Architecture and Landscape BA
2025-26 entryGain two professional qualifications, in architecture and landscape architecture, with this unique three year honours degree. The dual degree course is an exciting and challenging programme which explores the integrated design of buildings and the wider landscape environment.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code KK13
- 3 years / Full-time
- September start
- Accredited
- Find out the course fee
- Dual honours
- View 2024-25 entry
Explore this course:
Course description
Gain a professional qualification from both the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Landscape Institute, with the first integrated degree of its kind in the world.
Studying architecture and landscape at Sheffield offers a unique opportunity to become a leading architect, landscape architect or urban designer of the future. The programme leads to qualifications in both disciplines, making for highly employable graduates with truly holistic and critical awareness of the built environment.
In the first year you will develop proposals for a small building in a public landscape. By the third year the building and its environment will be more complex and will focus on a substantial piece of urban design.
Teaching is delivered by staff from both departments at the forefront of their field, informing a rich learning environment, and inspiring your studio-based design projects.
Why study this course?
- World-leading accreditation - the course is accredited by the Landscape Institute (LI), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Architects Registration Board (ARB), making it the only such course in the world.
- Uniquely employable - the profession is keen to employ graduates from the course because of their unique dual educational experience. The course has run for over twenty years and produces highly skilled alumni, working at some leading UK and globally significant architectural and landscape practices.
- Option to continue - graduates can continue their dual accreditation with our MArch Architecture and Landscape Architecture (MALA) course, which has accreditation from RIBA and LI.
Dual and combined honours degrees
Recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects and Landscape Institute as giving exemption from Part 1.
Prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) subject to periodic review by ARB, for the purposes of entry onto the United Kingdom Register of Architects.
Modules
A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: KK13
Years: 2022, 2023
Core modules:
- Introductory Environmental Design Studio
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This unit is designed to introduce students to architectural and landscape design in a studio context. The module will be structured through a series of short design projects, which students will be asked to respond to in an imaginative and critical manner. Methods of representation will be introduced, including model-making, technical drawing and sketching. Students will study a limited palette of native trees and shrubs. They will study freehand and three-dimensional abstract design as a means of evaluating, creating and representing designs. Experimentation, subjectivity and objectivity will enhance the learning process. An integrated project brief for the final semester studio project is taught jointly across the department of Landscape Architecture and Architecture and reviewed and assessed jointly. This integrated project enables students to apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired in Architecture and Landscape Architecture to a single project site.
30 credits - Architectural Design (Landscape) 2
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which aims to: widen perception of architecture; introduce issues of cultural and technological significance; generate the interpretation and solution of a series of wide ranging design problems. The technical aspects of the work aims to: develop an understanding of the way building structure, construction and services inform, interpret and contribute to the architectural design process; and provide the opportunity for the demonstration of that understanding as an essential component of practical architectural design.
20 credits - The Dynamic Landscape
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This unit is designed to further develop the landscape design skills and knowledge gained in the 1st semester. The module runs over 12 weeks and will be largely studio-based, but there will be field trips and visits. Based on one site students will work through all the stages of design development from site analysis through to final presentation. Precedent will be used to inform practice and students will undertake self-directed study to build knowledge of the theoretical basis of the design approach in such settings. Students will further develop their understanding of and use of landform manipulation, vegetation and other built structures to create a variety of space and experience. Studio exercises and seminars will be central to the learning process. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interaction with water and approaches to the 'water's edge' in the landscape. Graphic skills, freehand and technical, needed to convey ideas at both the design development and the presentation stage (essential to the landscape architect ) will be developed with further teaching in the area of digital design communication. Development of the knowledge of vegetation, particularly native trees, and its use and place in the landscape will take place through taught sessions, field study and individual research.
20 credits - Environment and Technology 1
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio.
