Programme Specification for Landscape Architecture Graduate Diploma
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Graduate Diploma |
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Intermediate awards available |
Graduate Certificate |
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UCAS code |
N/A |
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Details of professional body accreditation |
Professional Accreditation for this programme is being sought from the Landscape Institute |
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Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
N/A |
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Date specification last up-dated |
January 2010 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
This programme offers an innovative introduction to landscape architecture.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The programme is designed for a diverse audience:
It will appeal to already qualified design professionals in related disciplines who wish to add further specialisation in landscape architectural practice and who wish to gain entrance to the Landscape Institute, the professional accrediting body.
It welcomes applications from suitable candidates without an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture, but with an undergraduate degree in another design discipline or with an interest in additional study at an advanced level in Landscape Architecture.
Applications are welcomed from the EU and overseas, in particular, lecturers from Higher Education Institutions wishing to increase their qualifications.
Students whose first language is not English will have achieved a score of 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent. Eligibility for students without degree equivalent qualifications will be assessed via the accreditation of experiential learning [AEL] on the basis of a short essay, statement and a portfolio. Places will be offered after a successful interview with a member of the programme team.
All applicants will be interviewed.
At least two members of academic staff will review each application before a decision is made.
Applicants with either prior-certified learning or prior-experiential learning that closely matches the specified learning outcomes of the taught part of the programme may be able to claim exemption via agreed university procedures. No exemption can be claimed against the research part of the programme or in situations where a professional body excludes it.
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is a Graduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture?
The Architecture programmes in the School of Architecture and the Visual Arts at the University of East London are recognised as among the leaders in the UK and have a particular reputation for innovation in teaching. Their character is recognisable in its ‘hands-on’ approach to architecture at all scales, working with the physical exploration of site and context, as well as developing new critical approaches to the field.
Two current tutors have studied landscape architecture in the UK and abroad and can bring a wide range of experience to the school in this field. The School of Architecture and the Visual Arts [AVA] recognises the opportunity to expand the offering of programmes to attract design professionals who wish to specialise in landscape architectural design locally, nationally and internationally through research by design.
This new programme is growing logically out of the School’s longstanding preoccupation with material, context, creative regeneration, expanding technological and contextual interests into the natural and urban environment. This programme actively seeks to explore the possibilities inherent in the temporal design opportunities that landscape architecture encompasses, developing intellectual and practical professional tools for landscape architects, while searching for new solutions to the increasing complexity of our urban environments, where the social, political and economic, are most intense. The programme aims to work in collaboration with local and international agencies on live projects where possible, and to tackle cutting-edge issues through the prism of site reality.
The programme is predicated upon understanding the best of current local and international landscape practice, while also emphasizing the development of intuition and processes to test and develop new forms of landscape practice. It welcomes students as fellow collaborators in a programme that seeks to develop new strands to contemporary landscape architecture that are innovative in approach to materials and the temporal possibilities at the core of landscape, and deal proactively with the complex environmental, social, and artistic questions of the time.
The programme is part of the new School of Architecture and the Visual Arts in Docklands, the biggest redevelopment area in Europe. It takes advantage of the University’s London location with visits to development sites as well as lectures. Site visits will strengthen links with the local landscape culture of the city, while wider ones will include the rich historic precedents of southern England. Its teachers are abreast of current developments in the field and currently working on publications and other projects inside the school, and on innovative approaches to landscape architecture in private practice.
This programme forms part of a new and enriched post-graduate provision in an Architecture portfolio of programmes within the School of Architecture and the Visual Arts, including MSc Computing & Design, MSc Material Matters, MA Sustainability & Design, MA Alternative Urbanisms, and MA Interpretation and Theories. The programme is organised in two generic taught modules. The taught Modules comprise a series of distinctive component options designed for each specific award.
Programme structure
The Graduate Diploma programme can be followed over one year full time or two years part time. The taught element of the programme represents less than half of the total programme measured by student effort.
