NUS Landscape Architecture Education

3.1. Why pick NUS BLA?

3.2. What does the merger with the College of Design and Engineering meant for me?

3.3. What is the BLA programme about?

3.4. What is the difference between the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and the BA(Architecture) programme in NUS?

3.5. Is the BLA programme offered on part-time basis?

3.6. Is BLA programme a licensed programme?

3.7. What are the exchange and overseas enrichment opportunities available for landscape architecture students?

3.8. Are students able to take part in internships to gain practical exposure?

3.9. How long does overseas studio last for and are the expenses included in the school fees?

3.10. Are students enrolled into BLA provided with the design softwares (e.g. Autocad, Adobe photoshop, Sketchup, Revit etc.) required for the course?

3.1. Why pick NUS BLA?

First, we are a leading Asia-centred programme.

NUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE is distinctively Asian and pan-tropical in geographic attention with an urban emphasis. Centrally located in Singapore, one of the most dynamic, diverse, and rapidly urbanizing regions of the world, we aim to provide a landscape architecture education that is sensitive to the myriad challenges facing Asian cities, as well as opportunities inspired by the rich heritage and cultural, socio-economic, and ecological elements of the region. Singapore provides an enriching backdrop to our training of landscape architects with its diversity of culture and cosmopolitan outlook, and where greening and ecology of the built environment is a cornerstone of urban development.

Second, we train design professionals who will shape the environment.

Landscape architecture as a professional practice is constantly evolving, and landscape architects’ roles are expanding into new frontiers of practice. Foundational years give students a head start to better engage the diverse issues of designing the environment. In senior years, students choose from a variety of design paths to develop interests, strengths and potentials. These paths provide career opportunities beyond landscape architecture whereby students might venture into architecture, urban design, regional planning, integrated sustainable design, and environmental studies.

Third, we provide a rich, interdisciplinary design education.

NUS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE environment is enriched by its affiliation to a full-fledged university built on world-class arts, humanities, and STEM programmes. Hosted by the Department of Architecture, with a long-standing reputation as the top Asian Architecture School and one of the top ten schools in the world, we leverage the close partnership across design disciplines through joint studios, cross-discipline electives, and networking guided by a world-class team of academics and practitioners. When students join the NUS LA programme, they will have access to a variety of cross disciplinary courses and specialised programmes, a broad range of overseas student exchanges, and excellent campus resources.

3.2. What does the merger with the College of Design and Engineering meant for me?

CDE takes advantage of the natural synergies and growing convergence between the fields of Engineering and Design to offer a distinctive, interdisciplinary education. Exposure to real-world scenarios, broad domain expertise and cutting-edge research in your university education will empower you to thrive in your future professional roles

The Future-focused Common Curriculum allow you to have greater control of your educational experience at NUS - whether you want to go broad, deep or both, in the fields of Design and Engineering. You can craft your own learning journey based on how broad, deep or integrated you want your education to be. More info here

3.3. What is the BLA programme about?

The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is a four-year Honours degree programme that prepares students to respond to multifaceted socio-ecological issues in Asia through critical thinking, analytical inquiry, and creative expression. The programme provides core foundation training in skills and knowledge that equips our graduates for professional practice or entry into advanced Master degree programmes.

Relevant topics including tropicality, site specificity, boundaries and scales, densification, multifunctionality, and placemaking are played out in the programme through integrated learning platforms in design studios and lectures. The programme is taught in unique education settings that concurrently promote speculation in design and produce grounded, action-oriented design outcomes relevant to real life issues.

3.4. What is the difference between the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and the BA(Architecture) programme in NUS?

The key difference between an architect and a landscape architect is the scale of design work each focuses on.

An architect typically works at a building scale but can also work at smaller scales including interiors and objects; a landscape architect designs outdoor environment that surrounds us, buildings and all built infrastructure.

The BA (Arch) programme primarily focus on architectural formations of various scales and context. The study of Landscape Architecture spans the local, micro and mesoscales, covering spaces from gardens and parks, to towns and cities (green infrastructure systems, green space planning and design), to urban agglomeration (biodiversity corridors, peri-urban and rural areas), with a special focus in Asia.

The primary remit of a landscape architect is to create environments that protect and conserve nature, and of which foster connection with human connection to nature. Modules which are unique to the BLA programme include, History & Theory of Landscape Architecture, Planting Design, Geo design, and Landscape Construction.

3.5. Is the BLA programme offered on part-time basis?

No. The 4-year BLA programme is only offered on a full-time basis.

3.6. Is BLA programme a licensed programme?

There is currently no professional licensing/ Qualified Person certification required for Landscape Architects in Singapore. However, graduates are encouraged to pursue accredited landscape architects status.

NUS Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is not a licenced program but it is a professional programme that is recognised by the Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (SILA) Landscape Architects Accreditation.