10 credits
This module presents principles of planet and place including;
- climate literacy and climate justice, building in the era of the climate emergency
- principles of regenerative design and ecology
- historical overview of solar architecture - Environment and Technology 2
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio. This module presents principles of planet and place including;- environmental design and site analysis, landscape principles, buildings and their surroundings, interior and exterior spaces
10 credits
- analysis of solar sun path and microclimate, building form and building physics - Humanities 1
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ARC103 explores the reciprocal relationship between architecture, the built environment and society, introducing a broad range of inhabitations and domestic settings across the world and across time. Through a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural approach lectures will examine how humans have approached their needs for shelter and inhabitation, and the relationship between domestic types and public life, both in the past and in the present. The course seeks to establish that architecture is socially contextualised through style, symbolic references, typologies, use, materiality, meaning, structure, layout, and form, and also through the framing of human activities and rituals. By adopting a global approach the course engages with broader questions of locality, exchange, and architecture's adaptability.
10 credits - Humanities 2
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ARC104 examines how the field of architecture is positioned in relation to contemporary as much as to past issues. It will provide basic knowledge of particular moments in the recent history of the architecture (long twentieth century) and will familiarise you with selected figures, concerns and events. The emphasis is on using case studies, often of canonic buildings, from all over the world to encourage discussion of the way architecture has been shaped in the past and how that might affect the present and future. The module will introduce histories and theories of architecture yet emphasise an interdisciplinary approach that mobilises knowledge and methods from across the humanities. The module uses the notion of 'situating' in order to contextualise the positions, voices, agendas of, expressions and representations of architecture. It aims to contribute to your development as a critical thinker and researcher and help you both define your own personal agendas and tools and evolve informed and rigorous arguments in both words and images.
10 credits - Reading the Designed Landscape
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This module introduces students to the full scope and diversity of landscape architecture and the role of landscape architects in tackling contemporary social and environmental issues, presenting and giving examples of the areas of practice known as design, management and planning, with particular reference to the Sheffield area. The role of the Landscape Institute is also introduced. The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the range of work undertaken by landscape architects and the challenges the profession seeks to address.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Architectural Design (Landscape ) 3
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the experience of the first year design studio. The scale of projects addressed increases from those encountered in the first year, with more complex briefs. Consideration is given to issues of sustainability, the relation of buildings to their urban context and the design of outside spaces. The technical aspects of the work aim to further develop an understanding of building structure, construction, materials and services in relation to the overall design concept.
30 credits - Architectural Design (Landscape) 4
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ARC238 follows on directly from ARC237. Together they form an integrated sequence of projects for the second year architectural design studio course. ARC238 continues the practical architectural design work of ARC237, but concentrates on the design of a medium-sized public building, including the integration of technical and environmental elements.
30 credits - Urban Ecological Planting Design
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This module will focus on fundamental principles related to designing with plants in urban environments. The emphasis will be on natural processes and the interrelationship between planting and various landscape components in the design process. The module introduces the use of plants in urban and landscapes to develop designed plant communities that are successful in supporting biodiversity, human richness of experience and specific functional needs. By the end of the module students will be familiar with a basic palette of plants for use in design, their botanical names, visual and use characteristics familiar with key aesthetic, functional and ecological principles underpinning planting design: have practised the basic principles of plant selection according to site conditions: have developed stimulating, creative, attractive and easily interpreted planting plans and sections - elevations based on colour, textural and structural characteristics: have evaluated the structural role of plants in defining landscape spaces at a range of scales.
20 credits - Cultural Studies - urban landscape
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The series of lectures, presentations and discussions explores the history, forms and meaning of urban environments. The main objective is to provide inspiration and motivation for both the intellectual and creative facets of design activities in cities. The insight into landscape culture and practices will provide the basis on which to develop thought patterns and solutions for design issues at the landscape scale.
