Master of Landscape Architecture
Degree
- MLA (Master of Landscape Architecture)
Program Type
- Coursework
Delivery
- On-campus
Entry Terms & Deadlines
- Fall (September): January 31
Duration
- Full Time: 24 months
- Part Time: 48 months
Shape, design and protect the outdoor spaces we enjoy.
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is offered by the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) to prepare students for creative thinking and collaborative learning leading to professional careers. It is an intensive, internationally-recognized design program that offers diverse opportunities for study, research, creative design, and professional practice.
Landscape architects play an important role in shaping our environment, working collaboratively with other designers, scientists and the public. As a landscape architect you will be involved in analyzing, designing, constructing, conserving, and managing landscapes from small-scale sites to entire communities.
Immersive design learning
Explore the profession through peer-to-peer sharing, field study, in-depth discussions, seminars, lectures, and landscape design studios with real clients.
National accreditation
The MLA program is accredited by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects, and meets international requirements to facilitate membership in professional associations.
Learn from the best
Study with internationally-recognized faculty, and practicing professionals who have diverse experiences and perspectives. They hold degrees in landscape architecture, and related fields, and have practiced in a variety of settings.
Publish research
Make a significant contribution to landscape architecture by publishing with faculty members in top international journals, as well as professional/industry periodicals.
Excellent facilities
Access dedicated and comfortable studios and classrooms, as well as computing output facilities.
Secure your career
Graduate with a degree that's in demand by employers all over the world due to its focus on both theory and practice, and students' experience in practical and community projects.
This program is delivered in-person in a full-time format at the University of Guelph campus.
More information on courses and admission requirements can be found here.
Hear from Our Alumni and Professors
Landscape architecture beautifully combines creative problem solving through the design process with that of environmental stewardship. I love representing and designing for the needs of Ontario's natural heritage systems.
The MLA program at the University of Guelph offers passionate and engaged students the chance to study a fascinating discipline rich with potential and boundless ambition to confront the complex challenges facing society through better design.
Landscape architecture is quite broad, I would say it's a fusion between science, art, design and also bringing in a lot of technical skills.
I am engaged in questions of applied landscape ecology in rural and agricultural landscapes, including changes in landscape patterns and the consequences of those changes on biodiversity, water quality, and culture.
My research is generally on green infrastructure, particularly these days I'm looking at urban agriculture, which is important not only because it provides fresh healthy food in the urban environment particularly to the food insecure, but also offers pollinator habitat, biodiversity, community engagement and generally a beautiful environment in the urban landscape.
Why Choose MLA @ Guelph?
The first in Canada
University of Guelph is home to Canada’s first-established professional degree program in landscape architecture and world-wide reputation as a centre for landscape architecture education.
City/Rural living
Enjoy the benefits of the only MLA in a small city set among rural landscapes and close to metropolitan areas. The City of Guelph is rated as one of the most sustainable cities in Ontario with a vibrant community, lively downtown, abundant shopping and dynamic cultural activities.
Join a community
Learn alongside a large body of landscape architecture students - a group of creative, concerned and intensely involved individuals who organize many social and educational events throughout the year.
Hear from Master of Landscape Architecture Students
I will be focusing my research on ecological grief and the role landscape architects can play in helping people cope with and move forward after such losses. Oddly, this work really lights me up! This research pulls together things that I never expected were possible in landscape architecture. From emotional and cultural sensitivity to questions about our relationship to nonhuman life and what sustainability means, many pieces are needed.
Location and program reputation were influential in my decision to study at the University of Guelph. The City of Guelph offers a comfortable environment that balances the calmness I need to focus on my studies and the vibrancy of a city in terms of culture, relationships, and exploration
Guelph is a much smaller school than my previous university, and the MLA program accepts roughly 17 students per year. I love the intimate setting, and I’m grateful for the close bonds I was able to build with my classmates and professors.
Only you can experience the joy of discovering who you are as a person, but you may need to take the risk of learning who you're not. The three-year MLA program gives you the time and the team to support you in this journey.
How to Apply
Application to the Master of Landscape Architecture program requires candidates to apply online through the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.
All application material is submitted online to your WebAdvisor account except for the portfolio requirement which is to be sent separately via email in digital PDF format.
Admission is based on previous academic performance, references, evidence of creative work, statement of interest, and background information provided through a questionnaire. All applications must be accompanied by a digital portfolio, statement of research, cv/resume, references and the completed background questionnaire (the background questionnaire is uploaded as the "supplemental document").
Applicants should note that the online application system can take up to 3-5 working days to process your account. Once your account is processed, you will receive an email with your login information and instructions on how to upload your documents. Please plan the submission of your application in accordance with admission deadline.
MLA applicants are not required to find a faculty advisor prior to submitting an application (please ignore this question on the online application). An Advisor is assigned to each new student. As an MLA student's concentration within the program sharpens, they can seek out another Advisor, a faculty member whose interests or expertise is aligned to their own. This is normally done prior to the beginning of your final year of study.
After a careful review of all submitted materials, the strongest candidates are selected for admission from the pool of qualified applicants.
More details on the U of G graduate program application process here.
Contact
Diana Foolen, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
dfoolen@uoguelph.ca
Your Questions Answered
Watch this video that answers 7 common questions about applying to the MLA program.