admissions

Bla admissions

Mla admissions

 applying to bachelor of landscape architecture

Application to the undergraduate Landscape Architecture BLA program requires application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), and is based on previous academic performance, and on background information provided through a questionnaire. All applications must be accompanied the completed Background Information Form.      

Application Requirements

Previous academic performance is used as an indicator of academic accomplishment and is evaluated through secondary school and/or post-secondary transcripts.

A breadth of courses in the social, physical and biological sciences as well as the arts and languages is encouraged for all applicants.

Ontario Students

Ontario Course Requirements for Entry to the BLA Program: 

- ENG4U

- 5 additional 4U or 4M credits

Notes:  Applicants are required to submit a Background Information Sheet.

Out of Province Students and International Students

Please refer to information on the Admissions Services Web site.

BLA Background Information Form (BIF)

The background information form (BIF), helps us to understand your knowledge of and motivation for choosing landscape architecture. It is designed to help the admissions committee assess the applicant's knowledge of and motivation for choosing landscape architecture. It asks you to share your university and career goals so that the school gets a better understanding of who the student is.

bla Application Deadline

The deadline for receipt of applications to the BLA program is March 1st . Upon receipt of applications, Admission Services will forward additional deadline information regarding the background information form as well as deadline for receipt of official transcripts.

For more information please refer to the Admissions Services Web site.

Applying to Master of Landscape Architecture

Application to the Master of Landscape Architecture program requires submission of the Application for Admission to Graduate Studies application package . Admission is based on previous academic performance, references, evidence of creative work, and background information provided through a questionnaire. All applications must be accompanied by a portfolio, statement of interest, resume and completed background questionnaire.

Application Requirements

Eligibility requirements for application to the MLA program are that you hold an honours (four-year) undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognized institution with a minimum of B- average (70%) over the last two years of full-time equivalent study.  Students who meet our alternate admission standards may also be considered.

International Students

Foreign applicants should note that the University requires English language proficiency from one of the following:

CAEL - Carleton Academic English Language Assessment

IELTS - British Council, International English Language Testing System

MELAB - Michigan English Language Assessment Battery

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language (Standard or Electronic)

GELP - Guelph English Language Program

Foreign applicants should note that our minimum language score requirement for TOEFL is a paper score of 600 or computer score of 250.  The Internet based TOEFL IBT requires an overall score of 89 with no individual component less than 21.  The IELTS minimum overall score is 6.5.

Scholarships are available to students with strong entrance marks, but it is vital that you are prepared to cover the full cost of the program.

Application Procedures

Applicants are to apply on-line through the Graduate Program Services website at www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/

All documents pertaining to application for admission are to be sent directly to the Chair - MLA Admissions Committee.  After a careful review of all submitted materials, the strongest candidates are selected for admission from the pool of qualified applicants.

Statement of Interest

Prepare a one-page summary of your interests as they pertain to the study of landscape architecture. This statement might include a description of your background and why you feel it is a good fit with landscape architecture; summary of what interests you most with respect to the study of landscape architecture, including any specialized areas you would like to explore; and finally, a discussion of how you would like to use your education once you have completed your degree.

Resume

Provide a current resume that gives a profile of your background and experience.

MLA Portfolio Submission

To aid the Admissions Committee in evaluating your potential as a design student, you must submit a portfolio that represents evidence of your creative ability. The term 'creative' should be interpreted in its broadest definition.

Approximately ten to twenty items should be included in your portfolio submission.  The dimensions of the portfolio must not exceed 8.5 X 11" format.   Larger portfolios will be returned unopened.  Include anything that will allow us to evaluate your creative ability, e.g. drawings, photographs, art work, musical compositions, woodworking, written work, photographs, construction projects or engineering designs.  If pieces are too large for the required size, photograph them and submit the pictures.  There is no set format for the portfolio but it should be easy to review and clearly organized with a table of contents and brief text that explains the individual pieces.  Exercise your creativity in the design and organization of your portfolio.  Applicants are encouraged to be selective in the work they submit; it is preferable to send examples of a range of work rather than provide a comprehensive selection of one type of activity.  Be sure to clearly label the portfolio and package it to prevent damage.

Please include an address sticker and sufficient postage to facilitate fast return of your work after it is reviewed.  Please indicate on the portfolio if you wish to pick up your portfolio in person.

MLA Background Questionnaire

Answers to the background questions are intended to give the Admissions Committee an understanding of whether your interests and abilities will fit with our faculty and program.

Instructions: Respond to each of the 7 questions listed below in as complete and succinct a manner as possible. Type your responses using no more than two pages in total.

1. Outline your background and explain why you want to study towards a Master of Landscape Architecture degree.

2. Describe one or more pieces of your creative work and explain how they demonstrate that you are a creative person.

3. Describe one or more problems that you have resolved in a creative manner. Describe your approach and what you learned from the situation.

4. Relate an example of a time when you have worked in a group.  What role did you play?

5. What particular skills and/or knowledge do you have that could be valuable to other landscape architecture students?  How could you share this information?

6. What do you plan to do after completing your MLA degree?

• What area(s) of expertise do you hope to develop?
• How or in what setting will you use the knowledge and skills you acquire?
• How do you see your future in relation to the profession and its practitioners?

7.  What is the role of landscape architecture in the world today?

MLA Application Summary

In order to assure that you have completed all the necessary requirements for your application to the Landscape Architecture Program at the University of Guelph , please check the following list and ensure it is included with your application package.

• Application Submission Summary form from the Graduate Studies On-Line Application System.  Please ensure you print-off the completed form.

• Submit one certified copy of each previous undergraduate and graduate transcript.  The transcript must be received in an envelope from the home university, which is sealed and signed by the official issuing the transcript.  These must be submitted with your completed application.  (Do not open).  Uncertified copies of transcripts will not be accepted.  Transcripts in languages other than English or French must be accompanied by a certified literal translation.  Students currently registered at the University of Guelph from undergraduate or graduate programs need not to submit a transcript as the department to which you are applying will request these transcripts on your behalf.

• Two letters of recommendation (using assessment forms that you download from the on-line system).  Assessment forms and letters must be returned sealed in an institution or business envelope signed across the seal by your assessor.

• Original English Language Certification (for international applicants).

• Statement of Interest.

• Resume.

• MLA Portfolio Submission.

• MLA Background Questionnaire.

Application Submission

Submit all required information and materials to:

Chair - MLA Admissions Committee
Landscape Architecture Program
School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
University of Guelph
Guelph , Ontario
N1G 2W1 Canada

Please include an address sticker and sufficient postage to facilitate return of your portfolio after it is reviewed. Please indicate on portfolio if you wish to pick-up your portfolio in person.

mla Application Deadline

Completed applications are due by January 9th each year.  Preference is given to students who apply by January 9.  If you cannot meet this deadline, please contact us to find out if additional applications are being accepted.  Except in rare circumstances, applicants are accepted for entry into the fall semester annually. Course sequencing and space limitations make the winter semester entry point undesirable for most MLA degree students.