10 credits - Environment and Technology 3
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio. This module presents principles of building and resources, including;
10 credits
- principles of building structures and foundations, materials for structure- embodied energy (embodied carbon) in structures, structural design using low-carbon, low-environmental-impact, recycled and renewable materials- building accessibility and fire safety - Humanities 4
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This module covers a wide-ranging cultural and political history of architecture and its relationship between changing states of society, the development of urban culture and institutions, and the growth of knowledge and ideas. The module pivots between scientific knowledge and artistic and cultural development, and is intended to help students from both scientific, social sciences and arts and humanities backgrounds to begin to make connections and understand the broader context within which architecture is set.
10 credits - Materials of Landscape - Construction Design
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The module gives a broad introduction to different approaches to designing and detailing a typical range of landscape structures in different design contexts. It introduces a basic understanding of the properties of different construction materials and how appropriate detailing can support sustainable design. The project is integrated with the architecture design studio and students are required to produce a design solution and accompanying construction details for an area of open space related to their architecture. All drawings are produced using computer aided design software.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Architectural Design (Landscape) 5
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the lessons learnt in the first and second year design studio. The studio based design projects involve schemes of greater complexity than previously, with emphasis placed on the integration of knowledge gained during the three year course. Projects focus on the importance of physical context, and in particular to the landscape and urban design context. Students are encouraged to make connections between their architectural design and landscape design. A wider range of building types is introduced that require analytical studies relating to urban design, precedents and philosophical approaches. The associated technical studies closely relate to the design projects and are seen as an integral part of the design process.
30 credits - Architectural Design 6
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A course of studio based practical architectural design work which builds on the lessons learnt in the first and second year design studio. The studio based design projects involve schemes of greater complexity than previously, with emphasis placed on the integration of knowledge gained during the three year course. Projects focus on the importance of physical context, introduce a wider range of building types, and require analytical studies relating to urban design, precedents and philosophical approaches. The associated technical studies closely relate to the design projects and are seen as an integral part of the design process.
30 credits - Advanced Planting Design
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This module builds on the understanding of plants and planting design gained through LSC240 Urban Ecological Design and Planting. It develops understanding of plant selection, establishment and management on landscapes sites. Planting design skills are further developed by a more complex project that provides students with the opportunity to explore the latest issues in planting design.
10 credits
It is integrated with LSC308 Integrated Urban Design Project, in that it follows the same overall development brief and site. - Environment and Technology 5
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The overall aim of the Environment and Technology modules is to provide the knowledge and ability in building technology, environmental design and construction methods that are necessary to undertake design projects in the Design Studio. This module presents principles of people and comfort, including;
10 credits
- human comfort, human experience and architectural spatial qualities regarding acoustics, lighting, daylighting and thermal perception- an understanding of passive heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings considering operational energy (operational carbon)
In addition, under the Management, Practice and Law component, this module aims to explore and develop a greater understanding of practice in relation to the legal, economic and contractual scenarios. - Humanities 5
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ARC 303 is the final module in a sequence of humanities courses over the three years of the architecture degree. ARC 303 specifically focuses on urban history and theory and integrates architecture and related issues with a wider urban context. ARC 303 presents key factors and principles of urban development, historical and contemporary urban design and planning theories and exemplifies these through a series of urban case studies.
10 credits - Integrated Urban Design Project
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LSC308 Integrated Urban Design Project is part of the dual degree architecture and landscape integrated final project. The module explores urban characteristics and potential strategies for urban regeneration. It focuses on the initial urban analysis, the strategies required to provide an informed rationale for the setting of the new building and the more detailed planting and construction design part of the final submission of the integrated project. Throughout this module, students will be asked to apply the knowledge and skills that they have acquired in architecture and landscape to date and to develop a more detailed appreciation of issues relating to urban design at a strategic level.
10 credits - Landscape Construction Design
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The module aims to further develop knowledge and skills in detailed construction design. It focuses on developing the ability in students to demonstrate appreciation and knowledge of landscape/architecture materials and assembly. It will enable students to:
10 credits
- determine a materials and construction strategy in response to site conditions and design framework;
- demonstrate technical and design proficiency in exploring the interaction and material assembly for a selected area of architecture and landscape through the production of models, diagrams, integrated sections and construction documents.
