Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
Landscape architecture is a design discipline that works across a range of creative ideas, living systems, physical materials and future possibilities. It is about envisioning, investigating and proposing better ways of living in a complex and rapidly changing world.
RMIT offers a distinguished professional education consisting of a Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design degree (3 years) and an accredited Master of Landscape Architecture degree (2 years). Our degrees are recognised as a world-class facility which fosters design knowledge, critical thinking, and design advocacy through innovative teaching and research.
Details
Your studies will centre around design studios which provide a unique way of exploring ideas and creative practice
Design studio typically makes up half the degree each semester and is taught in small groups. You will focus on a particular design theme and project each semester. After the first semester, you’ll select from a range of studio offerings and learn specific design techniques to develop ideas and outcomes in relation to a project brief. Studios are vertically integrated, i.e. grouped with students from various year levels.
Design studios are supported by core subjects to develop specialised skills and knowledge in the following three areas:
Communications
Learn how to link design thinking, physical prototyping and digital experimentation to represent landscape in two, three and four dimensions.
Environments
Develop skills in analysing and constructing landscapes through mapping, modelling and fabrication.
Theoretical Frameworks
Interrogate design ideas in history and theory through creative and critical thinking and drawing.
Acclaimed and award winning international and Australian landscape architects, architects, urban designers and experts in related fields are consistently involved with the teaching and research projects undertaken within this degree.
Design studios provide strong engagement with industry. Some projects may involve clients or actual projects where you will develop your design proposals within a scenario-based, simulated design practice environment. Professional designers may also form part of your review panel at the end of semester.
Many public lectures are also held throughout the year, led by prominent local and international landscape architects and urban designers.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
International exchange options are available to Universities in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, the USA and across Asia.
A range of design studios also offer travelling opportunities overseas to engage in field work, workshops and design projects. Previous locations include Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, France, Spain and Uganda.
International Internships
Internship placements are offered to selected students in both the Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees each year, allowing students to gain work experiences at acclaimed and award-winning practices overseas. Current internship partners include Stoss LU in Boston and EMF in Spain.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design | City Campus |
3 Years Full-Time
|
3 Years Full-Time
|
BP256P15 | 066833B |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP256
Career
The Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design is a stand-alone award that provides employment options for those who seek to work in landscape design, or design more generally, in roles that do not require professional registration. To be eligible to become accredited as a landscape architect you must complete the Master of Landscape Architecture.
Landscape architects work in fields such as site design, urban design, park and recreational design, regional planning, ecological design and restoration.
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL, or equivalent studies.
Rankings and adjustment factors
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on the assessment of their selection task.
Selection task
Semester 1, 2021
You must complete and submit the Landscape Architecture selection task.
- VTAC applicants must register and submit the selection task.
- Early round (Non year 12 only): 30 September 2020
- Main round (All applicants): 6 November 2020
- All subsequent rounds (if places are available): 12 February 2021
- RMIT current or recent students please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.
- All tasks must be submitted by 26 February 2021. Tasks will be assessed in the order they are received until this date unless places are filled prior.
Attend an interview (some applicants)
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview.
- Interviews will be held in October (VTAC Early round) and December (VTAC main round).
- For all subsequent rounds and direct applicants, interviews will be arranged after you have submitted your application.
Advisory letters will be sent in late October (Early round) and late December (Main round).
The selection task requires:
- An applicant statement outlining how you intend to use your current skills and capabilities and / or past experience/s to support your joining of the landscape architectural design community. Your skills, capabilities and experiences may be drawn from previous study including secondary school or from life, work, volunteer experience or a combination. (maximum 250 words).
- A landscape design ideas exercise. For this exercise you are required to identify a landscape site which is of interest to you and respond to it by presenting ideas and visions for its future.
- This may be a landscape site which has been designed and constructed already, it may be public or private, it may be vibrant and active or it may be drab and lifeless. The site may be fully functional or undefined in terms of use. It may be fully vegetated or entirely constructed – above all you must be familiar with this place.
- Your design ideas may be informed by existing conditions and/or opportunities you identify within or around the landscape site. Alternatively, you can engage with current or recurring issues facing society or the built environment as a way of expressing your ideas about design.
- Take or obtain a photograph of this landscape site and print at A4 (you may choose to then mount this image on an A3 sheet)
- Using black pens and or pencils, draw over this image to suggest how you might change this landscape. If you have mounted the original image on A3 you may use the margins also for drawing on. Please note that we are looking for your landscape design ideas, not your drawing skills.
- Scan your image to make one PDF in either A4 or A3 size.
- Design ideas exercise questions. You will be required to submit responses to the following questions in relation to your design ideas exercise.
- Who is this landscape for?
- What issue does this landscape idea address?
- How have your design ideas been informed by opportunities you identify within or around the landscape site?
- What materials will be required in this idea?
- How does your idea engage with current or recurring issues facing society or the built environment?
- Maximum 100 words per question.
Selection criteria by applicant type
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you:
Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
- The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Additional information
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% average.
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post-secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 365kb) along with your application.
You may be required to present your folio at an assessment session. If you are living outside Melbourne, this can be conducted via email, phone or Skype.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
Depending on the course, this may include completing a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree or undertaking recognised professional experience.
For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 out of 4 will guarantee a place in the Master of Landscape Architecture.
If you have successfully completed the Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design with a grade point average (GPA) of less than 2.5 out of 4, you may still apply for a place in the Master of Landscape Architecture. You will be required to undertake additional selection tasks (such as submitting a pre-selection kit and/or attending an interview). Selection via this route is competitive and not guaranteed.
When you successfully complete the Bachelor of Landscape Architectural Design and achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5, you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Landscape Architecture. If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply and will need to submit a folio. Applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT honours or postgraduate program.
Fees
2021 indicative fees
In 2021, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,700 to AU$14,500*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Paying your fees and applying for refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
The Australian Government has announced amendments to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021 and are subject to the passage of legislation. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2021
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2021 |
Agriculture, english, languages, mathematics, nursing, postgraduate clinical psychology, teaching |
$3,700 per standard year $462 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Architecture, creative arts, engineering, environmental studies, health, information technology, science |
$7,700 per standard year |
Dental, medical and veterinary science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Arts, commerce, communications, economics, humanities (excluding languages), law, management |
$14,500 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2021 is $313.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2021 is AU$40,320.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$126,720.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.