Master of Landscape Architecture
Applicants to the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program must hold a degree that is academically equivalent to a UBC 4-year Bachelor’s degree with at least a minimum average in the B+ range in their third and fourth-year level course work. For more detailed information please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.
Admission to the MLA program is based on a composite of information including previous academic performance, letters of reference, portfolio of creative works, and work experience. Therefore it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that his/her application is complete. All documents should be sent directly to the Landscape Architecture Program Office. The information below provides a general overview of the admission process for the MLA program. However, students should familiarize themselves with the minimum requirements, rules and regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Required Documents
Online Application
Applications must be submitted using the online application form.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $93.00 CDN for Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents and $153.00 CDN for international applicants. The online application only accepts VISA and Mastercard.
Official Transcripts
Two copies of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (the applicant has attended) in envelopes sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. Current and former UBC students do not need to submit official transcripts.
Transcripts from an institution in a language other than English or French must consist of two sets of all transcripts issued in the original language and a certified translation sent to the program office. Official, original, or certified copies of the original records must be received in envelopes sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution. More information is available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.
References
Three letters of reference must be sent directly to the program office from individuals who are familiar with the applicant's academic or professional work. At least two, and preferably three, academic references are required from full-time faculty at the rank of Assistant Professor or above. There are two ways referees may submit letters of reference:
- By paper with a paper reference form or a personal letter of recommendation, which needs to be signed. All letters of reference should be sent directly to the program office and signed across the seal of the envelope.
- By using the UBC online reference system. Referees will receive an automatic email asking to provide a reference report on the applicant's behalf with a link to the online application system. The online reference system uses the email addresses entered in the “Referees” section of the online application. Referee is using the online reference system should be informed that the text box for filling in comments is expandable. Referees may also copy and paste from an existing letter. They do not need to submit a paper copy when using the UBC online reference system.
Resume
A short resume is required outlining educational background, work, volunteer and travel experiences, creative interests, and hobbies.
Statement of Interest
A statement (1-2 pages) outlining the applicant's interest in pursuing landscape architecture.
Portfolio
Applicants need to submit a portfolio with examples of creative works that demonstrate aptitude and experience in creative endeavors. Creative works may include but are not limited to sketching, painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, printmaking, pottery, dressmaking, woodworking, gardening, or poetry. In general, a creative work may be anything that best demonstrates creativity. The portfolio should be organized into a clear, well-crafted package that by its holistic design demonstrates creative abilities, be no bigger than 9" x 12", and bound securely in some fashion. The portfolio should also have concise, descriptive text on each page to adequately explain the work.
Applicants need to be very selective in the work they submit. Each work shown should represent a new direction or aspect of creativity. It is essential to send examples of a range of work rather than provide a comprehensive selection of one type of work. Please submit only high-quality reproductions and no original artwork. Sufficient return packaging and postage are required if applicants would like their portfolios returned.
The program recognizes that many prospective students are not accomplished artists. The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate design potential rather than some arbitrary level of artistic accomplishment.
Supplemental Departmental Application Fee
An additional application fee of $62.00 CDN is required by the Landscape Architecture Program to process applications. Please refer to the online academic calendar for additional information.
Other Documents
Document Translations
Certified translations are required when academic records are produced in a language other than English.
Degree Certificates
A Degree Certificate is required when transcripts do not state that a degree has been conferred.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants from a university outside of Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction is required to demonstrate their competency in the English language by meeting the minimum required scores on an acceptable English language proficiency test. For a list of acceptable tests and their minimum scores please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the academic year 2013/14 is January 4, 2013.
Notification of Acceptance
Applicants to the Landscape Architecture Program are notified by mid March of admission decisions. The program normally accepts 18 students to the program each year.
The program will return portfolios to applicants who have included a prepaid envelope with their application package. Applicants may also pick up their portfolios from the program office.