Learning environment
At this level students are expected to be highly motivated and committed to design intensive self-directed learning. The programme is divided between lectures, seminars, workshops, fieldwork and studio-based practice. There are also visits and field trips. All students will be supported by tutorials at 1:1
Presentations of work in progress in formal settings will provide opportunities for students to make measured judgments on the achievements and progression of both their own projects, and those of their peer group.
The School of Architecture and the Visual Arts has its own new building on the Docklands Campus, designed by one of our staff. As well as its excellent studios there are extensive wood and metal workshops, photographic darkrooms and computer suites. At the end of the academic year the students exhibit their work at the end of year show.
Assessment
Graduate programmes strictly adhere to our University regulations on assessment. All coursework for assessment is double marked; practical 3d work, seminar papers and presentations, essay assignments are supervised and double marked.
The two taught programme modules are assessed through an essay/report and design portfolio and by the student’s contributions to seminar discussions and design exercises In order to pass a module a student must both achieve an aggregate mark of 40% and meet the component threshold mark of 40%.
Work experience/placement opportunities
The Graduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture covers critical issues, skills and fields that allow students to work in a wide range of programmes and organisations, both public and private. Students may wish to apply for professional membership of the Landscape Institute by continuing their studies to the Masters Level or to develop their careers in a wide range of other professional opportunities where knowledge of the environment, and the opportunities and constraints inherent in it is relevant.
Added value
This programme offers the opportunity to continue onto Masters programmes accredited by the Landscape Institute and subsequently to apply for professional membership in accordance with Institute’s requirements upon successful completion of the programme. Accreditation from the Landscape Institute is currently being sought. Please ask us for up-to-date information on the programme’s current accreditation status. This unique programme offers bespoke and innovative skills in landscape architecture for developing designers. By focusing on creative and critical thinking skills as well as technical understanding, our programme offers a specialised pathway into the professional discipline of landscape architecture. This one year programme is a critical step to graduates, without an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture, to step towards a professional career in this exciting environmental discipline.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- The environment
- Developing creative solutions to landscape design topics
- Thinking through drawing
If you enjoy...
- Creative investigation
- Working with materials
- Design
If you want...
- To develop an interest in the broad field of landscape architecture
- To work professionally in the field of landscape architecture
- To work towards becoming a member of the Landscape Institute
Your future career
The integration of environmental design with architectural and urban design practice is of ever-increasing importance. Architects, landscape architects, and designers equipped with these skills are more and more in demand professionally in both the private and public sector, nationally and internationally. This programme offers a pathway to professional membership of the Landscape Institute for candidates who wish to proceed onto an accredited Masters programme.
How we support you
The programme offers students a personal tutor, 1:1 tutorial support as well as support of small group working.
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a University requirement to engage formally in reflective practice, through a learning log or a professional development portfolio. This includes creating and maintaining a continuously updated CV, a review of progress in modules, review of assessment outcomes and feedback, a semester based action plan and an annual submission of the PDP. This process is designed to help students reflect on their own progress.
The University provides a comprehensive range of support services to students, which includes: residential/ student finance advice/ careers advise / study skills development/ IT learning resources.
The Graduate School is responsible for providing a focus to the support of our postgraduate research students and for our institution’s research and scholarly strategy.
Bonus factors
The programme’s location is in London, which has one of the most vibrant design cultures in the world: the programme staff are well connected in relation to London’s design institutions and personalities. The current staff includes landscape architects who have studied and worked both in the UK, America, and the Far East, and are pursuing professionally innovative approaches to the field.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- To begin to develop a broad understanding of contemporary landscape issues and your own detailed interests within the broad spectrum of this field
- Begin to develop professional skills to allow you to craft a career within the environmental professions
- Begin to develop critical and aesthetic skills in landscape architecture
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- An initial knowledge of the range of tools and principles available to professionals pursuing landscape design development in a wide range of contexts.
