Programme description and course plans

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Programme description

Master’s in landscape architecture

[120/Tromsø]

The program description has been approved by the rector on June 15, 2021 based on

delegated authority from the board of UiT The Arctic University of Norway.

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1 A landscape architect should be a proficient designer who can operate within the framework of sustainable societal development. As a landscape architect you should be able to master the materials, methods, and tools of landscape architecture, and contribute both practically, artistically and scientifically to the development of the field.

The basis for the master’s in landscape architecture is in the local, establishing a global laboratory which gives special emphasis to arctic/subarctic conditions, including the natural and man-made transformations which affect both society and the ecosystem in the

Arctic/subarctic.

The aim of the study programme is to conduct research into, and produce new knowledge about, how we can protect, shape, and further develop particularly vulnerable landscapes within communities in state of flux. The programme focuses on urban, landscape and territorial practices. This differentiation makes it possible to add different perspectives to the spectrum of human activities which impact and form landscapes in the arctic/subarctic region. These three perspectives overlap with each other and are thematised in the studio courses.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Landscape architects have job opportunities in both the private and public sector, with consultant firms and private landscape architecture offices, municipalities, the counties, and diverse government agencies.

Master’s in Landscape Architecture is a two-year study programme at UIT The Arctic University of Norway, Academy of Arts in Tromsø.

Study programme name Master’s in Landscape Architecture Degree obtained Master’s in Landscape Architecture

Target group Applicants who wish to develop knowledge and skills within the field of landscape architecture to contribute to relevant and innovative societal development, with particular emphasis on dynamic

transformation processes in vulnerable landscapes and communities in the Arctic/subarctic.

Admission requirements, required prerequisites

•

Bachelor's degree (180 credits) in landscape architecture or an equivalent architectural education, with a minimum of 80 credits specialising in landscape architecture.

•

The education must include:

o

Basic knowledge of biodiversity and ecosystems as described in the courses 61 123, 61 134 and 61 162 (12 credits) in the five-year master’s in landscape architecture programme, or equivalent.

o Basic knowledge of cities and the history of urban planning

as described in the courses 61 151 (6 credits) in the five- year master’s in landscape architecture programme, or equivalent.

o Documented introduction to the use of CAD, GIS, and

Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop.

•

Proof of English proficiency

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2 Recommended

prerequisite knowledge The programme is best suited to applicants with an interest in design, and artistic and scientific innovation work, in addition to an

understanding and interest in natural, cultural, and social conditions.

To participate in the programme students must have basic skills in the use of digital tools, and access to their own laptop. Students will receive access to necessary digital software.

Academic content and description of the study programme

The programme is a full-time course over two years as specified below in the programme structure.

The place of study is Tromsø.

Table: programme

structure

^Semester Studio courses (24ECTS) /

Diploma (30ECTS) Supplementary courses

(6ECTS) 1^st semester

(Footnote 1) Studio 1: Urban practices

Digital landscapes

2^nd semester Studio 2: Landscape practices

Perspectives

on nature and landscape practices

Alternative exchange semester to approved educational institution (30ECTS)

3^rd semester Studio 3: Territorial practices

Pre-diploma

4^th semester Diploma thesis/Master’s thesis

Footnote 1: The following courses are compulsory for all first semester students:

• HMS-0502 First aid in the laboratory, workshop and on ser and land expeditions - 0 ECTS

• HMS-0501 Safety in the laboratory, workshop and on sea and land expeditions – 0 ECTS

The study programme’s

learning outcomes After passing the course the student will have the following learning outcomes:

KNOWLEDGE

• Have in-depth knowledge about landscape architecture as a practical, artistic, and scientific discipline, its media, history, theories, and methods.

• Be able to master landscape architecture through specialised insight into natural and man-made materials and how they are influenced through composition, delimitation, and design. Dynamic transformation processes in vulnerable landscapes and communities within the Arctic/subarctic are emphasised.

• Be able to use knowledge about the natural, societal and cultural, and qualify and integrate these into landscape architectural design.

• Be able to critically analyse and discuss how landscape

architecture impacts the environment in the short and long

term, with particular emphasis on cultural understanding,

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3 place, and the relation between the natural and man- made.

