelph , Ottawa , Montreal , and Vancouver .

Art & Design subfields in Canada

• Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
• Graduate School
• Prospective Students
• Graduate Degree Programs

Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) graduate degree program offers an accredited three-year curriculum. This professional course of study is highly demanding with a large proportion of the curriculum being required coursework. Design studios are integrated with courses in landscape history and theory, site analysis and planning, and management of environments. Within this challenging program, opportunities to develop individual identity and special skills are made possible through the selection of specialized topic design studios, thoughtful engagement with electives, and especially through the execution of the Graduation Project. 

The academics are coupled with experience in the contemporary profession with internships available for credits. By working in firms or agencies related to student's areas of interest, design development, and documentation skills are honed for future practice. Students build and expand their professional network through these positions and small student-faculty ratios.

The School coordinates a public lecture series with students, faculty, and guests from local landscape architecture affiliates. These informal discourses offer feedback and advice from a broad audience for students presenting their initiatives and projects.

Our full-time faculty and local professional design community are actively involved in studio reviews, graduation project committees, and mentorship programs. Within the Faculty of Applied Science, students have access to a research library ranked among the best in Canada and other faculty in engineering or community and regional planning. With Study Abroad, there are opportunities to be engaged with the ever-changing cultural concerns in architecture and landscape architecture. 

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

Spending time as a student at UBC helped me to consider diverse perspectives, possibilities, and historical and spatial contexts, to think through them quickly and iteratively, and to review and revise approaches to check whether or not they work in practice.

Duncan Chambers

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 100

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 7.0

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

2) Meet Deadlines

3) prepare application, transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Course-based programs do not have a thesis component. While they may assign academic advisors to students, they do not require applicants to reach out to individual professors / faculty members to seek commitment as their thesis supervisor. Please do not contact faculty members for the purposes of thesis supervision if you are applying to this program.

Citizenship Verification

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options.

Employer support

Organizations may provide their employees with tuition benefits as part of an employment package to support lifelong learning of their workforce.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

Professional / course-based programs usually do not provide merit-based funding. Some programs may offer bursaries.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

Completion rates & times, related programs, same specialization.

• Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture (MASLA)

Same Academic Unit

• Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Technology and Society (PhD)
• Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture (MASA)
• Master of Architecture (MARCH)
• Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture (MARCLA)
• Master of Engineering Leadership in High Performance Buildings (MEL)
• Master of Urban Design (MUD)

Further Information

Specialization.

Landscape architecture fosters designers of natural and urban terrains. The goal is to develop conscious designers with a consideration for natural phenomena. They use design with public responsibility to produce resilient and purposeful landscapes.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

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Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning

The Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning is offered for students who want to pursue scholarly and research work beyond the master's level.

The Program

Emphasis in this program is placed on the development of theories and methods that underlie the field of landscape architecture and environmental planning, and the processes of planning and design as they relate to the solution of problems in the natural and urban environment. The Ph.D. degree is appropriate for students seeking careers in research and teaching in landscape architecture and environmental planning, or in specialized roles in government or professional consultation.

Degree Requirements

Students formulate coursework plans (to include the Ph.D. seminar) to develop an individual specialization within the field, which must be approved by the students' program advisers. Ph.D. requirements are as follows: 32 units of upper-division and graduate coursework, a two-year academic residency, reading knowledge of a departmentally approved foreign language, successful completion of a qualifying examination, and a dissertation.

Progress toward the degree is evaluated at least annually by the Ph.D. Committee. By no later than the end of the third semester, students will be evaluated as to their suitability for completing the Ph.D. degree. Any student who, in the opinion of the faculty, seems unlikely to be able to complete all degree requirements (including dissertation research) will be subject to dismissal.

Participation of faculty in research increases the base of knowledge and theory in support of teaching and the profession. Ph.D. students are often involved in these research topics as research assistants. Current topics include natural resource analysis, computerized inventories, environmental impact studies, methods of shoreline classification, principles of forest landscape design, urban livability studies, urban perception, case studies in urban design, morphological studies of the urban edge, environmental interpretation, behavior in parks and open spaces, community recreation projects, and environmental simulation.

Admissions Criteria

Admission to the Ph.D. program is granted to a small number of highly qualified individuals each year. Applicants should have completed a master's degree before entering. Students with only a bachelor's degree should apply to the M.L.A. program first, or otherwise complete an appropriate master's degree before applying.