In order to qualify for the professional exam conducted by SILA, BLA graduates need to undertake at least 3 years of practical experience after completion of the BLA programme.

MLA graduates need to undertake at least 2 years of practical experience in order to qualify for the professional exam conducted by SILA.

In short, a student of the BLA programme may apply for his/her Accredited Landscape Architect status after 4 years of education plus 3 years of practical experience. For details on professional registration, please refer to https://www.la-accreditation.org.sg

3.7. What are the exchange and overseas enrichment opportunities available for landscape architecture students?

In its emphasis to engage the opportunities and challenges of globalisation, NUS has implemented Student Exchange Programmes (SEP) to more than 150 universities. Landscape Architecture students have the opportunity to participate in SEPs for one semester, with partner universities (at Departmental and University Level) in Asia, Europe and USA.

In addition to the student exchange programme, the Department creates opportunities and sponsors numerous overseas field trips, overseas enrichment programmes and design workshops conducted abroad. These activities enhance our students’ academic experience and enrich their exposure to design conditions under myriad social-cultural milieus.

(The above information is subject to change based on prevailing COVID-19 restrictions, including any border control measures of overseas enrichment and SEP host countries at the point of application and commencement of the programme.)

3.8. Are students able to take part in internships to gain practical exposure? The majority of students obtain practical experience through internship with landscape architecture practices during the semester break.

As a part of BLA elective modules, students have the opportunity to participate in a structured 12-week Landscape Architecture Internship Programme during the May to August vacation upon completion of the third year of study to gain practical experience in the profession.

3.9. How long does overseas studio last for and are the expenses included in the school fees?

Students may have one overseas studio in the fourth year of the programme. Overseas studio tend to span over a period of 7-10 days. Expenses required for the overseas trip are not included in the school fees. (The above information is subject to change based on prevailing COVID- 19 restrictions, including any border control measures of overseas host countries.)

3.10. Are students enrolled into BLA provided with the design softwares (e.g. Autocad, Adobe photoshop, Sketchup, Revit) required for the course?

NUS provides Adobe software for students to use in the campus computer clusters. Students who require to have the design software on their laptop, will have to purchase the software on their own from https://www.adobe.com/sea/creativecloud/buy/students.htmlGoogle .

SketchUp is provided for students’ use in the lab clusters in NUS.

Design software is not provided for installation into personal laptops/computers. Students can make use of student’s version of required software for installation into their personal devices. Such software might be free version of Sketchup, student license for Autodesk and GIS software.

There are also online tutorials for students via Archstar.

Minor Programme, Further Studies & Career Opportunities

4.1. What are the job prospects and types of jobs for a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture graduate from NUS? Is it difficult to get a job? What is the approximate average starting salary expected?

4.2. Are BLA graduates eligible for direct admission into the MLA programme?

4.3. Can I apply for a Minor programme while pursing my undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture?

4.1. What are the job prospects and types of jobs for a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture graduate from NUS? Is it difficult to get a job? What is the approximate average starting salary expected?

With your NUS landscape architecture training, you can work in government agencies, architectural or landscape architectural firms or in other related fields as project managers, landscape architects, designers, urban designers, and researchers etc. You may continue your studies up to master level offered in the Department: Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA, See Question 6.1.), further leading to a PhD degree. Alternatively, you may also continue your education with other masters programs in and across a variety of fields.

Approximate starting salaries vary depending on several factors including type of company and prevailing economic situations at the time of graduation and job application.

4.2. Are BLA graduates eligible for direct admission into the MLA programme?

No. Upon completion of the four-year programme, students are eligible to apply for the MLA programme.

Successful applications who meet the eligibility criteria may be exempted from the first year of the MLA programme. It may be possible for these students to graduate with an MLA upon completion of the second year of the MLA programme.

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4.3. Can I apply for a Minor programme while pursing my undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture?

Yes. We have put together a list of recommended Minor programmes that will facilitate a greater appreciation for design and the environment for undergraduates of the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture course. More details can be found here.

BLA students are also eligible to apply for a ‘restricted’ minor in Architectural Studies. Students are required to apply to the Host Faculty/Department and obtain approval to read a restricted minor.

For more information on the Minor programmes available in NUS, please visit http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/academic-information-policies/undergraduate-students/specialprogrammes/minor-programmes Minor Programme, Further Studies & Career

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Financial Assistance

5.1. Are there any scholarships available?

5.1. Are there any scholarships available?

The following scholarships are available for BLA students: Gardens by the Bay scholarship

Design Singapore Scholarship

NParks Scholarship

NParks Prize (with effect from BLA’23)

Nparks Peter Lim Awards

For more details of the above scholarships/awards, you can refer to this link

There are also various NUS scholarships and financial aid available.

Please refer to the following links for more details: http://www.nus.edu.sg//oam/scholarships.html http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/financial-aid