Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours)
Landscapes for people and the planet
Landscapes for people and the planet
Learn in a living laboratory and design high performing landscapes that benefit people and planet – to build healthy and resilient urban and regional landscapes.
The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours) is a four-year full-time degree.
Have you always wanted to design beautiful and sustainable environments that inspire and change the way people engage with the outside world around them? As a landscape architect, you’ll use the best combination of art and science to plan, design and manage environments that regenerate ecological systems and celebrate cultural values. Think of yourself as a creative problem solver equipped with the skills and knowledge to work effectively with cities, landscapes and communities around the world.
In designing open spaces for the future, you’ll consider historically unknown issues such as urbanisation, sustainability, and climate change in your work – ensuring each project leaves the world looking and feeling that little bit better than before.
Work experience
Work experience is an essential part of this degree. You’ll complete up to 90 days of work experience consisting of a minimum of 40 days of supervised work in a landscape industry role and 40 days in a design office. Not only will you graduate with theoretical knowledge, professional skills, and industry connections – you’ll have the experience to confidently launch into a career with real impact. There are international options available too.
A community of experts
Our Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program is the longest established, accredited program of its kind in the country. This means, each day you’ll be learning with staff who are both leading researchers and practitioners.
Freedom to explore
The key features and subject areas of this degree will give you the flexibility to explore landscape architecture through theory and practice – preparing you for a diverse, successful and rewarding career path ahead. You may consider a professional pathway within design communications, natural and cultural systems, professional practice, landscape architectural design and more.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Portfolio Entry
At UNSW School of Built Environment, we recognise your creative potential. With BE Portfolio Entry, you can submit a portfolio of your best creative work to showcase your talent and boost your chance of admission. Learn more about BE Portfolio Entry.
UNSW also offers a number of other alternative entry schemes to support you in boosting your admission opportunities. Explore your alternative entry options
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
With a tailored degree that’s designed to help you pursue a longstanding and fulfilling career within landscape architecture – you’ll explore design principles, graphic techniques, ecological processes, landscape systems, plants and design and the relationship between people and place.
Consisting of 30 courses and work experience, this program includes 13 core courses, 10 landscape studio courses, seven electives, and up to 90 days’ work experience or Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities. In addition, you can choose an overseas student exchange where you’ll expand your horizons in international studios.
The program includes:
Honours
Through your honours program, you’ll deepen your knowledge of landscape architecture by exploring your practice further through research and design. This will see you graduate with advanced practice and research skills that will set you apart from the rest.
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period. You can study full-time.
Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years. You’ll complete two or three courses each a term and can complete electives in summer terms.
The full-time study plan for the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (Honours) includes:
First year
Second year
Third year
Fourth year (Honours)
Work experience
As part of your landscape architecture degree, you’ll complete 90 days of work experience, including a minimum of 40 days landscape industry work and a minimum of 40 days in a design office. This normally takes the form of employment or volunteer work during long student vacations, supervised by a landscape architect, landscape contractor or nursery.
For full course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
More than just a foot in the door or a pathway towards landing a role within your chosen industry, this degree will prepare you for a role within this increasingly relevant and important design profession. As more cities and communities work to create sustainable and beautiful environments in urban and rural settings, this is your opportunity to create real and lasting positive impact.
With a range of experience across design and visual communication, plant knowledge, innovative materials, ground-breaking technology, environmental legislation and landscape management, contracts, ethics and tendering – you’ll graduate with the practical skills and confidence to pursue your chosen career.
Once you've graduated and completed a period of approved professional experience, you'll qualify for corporate membership of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2024.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.