SKILLS

•

Have a comprehensive ability to analyse critically, qualify, explain, and argue for designs and solutions within

landscape architecture through complex planning and project work.

•

Be able to independently implement and lead planning and project work within the field of landscape architecture.

•

Be able to take a critical position to relevant theories and methods within landscape architecture and maintain an openness for interdisciplinary insight.

•

Have the ability to drive scientific and artistic knowledge production within the field, with special emphasis on the landscape architect’s main area of work; design-based project development.

GENERAL COMPETENCE

•

Be able to independently analyse, plan and give form to landscape architecture projects of various scales in different local, urban, and territorial contexts. The competency should be directed towards dynamic transformation processes in vulnerable landscapes and communities and be in accordance with professional standards.

•

Be able to apply professional knowledge and skills to processes for a society in constant transformation and be prepared to take professional leadership in sustainable societal development.

•

Be able to communicate and convey issues, analyses, and conclusions from within the field of landscape architecture to both specialists and the general public as well as

contribute to the innovation and development of the field of landscape architecture.

Learning activities, work scope, examination and assessment

To reach learning outcomes, the students must expect to work a minimum of forty hours a week on their studies. Teaching and working methods are described in more detail in the individual course plans.

Teaching can include lectures, fieldwork/excursions, group work, individual project work, seminars, workshops and similar.

Project/studio work with direct teacher/student - student/student dialogue will make up a significant part of the teaching process.

Attendance, extensive participation, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are expected.

Arrangements for examination and continuation of study are

described in the individual course plans.

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4 The most common methods of examination are written examination, oral examination, project reports and portfolio assessment, in various combinations.

The following assessment terms are used:

•

Pass/fail, or

•

A graded scale with five levels where A to E is a pass, and F is a fail .

The study programme’s

relevance The study programme aims at educating landscape architects with strong design skills and a thorough understanding of the spatial connections in and across cities, landscapes and territories.

Candidates graduating from this programme will have the professional landscape architectural competence to give form to our environment using everything from process management, urban planning to design-based project development.

Eligible for admission to a PhD programme.

For master’s

theses/independent work in master’s degrees

The Master’s degree can be delivered individually or as a group with a maximum of three members, in which case receiving individual

assessment.

Language of instruction

and examination English

Internationalisation The international perspective, focusing on the arctic and the subarctic regions, is catered for through an English language curriculum, international lecturers and different learning activities.

Student exchange Exchanges with approved partner institutions can be arranged.

Exchanges can take place in the third semester.

Students must have met the exam requirements in accordance with the standard study progression before the exchange can be

approved. Pre-diploma (LAN-3092) should be completed and accepted before the student can begin the 4

^th

semester Diploma thesis/Master’s thesis (LAN-3900)

Quality

assurance/evaluation Evaluation of the study program is in accordance with the quality

assurance system for the educational activities at UiT Norway's Arctic

University and evaluation plans at UMAK, Academy of Fine Arts.

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MASTER’S IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE – COURSE PLAN

Year Semester Course

1.

1. Studio 1: Urban practises (24 credits) Digital landscapes (6 credits)

2. Studio 2: Landscape practices (24 credits)

Perspectives of nature and Landscape practices (6 credits)

2. 3. Studio 3: Territorial Practices (24 credits) Pre-diploma (6 credits)

4. Diploma thesis / Master’s thesis (30 credits)

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Title Studio 1: Urban Practices

Course code and course level Masters level

Type of course Cannot be taken as an individual course. Available only to students in the study programme Master in Landscape Architecture.

Credits 24 credits

Admission requirements

Academic content

Through the course, you will learn to differentiate between urban, landscape and territorial practices. These practices make it possible to add different perspectives to the spectrum of human activities which impact and form landscapes in the Arctic/subarctic region. These three perspectives overlap with each other and are thematised in the studio courses. This course’s start point and research work is specifically connected to urban practices.

With a practical focus, it underscores how we actively form landscapes through different practices in interaction with the landscape's specific ecosystem.