- Site Planning for Housing
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This module will introduce the context and requirements of sustainable housing provision with a particular emphasis on how this might be achieved through a holistic landscape vision. It will provide the opportunity to explore different approaches to the sustainable development of a housing site, socially, ecologically and economically. By the end of this module students will be able to demonstrate: an understanding as to how different housing theories and typologies affect sustainability; an awareness of the political and financial issues surrounding the provision of housing; their ability to challenge conventional ideas about living and housing; how a specific housing strategy contributes to social, economical and ecological sustainability; an understanding of the design process from addressing a brief through to strategic design, along with skills in communicating design proposals.
10 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
We adopt the model of architectural education which focuses primarily around the design studio. This is supported by lectures, seminars, field trips and workshops.
Our approach to architectural education is underpinned by our world-class research and our strong links to practice. In the design studio you will be guided by academic tutors and practicing architects who bring their expertise to your projects. Some run their own practices, others specialise in areas such as sustainable design, all bring the latest in architectural thinking to help guide your projects.
Assessment
You will be assessed through both group and individual coursework, which may include design portfolios, written reports or presentations. Feedback will be given via individual and group tutorials and studio based design reviews.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- AAB + B in Core Maths
- International Baccalaureate
- 36
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- D*DD in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in a relevant subject + A at A Level
- Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
- AAAAB + A
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- A + AA
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 39 at Distinction and 6 at Merit
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Native language A Levels are not accepted
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GCSE Maths grade 4/C
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We will consider your application if you have completed the UAL Extended Diploma in Art and Design in combination with an A Level in an acceptable subject
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We will consider your application if you taken two Art & Design A Levels if these have been taken in combination with an acceptable subject
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Relevant BTEC subjects include Engineering, Applied Science, Art and Design, Business or IT
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- AAB + B in Core Maths
- International Baccalaureate
- 34
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in a relevant subject + A at A Level
- Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher
- AAABB + A
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
-
Native language A Levels are not accepted
-
GCSE Maths grade 4/C
-
We will consider your application if you have completed the UAL Extended Diploma in Art and Design in combination with an A Level in an acceptable subject
-
We will consider your application if you taken two Art & Design A Levels if these have been taken in combination with an acceptable subject
-
Relevant BTEC subjects include Engineering, Applied Science, Art and Design, Business or IT
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course, we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Graduate careers
School of Architecture
Our graduates often go into architectural practice for a year or two before doing a two-year MArch in Architecture - either at Sheffield or another school. They also pursue careers in the built environment or move on to a specialist masters course.
Employers include AHMM, ARUP, Building Design Partnership, Haworth Tompkins Architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley, Grimshaw Architects, Hawkins\Brown, and Penoyre & Prasad.
Graduates of our degree courses are well prepared for a career in roles such as: built environment consultant, government and local authority advisor, creative and strategic policy maker, architectural critic and journalist, arts and heritage manager and design and illustration.
Department of Landscape Architecture
As a landscape architecture graduate you will find yourself in high demand. Regular employability support and networking activities during your time at Sheffield will prepare you well for these future opportunities. Leading industry figures attend our end-of-year exhibition and regularly advertise vacancies with us. Our graduates work all over the world and find employment in private practice, community development agencies, local authorities and national governments.
Alumni include a former President of the International Federation of Landscape Architects and multiple RHS medal winners.
My time in Sheffield changed my mind, and that which I learned in the department shaped my career, allowing me to develop in different ways to undertake my professional practice
Gloria Aponte
Distinguished alumna of the Department of Landscape who was recently awarded the President’s Award from International Federation of Landscape Architects
School of Architecture
Come to Sheffield and join some of the best architecture students in the UK - our students have won prizes at the RIBA Student Awards and the Royal Academy Summer Show. They've been shortlisted in the European Architecture Medals and the Inspiring Graduate Awards. Our staff are doing world-class research, helping to make the school a leader in our field across the UK and internationally.
