Master’s in Landscape Architecture and Planning

This year develops shared knowledge in design, planning, and research methods, alongside the first steps in your chosen specialisation. 

Common Part  

• Reflections on Planning & Design Practices – critical reflection on practices, theories, and methods (6 ECTS)
• Perspectives on Landscape Analysis  – analytical approaches to landscape systems (6 ECTS)
• Research Methodology LUP and LA  – methodology training in qualitative & quantitative approaches (6 ECTS)
• Academic Master Cluster (choose one, 12 ECTS): Atelier LA&P (9 ECTS) + Modular Skills (3 ECTS) → Hands-on studio approach integrating spatial planning and landscape architecture
• Restricted Optionals (choose 1, 6 ECTS): 
  - e.g. Foodscapes, Global Landscapes & Place making, Climate-Responsive Planning and Design, etc. 

Specialisation Courses (start in Year 1)

A: Landscape Architecture (≈18 ECTS in Year 1)

• Master Studio Park Design: A Narrative Approach(6 ECTS, P1) - Design of large parks, estates, or public areas with a focus on narrative and conceptual thinking.
• Research & Design in Landscape Architecture (3 ECTS, P5) – Learn about different approaches to combining research and design, especially research-through-design.
• Master Studio Regional Landscape Architecture: Systems Approach (9 ECTS, P5) - Regional-scale design studio with a focus on landscape-system thinking.

B: Spatial Planning (≈12 ECTS in Year 1)

• Spatial Planning and Scarce Resources (6 ECTS, P1) – Dilemmas and strategies for effective, efficient, democratic, legitimate, sustainable and livable landscape planning.
• Political Dilemmas of Spatial Planning (6 ECTS, P4) – governance, conflicts, and decision-making 

Electives 

Students choose individual electives to reach 120 ECTS total. Examples of elective topics: sustainability, communication, GIS, ecology, environmental policy, cultural geography. 

Read more in de Study Handbook.

This year is highly tailored to your chosen path and career ambitions.

Specialisation A: Landscape Architecture 

• MSc Thesis Landscape Architecture (30 ECTS) – major research project interrelated to the design practice.
• Design Practice (24 ECTS) – advanced design project intertwined with the MSc thesis.
• Professional Profile (6 ECTS) - interrelation of design and research in combination with your own talents, interests and future role in society as a landscape designer.
  

Specialisation B: Spatial Planning

• MSc Thesis Land Use Planning (36 ECTS) – independent research project.
• MSc Internship (24 ECTS) – practical professional experience in a planning context.

Master Landscape Architecture and Planning offers two specialisations. More information can be found in the Study Handbook.  

Landscape Architecture (LAR) 

The specialisation Landscape Architecture includes four specialisation courses, 6 ECTS in electives and a graduation project, as well as a number of courses together with students in the specialisation Spatial Planning. You complete two design studios, each with a different design approach and scale level. In addition, you complete a course on the relationship between research and design in this field of study, as well as a career orientation course during the second year.

In the second year, Landscape Architecture students conduct a graduation project consisting of a 30 ECTS MSc thesis and a 24 ECTS Design Practice. These two graduation elements are always interrelated, as you will choose to do research-for-design, research-on-design or research-through-design. Your project relates to the ongoing research within the chair group Landscape Architecture.

Land Use Planning

The specialisation Spatial Planning includes two specialisation courses, an internship, 12 ECTS in electives and an MSc thesis, as well as a number of courses together with students in the specialisation Landscape Architecture.

In an MSc thesis on Spatial Planning you reflect on planning situations and explain what is going on: Which people and mechanisms are at work and how are different aspects related to each other? Your thesis work is based on diverse theories, from inside and outside the planning domain. MSc thesis research can focus on the organisation of space, on planning processes, as well as on planners and their actions. Your project relates to the ongoing research within the chair group Land Use Planning. 

• Lectures: the lecturer delivers and discusses the course material during class sessions.
• Tutorials: you complete assignments individually or in a small group setting.
• Studio’s: you creatively work on future designs or plans in a studio setting.
• Problem-Based Learning (PBL): you collaborate with a group and supervisor to solve a real-world case study.
• Self-study: dedicated time is included in your schedule, though you can also study independently outside of it.

At WUR, personal support isn’t just a service—it’s part of our culture. That’s why we have more lecturers, study advisors, and student counsellors available than at most universities in the Netherlands. This ensures you get the guidance you need, lowers the risk of dropping out, and adds a personal touch that makes your academic journey truly meaningful. It’s a clear sign of our commitment to your success.

Compare the programme in Wageningen

• Master's in Forest and Nature Conservation zooms in on an aspect of the spatial environment: forest and nature areas. Landscape Architecture and Planning takes a broader angle by including agricultural areas, infrastructure, recreational areas and urbanised areas.
• Master's in Urban Environmental Management allows students to study the environment and to address sustainability issues in an urban setting. Landscape Architecture and Planning focuses on the planning or design of both urbanised and rural areas at different scale levels, and includes strategic and social viewpoints.
• International Land and Water Management focuses on land, water and international development problematics with an emphasis on developing countries. Landscape Architecture and Planning is more integrated and focuses on the problematics of western metropolises.
• Master's in Geo-Information Science is a research study programme aimed at gathering and using geographic data. Landscape Architecture and Planning uses that data as input for landscape design and planning. 

