Available in 8 languages
Architecture › Specialization

Study Landscape Architecture in Europe

Landscape architecture is the design of outdoor environments — parks, public squares, waterfront edges, ecological corridors, post-industrial land, and urban greenery — at scales that range from a courtyard to an entire river valley.

13
Landscape Architecture programs in Europe from 10 universities · updated for 2026
Jump to:

A typical week involves design studio work on an outdoor space, ecology and planting lectures covering soil science and native species selection, site visits to understand context and drainage, and technical drawing of grading plans, sections, and planting layouts. The discipline sits between architecture, ecology, urban planning, and horticulture, and the best European programs take all four seriously. Skills developed include spatial design at multiple scales, technical drawing including grading and drainage plans, ecological literacy, planting knowledge, GIS mapping, and the ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder briefs. Climate change has given landscape architecture renewed urgency: flood risk management, urban heat island mitigation, and rewilding are now central professional concerns. It is less publicly visible than architecture but often more directly connected to environmental outcomes, and many graduates find it more immediately purposeful.

What You Actually Study

Core areas within Landscape Architecture

Landscape design studio — site analysis, spatial concept development, and technical drawing at scales from courtyard to territory
Ecology, planting design, and soil science for temperate European climates including native species selection and seasonal performance
Grading, drainage, civil engineering fundamentals, and hydrology for outdoor space design and flood risk management
Urban green infrastructure — parks strategy, greenway networks, biodiversity net gain, and climate adaptation masterplanning

Why Europe for Landscape Architecture?

What makes European programs distinctive for this specialization

Europe's landscape architecture profession is at the center of two major policy drivers: the EU Biodiversity Strategy requiring the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and the EU Green Deal's urban greening and climate adaptation targets. These create significant public sector demand for qualified landscape architects with ecological expertise. The Bologna Process enables degree recognition across 48 EHEA countries, and the European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools (ECLAS) maintains standards that provide professional portability across the continent. European programs benefit from proximity to diverse landscape types — from Mediterranean coastal ecologies to Nordic boreal and alpine environments — giving students exceptional ecological range in their field education.

Where It Leads

Career paths for Landscape Architecture graduates

Landscape Architect at a consultancy designing parks, waterfront regenerations, and public realm projects for local authorities and developers

Landscape Planner at a local authority, national park body, or government environmental agency overseeing green infrastructure strategy

Ecological Designer working on habitat restoration, rewilding projects, and post-industrial land remediation

Urban Greening Consultant advising developers and municipalities on biodiversity net gain compliance and green infrastructure integration

Salary & Career Outcomes

What graduates in this area realistically earn

€24,000 – €44,000 (landscape architect roles; public sector and consultancy ranges overlap; ecological specialisms are increasingly valued) Typical Salary Range

How to Break In

What programs and employers are actually looking for

Landscape architecture programs admit through portfolio and academic results; many accept applicants from architecture, ecology, geography, or horticulture backgrounds rather than requiring a specific prior degree. Your portfolio should show spatial design ability, drawing skills including sections and plans, and any engagement with outdoor or environmental projects — whether academic or personal. Some programs emphasize design studio strongly; others weight ecology and planning more heavily. Ask specifically about the balance when comparing options. At master's level, applicants with a prior architecture degree often move into landscape architecture as a second qualification; this combination of credentials is particularly strong for employment. Accreditation by the Landscape Institute (UK) or equivalent national body is worth confirming.

Programs Covering Landscape Architecture

Programs with strong content in this specialization, from verified European sources

Landscape Architecture

Cracow University of Technology Krakow, Poland

Bachelor's English 3,5 years
EU: €2,500 Per semester Non-EU: €2,500
Tap to see program details

Landscape Architecture Cracow University of Technology

This program offers interdisciplinary education combining natural, technical, agricultural, and social sciences with artistic design. Students learn to create, plan, and restore landscapes across various scales—ranging from gardens to entire urban areas—while embracing modern concepts like green infrastructure and smart growth. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills, legal and ethical principles, and the use of new technologies. Graduates are equipped for careers in design, restoration, and management of landscape architecture both in Poland and internationally.
Admission to this program is based on the school-leaving exam results and a portfolio evaluation. The portfolio must include 10–15 hand-drawn works (size A2 and A3) depicting specific natural and urban landscapes, such as trees, bridges, streets, and historic scenes. At least half of the drawings should be in graphite pencil; additional artworks may be included. All works must be photographed or scanned in high resolution and compiled into a single PDF, accompanied by a separate, hand-signed declaration of authorship.
Visit Program Website