Urban practices are fundamentally linked to the city as a phenomenon but cannot be strictly limited to defined city structures or forms of development. In modern societies, where accessibility has, to a large extent, replaced density as a measure of proximity, traditional binaries such as city-country and centre-periphery will often be misleading in relation to the results of contemporary urbanisation processes. These urban practices can therefore unfold across densely populated regions and open landscapes. Not solely reserved for larger urban

communities, which there are relatively few of in the Arctic/subarctic, they are equally connected to traditional towns and their

transformation through contemporary urbanisation processes. Central to the course is an ecosystem-based understanding of the interaction between urban practices and natural processes. This applies

particularly to dealing with the climatic challenges which are connected to (city) life in the Arctic/subarctic

Learning outcomes After passing the course the student will have the following learning outcomes:

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Knowledge:

• Specific knowledge about the interaction between urban practices and ecosystems in the Arctic/subarctic landscape

• Specific knowledge about the climatic challenges which are connected to (city) life in the Arctic/subarctic

• General knowledge about urban conditions in the

Arctic/subarctic and a basic understanding of contemporary urbanisation processes.

• Understanding of the role of landscape architecture in relation to urban practices and the ambition of sustainable societal development.

Skills:

• Be able to analyse landscapes with a view to identifying the interaction between urban practices and ecosystems.

• Be able to develop landscape architectural responses to issues connected to urban practices through design research.

• Be able to incorporate and apply own observations and experience to qualify landscape architectural project proposals.

• Be able to incorporate and apply basic knowledge about biodiversity and ecosystems to qualify landscape architectural project proposals.

• Be able to convey landscape architectural intentions in a manner which expresses empathy with and understanding of the relevant landscape.

General competence

• The ability to independently apply knowledge, skills and, to a certain degree, facilitate your own working process.

• The ability to describe the field’s issues with a certain degree of complexity.

• The ability to collaborate with others in the field and, to a certain degree, take responsibility for your own and others learning.

• The ability, to a certain degree, to reflect critically on landscape architecture’s societal relevance and landscape architecture’s potential role.

Teaching and work model. Project-based teaching with individual or group guidance. In addition, teaching will be implemented through site visits, field work, lectures

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and workshops. Review of project work through group seminars constitutes an important part of the teaching.

The teaching invites critical study of existing, and development of new, practices, which can support the ambition of sustainable societal development.

Coursework requirements

The following work requirements must be met before the exam can take place:

• Submission of analysis work

• Field work

• Design exploration in association with the project.

Examination and assessment

Oral exams are based on exhibited works and oral/visual presentation of work process.

Exams are assessed with Pass / Fail.

Continuation is not granted to students who do not pass the exam in this subject.

Teaching and examination

language Norwegian / English

Curriculum

Curriculum prepared by course coordinator.

Quality assurance / evaluation

Evaluation of the study program is in accordance with the quality system for the educational activities at UiT Norway's Arctic University and evaluation plans at UMAK, Academy of Fine Arts.

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Title Digital Landscapes

Course code and course level LAN-3072 - Masters level

Course Type Cannot be taken as an individual course. Available only to students enrolled in the study programme Master in Landscape Architecture.

Credits 6 credits

Admission Requirements

Academic content

Combined theory and practical course with a focus on digital resources to use in studies of landscape and larger territories. The course gives insight to theory and technology behind central digital resources and knowledge of their practical application within different fields, including how they can be applied innovatively within your own subject area. The course will, among others, give knowledge of remote sensing as a technology, and practical training in the application of LIDAR for surveying terrain and vegetation and GIS for the simulation of wind and water currents.

Learning outcomes

After passing the course the student will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

• Specific knowledge of the use of LIDAR and GIS

• General knowledge of the theory and technology behind central digital resources which can be used for the study of landscape and larger territories, including remote sensing.

• Understanding of the significance of digital resources for the study of landscape and larger territories and as innovative tools in the development of landscape architecture.

Skills:

• To be able to collect and handle data from the internet for use in studies of landscape and larger territories.

• To be able to apply LIDAR to the surveying of terrain and vegetation.

• To be able to apply GIS to simulate wind and water currents.

