About the programme
The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is an NZQF Level 7 undergraduate degree at Lincoln University that trains professional landscape architects to solve design problems in urban and rural settings. It carries 480 credits and takes 4 years of full-time study on the Lincoln University campus.
The degree is accredited by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA), so graduates are eligible to become registered professionals, and Lincoln reports strong demand for them in the public and private sectors in New Zealand, Australia and beyond. Students who achieve the required grades in their third and fourth years graduate with Honours.
The programme first builds a broad foundation in contemporary landscape architecture and then moves into landscape ecology, resilient and sustainable community design, and the design and planning of urban and rural landscapes. Year one covers digital design tools, visual communication, earth and ecological sciences, the Treaty of Waitangi, structures and land surfaces, 3D design and design history. Later years cover planting design, landscape analysis and planning, design details, landscape and culture, site design, urban design, design theory and sustainable design, finishing with complex and major design projects, landscape assessment and professional practice. Progression from the intermediate year to the first professional year is by invitation, based on achievement.
Students work on real projects with practitioners, take field tours (one is compulsory) and use dedicated campus studios for laying out work, displaying designs and building models. Practical work includes at least six weeks in an approved professional office, at least three weeks in landscape implementation and three weeks within a practicum course.
Entry requirements
- University Entrance through NCEA or an approved equivalent, with separate guidance for overseas qualifications.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet additional English language requirements.
- English and graphics or design are highly recommended; agriculture or horticulture, biology, computing, geography, history, Māori studies and maths or statistics are also useful.
- Progression from the intermediate year to the first professional year is by invitation only, based on satisfactory achievement.
What you study
- Digital Tools for Design and Visual Communication
- Introduction to 3D Design and History of Design
- Planting Design and Management
- Landscape Analysis, Planning and Design
- Landscape and Culture
- Urban Design
- Landscape Ecology
- Sustainable Design and Planning
- Practicum: Applied Landscape Practice
- Complex Design, Major Design and Landscape Architecture Professional Practice
Careers after graduation
- Registered landscape architect
- Public sector roles
- Private design practice
- Design and planning projects in New Zealand, Australia and beyond
Post-study work visa
Equal to the length of the programme, 3 years maximum
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website