Architecture

University of Ljubljana Ljubljana, Slovenia

Master's English 2 years
Non-EU: €4,700
Tap to see program details

Architecture University of Ljubljana

This master's program focuses on sustainable urban design, planning, and policy within contemporary socio-spatial contexts. It integrates studio-based design work with theoretical and technical knowledge, emphasizing urban morphology, building typologies, transport systems, and land policy. Students gain practical skills in spatial analysis, legal frameworks, and cultural landscape planning. Courses also cover architectural design, research methods, and strategic spatial assessment. A professional internship and elective modules allow for individual specialization. The program equips students to design, plan, and manage urban environments with a strong focus on sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration.
To be admitted to this master's program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in urbanism or a related field such as architecture, landscape architecture, or spatial planning. Graduates from other technical or professional backgrounds may also apply if they complete required differential exams, which range from 10 to 60 ECTS credits and are tailored to each candidate’s prior education. Equivalent degrees completed abroad are also accepted. If there are more applicants than places, selection is based on the average undergraduate grade (60%), final thesis or equivalent work (10%), and an entrance exam assessing knowledge in the field (30%).
Visit Program Website

Architecture

Riga Technical University Riga, Latvia

Master's English 2 years
EU: €8,680 Per year Non-EU: €8,680
Tap to see program details

Architecture Riga Technical University

This master's program offers advanced training in architectural design, sustainable urban development, and building systems. Core subjects include structural systems, building acoustics, design planning, and conservation techniques for historical buildings. Students can choose electives in interior architecture, urban design, historical preservation, and regional landscape architecture. The curriculum includes a practical placement and concludes with a master's thesis integrated with a diploma project, supporting students in developing both creative and technical architectural solutions.
To enroll in this master's program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in architecture and urban planning or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, they need to demonstrate English language proficiency at a level equivalent to CEFR B2 or higher.
Visit Program Website

Architecture

Riga Technical University Riga, Latvia

PhD English 4 years
EU: €18,490 Per year Non-EU: €18,490
Tap to see program details

Architecture Riga Technical University

This doctoral program focuses on architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, and heritage preservation. It equips students for independent scientific research and academic teaching in these areas. Students enhance their understanding of urban and architectural interaction and develop their ability to identify complex problems and design innovative solutions. The curriculum includes both compulsory and elective courses related to architectural theory, restoration, and urban research. Graduates are expected to conduct advanced research, publish their findings, lead research teams, and design academic programs. The final requirement is a doctoral thesis.
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in engineering sciences in architecture or a comparable education.
Visit Program Website

Landscape Architecture and Planning

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Jelgava, Latvia

Master's English 2 years
EU: €4,000 Per year Non-EU: €4,000
Tap to see program details

Landscape Architecture and Planning Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

This master's program trains students in landscape architecture and planning, blending theoretical foundations with applied design practice. Core subjects include landscape theory, sustainable development, and research methods, along with a significant focus on professional traineeships and a master thesis. Students deepen their knowledge through elective courses such as territorial development, industrial landscape design, and greenery concepts. The curriculum emphasizes ecological, social, and aesthetic aspects of landscape planning, preparing students for careers in spatial design, planning policy, and environmental stewardship.
To apply for this master's program, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture. They must also demonstrate English language proficiency at a minimum of CEFR level B2, with acceptable test scores including IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 520, or TOEFL-iBT 68. These requirements ensure students have the foundational knowledge and language skills needed to succeed in the program.
Visit Program Website

Landscape Architecture

Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Jelgava, Latvia

PhD English 3 years
EU: €5,000 Per year Non-EU: €5,000
Tap to see program details

Landscape Architecture Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

This doctoral program in landscape architecture offers a comprehensive academic and research pathway over three years. The theoretical part includes landscape transformation processes, research methodology, and specialized courses in both the research area and a foreign language. Research is structured through five progressive stages, supported by teaching practice, scientific publications, and international presentations. Key research areas include urban gardens, green infrastructure in public spaces, and rural landscape and cultural heritage such as manor parks and regional identity. The program aims to deepen knowledge and contribute to sustainable and culturally aware landscape development.
To apply for this doctoral program, candidates must hold a master's degree in Landscape Architecture. Applicants from other fields are also considered but must pass an entrance exam. A good level of English proficiency is required, demonstrated by a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, TOEFL score of 547, or TOEFL-iBT score of 76. These criteria ensure students are academically prepared and capable of engaging in international academic discourse.
Visit Program Website

Other Specializations in Architecture

Leonardo AI

Find Programs with Leonardo

Tell Leonardo exactly what you're looking for and get personalized recommendations in seconds.

Try asking:

Back to Architecture

See the full overview, all specializations, and more

Did you find this information useful?
0 / 1000
Thank you for your feedback!