General competence:

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• The ability to apply theoretical knowledge in connection with practical exercises.

• The ability to apply LIDAR and GIS through practical exercises with a certain degree of complexity.

• The ability to reflect critically on the possibilities and limitations of digital resources in relation to the study of landscape, larger territories and the development of landscape architecture.

Teaching and work model Teaching is undertaken through a series of lectures, text reviews and practical exercises, individually or in groups.

Coursework Requirements

The following coursework requirements must be met before the exam can take place:

• Reflective notes.

• Documentation of exercises using LIDAR and GIS

Exam and Assessment

Home exam:

• A written task/response to a given theme. Range 5-8 pages (approx 1750-2800 words).

Grading is given on a scale from A – F, where F is a fail.

On receiving an F, students can re-sit the exam the following semester.

language Norwegian/English

Curriculum Curriculum prepared by course coordinator.

Quality assurance / evaluation

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Title Studio 2: Landscape Practices

Course code & level Masters level

Type of course Cannot be taken as an individual course. Available only to students enrolled in the study programme Master’s in Landscape Architecture.

Credits 24 credits

Admission requirements Studio 1: Urban Practices

Academic content

Through the course, you will learn to differentiate between urban, landscape and territorial practices. These practices make it possible to add different perspectives to the spectrum of human activities which impact and form landscapes in the Arctic/subarctic region. These three perspectives overlap with each other and are thematised in the studio courses. This course’s start point and research work is specifically connected to landscape practices.

With a practical focus, it underscores how we actively form landscapes through different practices in interaction with the landscapes’ specific ecosystems.

Landscape practices can, among other things, be connected to recreational use of landscapes, the cultivation of landscapes, raw material extraction and other uses of natural resources, as well as the adaptation and design of landscapes in connection with major

construction projects. The concept of landscape practices also includes landscapes continual transformation, how different landscapes practices have replaced each other or developed over time, in addition to completely new forms of landscape use. Central to this course is a discussion of the culture-nature binary and different perspectives on nature, including issues connected to the idea of the Anthropocene as a new geological epoch. This is a discussion which is important in relation to the understanding of the landscape in the Arctic/subarctic, characterized by humans use through generations, but which is now increasingly also shaped by new types of activities and influenced by humans' impact on the global climate and the nutrient cycle.

Learning Outcomes After passing the course the student will have the following learning outcomes:

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Knowledge:

• Specific knowledge about the relationship between perspectives on nature and landscape practices.

• General knowledge about landscapes in the Arctic/subarctic and landscapes ongoing transformation which follows from shifting practices.

• Knowledge of natural recovery and ecological restoration.

• Understanding of landscape architectures role in relation to landscape practices and the ambition of a sustainable societal development.

Skills:

• To be able to analyse landscape with the view to identify how they are impacted and formed through different landscape practices.

• To be able to develop landscape architectural solutions to issues connected to landscape practices through design research.

• To be able to incorporate and apply your own observations and experiences to qualify landscape architectural project proposals.

• To be able to incorporate and apply basic knowledge about biodiversity and ecosystems to qualify landscape architectural project proposals.

• To be able to convey landscape architectural intentions in a manner which expresses empathy and understanding for the relevant landscape.

General Competence:

• The ability to independently apply knowledge and skills and to a significant degree facilitate your own work process.

• The ability to describe the issues with a significant degree of complexity.

• Ability to collaborate with others in the field and, to a

significant degree, take responsibility for your own and others learning.

• Ability to reflect critically to a significant degree upon landscape architecture’s societal relevance and the landscape architect’s potential role.

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Teaching and work model

Project-based teaching with individual or group guidance. In addition, the teaching can be implemented through site visits, field work, lectures and workshops. Review of project work in group seminars constitutes an important part of the teaching.

• Field work

• Design research in connection with project.

Examination and Assessment

Curriculum Curriculum prepared by course coordinator.

Quality assurance/evaluation

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Title Perspectives of nature and landscape practices

Type of course Cannot be taken as an individual course. Available only to students enrolled in the study programme Master in Landscape Architecture.