We believe in architecture that makes a difference. We know that it has the potential to improve the lives of those who inhabit and use it.
Through our internationally-acclaimed teaching and research, we explore the social, spatial and environmental implications of architecture. As a Sheffield student, you will engage with real issues affecting the built environment and specifically the challenges of the Climate Emergency and zero carbon design.
We encourage you to explore ideas and collaborate with other students. Through group tutorials and peer review you'll learn how to express your opinions, and value the opinions of others. Sheffield is the perfect place to develop your personality as a designer.
We provide a balance of theory, design work and professional experience delivered within the context of a strong studio culture. The studio acts as a laboratory for trialling your creative and critical ideas, and for developing fundamental architectural skills. You'll share ideas during group tutorials and review other students' work. This encourages you to express your own opinion and to value the opinions of others, as you begin to develop your personality as a designer.
The School of Architecture sits high up in the Arts Tower, offering unrivalled panoramic views across Sheffield and beyond. This is where you will spend the majority of your time in the design studio.
You'll also attend lectures across the campus and take advantage of our drawing studios and facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model making.
Facilities
Our generous open-plan studios promote collaboration and you will be able to take advantage of our facilities for woodwork, metalwork, casting and architectural model making.
You'll have access to the latest digital techniques in our computer labs which host a suite of professional Building Information Modelling and Computer Aided Design software. You can also take advantage of our digital review facilities and will have access to 360 degree capture technology.
Workshops and tutorials are embedded into each course to ensure you have the skills you need.
School of ArchitectureDepartment of Landscape Architecture
Landscape architecture is about the design, planning and management of places that benefit people and nature. Landscape architects create spaces between buildings that are both inspirational and functional. If you have a flair for creativity and a passion for improving the environment and people's lives, then landscape architecture could be for you.
You'll learn from experts who are involved in some of the most exciting landscape design work in the world today.
Sheffield is a dynamic city and an ideal place in which to study landscape architecture. Its changing face has been shaped by department-led initiatives like Grey to Green and Love Square, which give students the chance to be involved with live projects and see the difference landscape architecture can make. Sheffield combines the urban with awe-inspiring views of the neighbouring Peak District, making it a rich learning and research environment.
Department of Landscape Architecture students are based in the Arts Tower; an iconic building with panoramic views across Sheffield. You'll also attend lectures at venues across campus and travel further afield for site visits.
Facilities
Our studios facilitate digital and hands-on design practice and supply everything you’ll need, including drawing boards, a wireless network and kitchen space.
The newly opened Print and Make workshop, which comes equipped with an array of mechanical and hand tools - from laser cutters, CNC routers, bandsaws and a casting room - helps you to develop your understanding of how to design and craft with different materials.
Department IT suites come supplied with recently upgraded, high specification computers, a range of industry standard and specialist software and are supported by an in-house team of IT and graphics experts.
Department of Landscape ArchitectureWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report
School of Architecture
Complete University Guide 2023
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 / The Guardian University Guide 2023
Department of Landscape Architecture
National Student Survey 2023
Guardian University Guide 2024
The Times Good University Guide 2024
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Our selection process
After you've applied, we'll ask you to submit a portfolio of your own artwork. We'll be looking for observation skills, criticality, invention and representation. The portfolio should consist of ten reproductions of art or design work. You'll receive full details of the requirements, format, submission and assessment criteria after we've received your application. If your portfolio is of a really high standard, we may make you a lower grade offer.
Generally we don't ask candidates to attend an interview. However, if you're a mature student or if you don't have conventional academic qualifications, we may invite you to an interview.
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Apply
Contact us
- Telephone
- +44 114 222 0349
- architecture-admissions@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.