Landscape architect | Explore careers (2024)

You could do a degree that is recognised by the Landscape Institute

Subjects include:

• landscape architecture
• garden design
• landscape design and technology
• landscape or urban planning
• environmental conservation

Work experience

You might find it useful to get some work experience in landscape architecture to help with your course application. You can findout some of the different ways to get work experience.

Postgraduate course

If you already have a degree in a related subject like architecture, horticulture or botany, you might be able to do a postgraduate course that is accredited by the Landscape Institute.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could do a college course to start training to become a landscape architect.

You could do a level 3 certificate or diploma in landscape construction or horticultural practice.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could do a Chartered Landscape Professional Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship usually takes 5 years to complete and is a mix of learning on the job and academic study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Professional and industry bodies

You could become a member of the Landscape Institute to keep up to date with the landscape industry.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a landscape architect from the Landscape Institute.

You'll need:

• design skills and knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of building and construction
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• maths knowledge
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a landscape architect you could:

• survey areas to find out what is needed
• create designs to meet briefs using computer aided design (CAD) software
• meet with clients and the community to involve them in the design
• choose construction materials, furniture and plants for the space
• create contracts, write reports and consider the environmental impact of projects
• visit sites and monitor the progress of projects

You could work in an office, at a client's business or visit sites.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.