Credits 6 credits

Admission requirements Studio 1: Urban Practices

Academic content

The course gives insight to the relationship between perspectives of nature and different landscape practices. The course focuses on how different perceptions of nature leave their mark on the landscape. This applies both to how different perspectives of nature have shaped the development of landscapes over time, and how they unfold in contemporary discussions about land use and major landscape interventions.

The Sámi perspective of nature and associated landscape practices will be included as a central theme in relation to the understanding of the cultural landscape in the Arctic/subarctic. The course forms a

foundation for students to develop a reflective relationship to different perspectives of nature and use this both in the understanding of relevant issues and in reflection over their own landscape architectural praxis.

Learning outcomes

After passing the course students will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

• Specific knowledge on perspectives on nature in the Arctic/subarctic, including Sámi perspectives and associated landscape practices.

• General knowledge about different perspectives of nature and their influence on the landscape historically and its relevance.

• Understanding of the relationship between perspectives on nature and different landscape practices.

Skills:

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• To be able to identify specific landscape forms and landscape uses which represent different perspectives of nature.

• To be able to identify arguments and points of view in discussions around land use and major landscape

interventions that represent different perspectives of nature.

• To be able to describe and discuss landscape architectural issues from a position which considers the perspectives on nature.

• Ability to independently apply theoretical knowledge about perspectives of nature in the analysis of landscapes and larger landscape interventions.

• Ability to orient yourself in complex issues relating to the landscapes professional field and identifying central aspects connected to perspectives of nature.

• Ability to reflect over your own perspective of nature.

Teaching is undertaken through a series of lectures, text reviews and a combination of oral and written presentations, individually or in groups.

• Reflective notes

• Text presentation

Home exam:

• Written response to a given theme. Range 5-8 pages (approx.

1750 – 2800 words)

Grading is given on a scale from A – F, where F is a fail.

On receiving an F, students can re-sit the exam the following semester.

Curriculum

Course coordinator prepares the curriculum.

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Quality assurance /

evaluation Evaluation of the study program is in accordance with the quality system for the educational activities at UiT Norway's Arctic University and evaluation plans at UMAK, Academy of Fine Arts.

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Title Studio 3: Territorial practices

Credits 24 credits

Admission requirements Studio 2: Landscape Practices

Academic content

Through the course, you will learn to differentiate between urban, landscape and territorial practices. These practices make it possible to add different perspectives to the spectrum of human activities which impact and form landscapes in the Arctic/subarctic region. These three perspectives overlap with each other and are thematised in the studio courses. This course’s start point and research work is specifically connected to territorial practices.

Territorial practices are connected to overarching contexts which play out over larger geographic regions. The results of territorial practices can be read from both an urban and landscape perspective, but their logic can first be decoded from a territorial perspective. For the same reason, mapping as an investigative tool plays an important role in the work of territorial practices. Central to the course is the discussion of how overall systems and structures help to set the premises for the development and design of landscapes and urban communities. For the landscapes in the Arctic / subarctic, this discussion is closely linked to actors, interests and potential conflicts related to land dispositions and the use of natural resources. This issue is brought to the fore with climate change and the loss of biological diversity.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:

• Specific knowledge of the overarching systems and structures which influence the development and design of landscapes and city communities in the Arctic/subarctic.

• General knowledge of the relevant and historical geopolitical situation in the Arctic/subarctic.

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• Understanding of landscape architecture’s role in relation to territorial practices and the ambition of a sustainable societal development.

Skills:

• To be able to analyse larger geographic regions with a view on decoding territorial practices.

• To be able to use mapping as a research tool.

• To be able to incorporate and apply basic knowledge from community planning and other relevant fields to qualify analysis and mapping.

• To be able to develop landscape architectural responses to issues connected to territorial practices through design research.

• To be able to incorporate and apply you own observations and experiences to qualify landscape architectural project proposals.

• To be able to incorporate and apply basic knowledge on biodiversity and ecosystems to qualify landscape architectural project proposals.

• To be able to convey landscape architectural intentions in a manner which expresses empathy and understanding for the relevant landscape.