Check more information on Studiekeuze123.nl.

Once you have graduated in Landscape Architecture and Planning, the labour market offers many fields and positions related to landscape, land use and the environment. Most graduates are employed by consultancy and engineering companies, planning and design agencies, government agencies or universities. A number of graduates work for large, multinational firms such as Royal Haskoning DHV, Arcadis or Sweco, while others are employed by small and medium-sized companies or continue their career in research.

• Landscape Architecture
• Project Management
• Strategic Policy Planning
• Advising and Consulting
• Research 

Student Career Services facilitates WUR students towards the labour market. If you need help in your orientation towards your future career. 

Interested in the master's programme Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning? Find out whether your knowledge and skills match the entry level of the programme.

Purpose and reason for the admission requirements 

The admission requirements for the master’s programme of Landscape Architecture and Planning are defined in such a way that the students should be able to successfully complete the programme and one of the specialisations in two years.  

The criterion used for admission is  

A WUR BSc degree in Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning, or equivalent.  

The norm for this equivalence is  

The students’ expertise is assessed to meet one of the following two complete categories:  

Category 1. Landscape architecture:

For the specialisation of Landscape Architecture, a strong basis in design skills and understanding of landscape system characteristics is essential for completing the master. In particular:  

• A BSc based in outdoor spatial design, for example landscape architecture, urban design, architecture, garden architecture, horticultural design, with at least one course or project in landscape design  
• Understanding of landscape system characteristics (geology, soil science, hydrology, ecology)  
• Landscape analysis skills  
• Outdoor spatial design skills at multiple scale levels  
• Understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research techniques 

Category 2. Spatial Planning: 

For the specialisation of Spatial Planning, it is vital that the student understands the interaction of society with its environment and has sufficient knowledge on spatial or urban planning. For example through:  

• A BSc in spatial, urban and/or regional planning  
• At least 24 ECTS in coursework dedicated to spatial planning, including spatial planning theory, methods and practice/studio/practical. A pre-master may apply.  
• At least 12 ECTS in coursework dedicated to spatial planning, including spatial planning theory, methods and practice/studio/practical. A pre-master will usually apply.  

Not all topics mentioned need to be mastered at the same level; they will be weighed by the Admission Board per individual application. 

Method of assessment whether this norm is met  

• Transcript of records, displaying the content of previous course subjects and project work.  
• Curriculum vitae displaying relevant work, internship and/or project experience on an academic level in a relevant field if applicable.  
• In addition to Landscape Architecture (Category 1), a design portfolio in PDF format (max. 25 MB) showing at least four design projects with different scale levels within each project, and of which at least one landscape design project. For each project include:
  • The design project.  
  • Reference to Transcript of Records or CV.  
  • In case of teamwork: A clear delineation of your contribution to the project.  
  • Short explanation / reasoning for the design.  

Scores attributed by the Admission Board  

• Admitted  
• Not admitted  
• Admitted under condition of obtaining the BSc or MSc degree  
• Not admitted with offer of pre-master. 

Additional context for admission

Category 1. Landscape architecture knowledge and skills

Graduates of study programmes other than Landscape Design/Landscape Architecture that contain sufficient outdoor spatial design skills may be admissible through a pre-master programme. The pre-master starts in February and usually consists of the following courses:

• Fundamentals of Landscape
• Studio Regional Design
• Landscape Aesthetics
• Research Methodology for Human Environment Interactions.

Find more information on these courses in the study handbook.

Category 2. Spatial Planning knowledge and skills

Graduates of BSc programmes that contain 12-24 ECTS in coursework dedicated to spatial planning (theory, methods and practice) may be admissible through a made-to-measure pre-master programme.

The pre-master usually starts in September and takes 4-11 months to complete, depending on which courses need to be taken.

You can apply for this Master's here.

The Admission Board may allow and/or suggest compensation of knowledge gaps by:  

• a GPA≥7.0* for the previous education for small discrepancies, as new knowledge is sufficiently easily acquired;  
• a GPA≥7.0* and an individual pre-master's programme for larger discrepancies that can be compensated in ≤30 ECTS within one academic year.  

*Check on the Application & Admission page the International credentials evaluation guideline for international equivalencies to a Dutch GPA>7.0. This guide also describes compensating factors for a slightly lower GPA the Admission Board may include in their judgement.

Contact our study advisors to discuss the possibilities of a pre-master or how to mitigate knowledge gaps if you are still in the process of obtaining your degree.

Wondering how much your studies will cost? Let’s break it down. All information about the costs of this programme can be found on this page. 

Being a student goes far beyond hitting the books. From getting your own place to enjoying vibrant nightlife, social events, festivals, and distinctive sports clubs, there’s always something to do, both in Wageningen and elsewhere. Additionally, there are parks, forests, and a river nearby, so if you enjoy the outdoors, you're in the right area.

All information about student life in Wageningen can be found on this page.