- An overview of conceptual and practical frameworks from which to develop alternative landscape and open space strategies for specific contexts
- To develop a sufficient knowledge base to enter the MA in Landscape
Thinking skills
The student will be able:
- to develop an understanding of landscape architecture for the development of their own practice
- to acquire the knowledge, language and communication skills necessary to explain and communicate their work
- to develop and discuss pertinent theoretical and design issues
- to engage in critical analysis through design and writing
- to begin to evaluate their own analytical, investigative and strategic skills
- to reflect critically on his or her own learning
Subject-Based Practical skills
Students will be able:
- to initiate landscape design strategies and to communicate and discuss options in an academic context
- to gather, sort, analyse and effectively use research material appropriate to this level
- to develop a sufficient practical skills to enter the MA in Landscape Architecture (Accredited)
- to plan, develop and deliver written research
Skills for life and work (general skills)
Students will be able
- to develop, structure and communicate ideas with clarity through design projects and in spoken and written form
- to critically reflect on material and synthesise it in the formulation of proposition
- to find information and use information technology
- to learn through reflection on their own research, practice and experience
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 120 credits.
Typical duration
The typical duration of this programme is one year full-time or 2 years part-time. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period. The teaching year begins in October and ends in September.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year begins in October and ends in June re are two year-long 60 credit modules in parallel over A & B. full-time student will study the equivalent of 120credits over the year. A typical part-time student will study one 30 credit component per Semester.
What you will study when
| Year | Module title | Credit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
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1 |
AR 3171: Tools, Principles & Theories |
60 |
Core |
|
1 |
AR 3172: Theories and Contexts: landscape architecture |
60 |
Core |
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain a Graduate Certificate, you will need to obtain 60 credits at Level 3.
In order to gain a Graduate Diploma, you will need to obtain 120 credits at Level 3.
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
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60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Lectures, seminars, studio work, fieldwork devoted to aspects of landscape theories context and practice.
Secialist guest lectures from practitioners, workshops and crits centring on the students' own design work. Students are asked to lead seminar discussions on assigned reading, and to give talks on their own work and experiences to reinforce the links between what they learn and what they can do with it. Student's contributions to seminar discussions and workshop sessions, provide an opportunity to demonstrate a grasp of complex ideas, and an ability to formulate a response to them.
Thinking skills are developed through constant process of critical examination by the students of the programme material and of their own thinking. An increasing understanding of the complexities of the subject matter is acquired in parallel with an increasing understanding of themselves as learners and makers. However large the scale of the particular subject of enquiry, students are always encouraged to relate it to their own experience and work, as well as assessing it in its own right. These skills are developed through the forms of active learning in the programme: workshops, presentations, one-to-one tutorials and written work.
Practical skills are developed through
- Design and technical workshops, and seminar sessions on essay and thesis writing. The workshops develop students' ability to carry out p assessments of their designs, and to test design alternatives. The research and writing seminars deal with finding information, organising a piece of written work, and quantitative vs qualitative analysis Bibliographies both for the programme as a whole, and for each lecture series, are provided. A list of available libraries and reliable web sites is also issued.
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- the conscientious pursuit of the programme.
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- an essay/portfolio per component that asks the student to use the content of the component to develop an informed and cogently defended view of a chosen problem. Further information about assessment criteria can be found in the handbook.
Thinking skills are assessed by
- student performance in seminars, essays/portfolio. Each of these is a learning as well as an assessment tool.
Practical skills are assessed by
- Design presentation workshop and design exercises.
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- student performance in the Studio essays and the projects
- ln individual tutorials and seminars
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before the programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme;
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments;
- Attending assessment boards;
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
- Ensuring that regulations are followed;
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations and feedback questionnaires
- Student representation on programme committees (meeting 3 times year)
- Year group meetings (up to 4 per semester)
- Module and Group seminars
- Tutorials
- Personal Project proformas
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee
- providing details on the programme notice board
- Group meetings
- Web CT publication
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Questionnaires to former students
- Industrial liaison committee
- Placements Officer
- Discourse with visiting practitioners
- Feedback from exhibitions etc.
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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- |
- |
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- |
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Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site
- The programme handbook
- Module study guides
- UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies
- UEL Quality Manual
- Regulations for the Academic Framework
- School of Architecture and the Visual Arts web pages
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