• The ability to independently apply knowledge and skills and, to a high degree, plan your own working process.

• The ability to describe issues relevant to the field with a high degree of complexity.

• The ability to participate in field related collaborations and take responsibility for your own and others learning to a high degree.

• The ability to reflect critically to a high degree on landscape architecture’s societal relevance and the potential role of the landscape architect.

Project-based teaching with individuals or group-based guidance. In addition, teaching can be implemented through site-visits, field work, lectures and workshops. Reviews of project work through group seminars constitute an important part of the teaching.

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• Field work

• Design research in connection with project.

Teaching and Examination

Language Norwegian / English

Curriculum Course coordinator prepares the curriculum.

Quality assurance /evaluation

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Title Pre-diploma

Credits 6 credits

Admission requirements Studio 2: Landscape Practices

Academic content

The course prepares students for independent master's work and is implemented as a feasibility study.

The student will complete a report based on the work undertaken during the feasibility study. The report forms the starting point for the diploma project, and will contain the following overarching themes:

• Description of the subject/issue

• Presentation of the projects geographic/physical context

• Review and discussion of relevant literature

• Review and discussion of reference projects

• Summary and discussion of expert interviews

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:

• Understanding of the complexity connected to a given landscape and selected issue.

• Awareness of the issue’s historical, societal, theoretical and methodological premisses.

• Understanding of the natural, social, cultural and

technological conditions which are determining factors for landscape architecture.

Skills:

• To be able to define the framework for landscape architectural research work

• To be able to collect relevant literature, reference projects and expertise in relation to the selected issue.

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• To be able to convey complex issues in a clear and manageable way through the use of text and graphics.

• The ability to independently implement a research project and facilitate your own work time.

• The ability to relate to a complex issue within the field of landscape architecture and identify central aspects.

• The ability to reflect critically over your own professionalism and the societal relevance of the research work.

Teaching consists primarily of individual or group guidance. There can also be lectures. Students work independently with the pre-diploma report.

Coursework Requirements Participation in two mid-course reviews, where the report is presented orally, followed by feedback from supervisor(s).

Home exam.

Assessed with Pass /Fail

If failed, a re-sit exam will be offered the following semester.

Quality assurance/evaluation

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Title Diploma thesis / Master’s thesis

Course code and course level LAN-3900 – Masters level

Credits 30 credits

Admission requirements

• Digital Landscapes

• Perspectives of nature and landscape practices

• Studio 3: Territorial practices

• Pre-diploma

Academic content

The diploma course is an independent research and design project, where the pre-diploma report forms a methodological and substantive starting point. The work will result in an extensive material project, which synthesizes analyses, field work, investigations and design experiments. The diploma thesis must be linked to the landscapes in the Arctic / subarctic.

Learning outcome

After passing the course the student will have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge within landscape architecture and specialised insight to the Arctic /subarctic landscape

• In-depth understanding of the complexity connected to the diploma project and affected landscape.

• In-depth understanding of the diploma projects historical, societal, theoretical and methodological premisses.

• In-depth understanding of the natural, social, cultural and technological conditions which are determining factors for the diploma project.

Skills:

• To be able to implement an extensive research and design project of high landscape architectural quality.

• To be able to demonstrate a convincing mastery of the subject’s theory and methods.

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• To be able to synthesise analyses, research and design experiments into a coherent project.

• T be able to demonstrate good design skills and

understanding of landscape architectures artistic dimension.

• To be able to convey project work through advanced use of the subject’s representational forms.

• The ability to independently implement an extensive landscape architectural research and design work.

• The ability to independently analyse a complex landscape related issue and identify significant design challenges.

• The ability to reflect critically over your own professionalism and the societal relevance of the diploma project.

Teaching consists primarily of individual guidance. The student will be assigned a main supervisor, who has responsibility for the individual guidance. Two mid-course reviews will be arranged where the students present their project work in a group seminar.

Diploma students are expected to work independently with their project.

In addition to the main supervisors, the diploma students can select a secondary supervisor from another field, who can supplement the landscape architecture guidance.

• Implemented presentations of project work during two mid- course reviews.

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Quality assurance /evaluation