Landscape Architecture
In this master's degree program, you will dive into landscape architecture in a concrete way based on a specific annual theme. Deepen knowledge from your bachelor’s degree program and bring together content from different areas. You will learn to manage and moderate complex planning processes. Make, justify, and implement your decisions based on scientific and theoretical aspects.
Your heart beats for...
A Degree Program with a Future
Bachelor’s or other degree in landscape architecture or a related field, with a standard program length of at least eight semesters and a grade average of 2.5 or better, or a Bachelor's or other degree in a related field, with a standard program length of at least eight semesters and a grade average of 2.5 or better with a special certificate of planning expertise. A cover letter (1-2 pages) should be enclosed with your application documents, alongside verification that you have completed two modules for at least 5 credits (CR) from at least two of the following three catalogs: 1. Design, drafting and planning, 2. Soil sciences, geology 3. Biology, ecology, botany. One subject must be completed by the time the application is submitted, and the other by the end of the second semester. Other degree programs in landscape architecture or related fields with a standard program length of at least six semesters with a grade average of 2.5 or better may be permitted after supplementary coursework. To apply, submit an application letter (1-2 pages) describing the expertise you have gained (including with work samples if applicable) and your motivation to address the annual topic. The letter should address and explain the following areas of expertise: - Access to spatial-planning topics through reference to a settlement and/or landscape - Access to the context of use and space – Implication of social contexts - Strategic thinking and sustainable action and natural sciences concept, understanding of design quality.
Adaptation Studies
Cross-entry into the Master's program in Landscape Architecture is in principle also open to graduates of other programs (such as geography, biology, urban planning, architecture, and design and art). However, for graduates from other disciplines, adaptation studies are required, which will be determined together with the chair of the examination board depending on the qualifications brought along.
In the adaptation studies, at least three modules (each with at least 5 credits) must be completed. Depending on the qualifications acquired, modules in the fields of site science, botany, CAD, GIS & design, technology and planning law from the bachelor's degree program in landscape architecture must be taken.
A total of at least 300 credits must be earned toward the master's degree. German Diplom degrees are treated as equivalent.
Three sample cases are presented below for better illustration:
Sample 1
Educational Qualification: Master's degree in architecture with evidence of 300 credits.
Examination certificates to be earned from the adaptation studies:
- 9104 Botany Groves
- 9110 GIS
- 9127 Planning Project Open Space
In addition, the student is recommended to take the following modules:
- 9102 Biotic Fundamentals
- 9103 Abiotic Fundamentals
- 9123 City and Society – Introduction to Urban Planning
Sample 2
Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Engineering in landscape architecture with evidence of 210 credits.
Examination certificates to be earned from the adaptation studies:
Due to the absence of practical semesters within the previous studies, a corresponding internship in a planning office (or similar) must be completed. For the recognition of such an internship as a practical semester and for the award of 30 credits, the submission of a practical semester report / certificate of the landscape architecture office is necessary.
Sample 3
Educational Qualification: Bachelor´s degree in landscape architecture (6 semesters) and Master´s degree in environmental planning; a total of 300 credits.
Examination certificates to be earned from the adaptation studies:
- 9104 Botany Groves
- 9123 City and Society – Introduction to Urban Planning
- 9110 CAD
In addition, the student is recommended to take the following modules:
- 9180 Project 1 with the allocation to open space planning
- 9036 Construction Technology 2
- 9121 Synthesis City and Open Space
German language level: C1
1. Semester
- Design theory and methods
- Sustainability in landscape architecture and planning
- Planning theory and methods
- Botany and plant usage
- Project
2. Semester
- Thesis seminar
- Master thesis
- Colloquium
Our master’s degree program in landscape architecture is an innovative program. After a bachelor's degree or relevant preliminary training, the degree program provides you with a focused overview of current challenges in landscape architecture – with additional creative range. Gain subject-specific expertise, from analysis to application of:
- Design theories, methods and instruments
- Ecological and sustainability requirements
- Planning theory and methods
- Botany and plant usage
- and expand your soft skills as well as management qualities
Your master’s degree will open up a diverse range of professional opportunities:
- for academic work in environment and planning-oriented research areas
- as a landscape architect on the management, leadership or executive level
Our degree program is tailored to today's labor market, and also takes into account newly established professional fields. The skills we teach in this program focus on: landscape planning, ecology and environmental protection, design and development of urban open spaces, environmental education, control and moderation of complex planning processes, academic and theoretical determination and justification of planning decisions and their implementation.
Research cultural landscapes with us.
... the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations
- directly to good health and well-being
- directly to sustainable cities and communities
- directly to responsible consumption and production
- directly to climate action
- directly to life on land
Studying at Sustainable Campus Höxter
Sustainable studying in Höxter
At the Höxter campus, much of the focus is on the environment, sustainability, and digitalization—for example, in the environmental engineering and landscape architecture degree programs and in the field of precision farming. Projects such as the 2023 State Garden Show demonstrate that sustainability can be exciting, practical, and innovative. This is ensured by modern laboratories, our own botanical garden, and close cooperation with local authorities and companies.
Important note: Future relocation of degree programs from the Höxter campus
The Sustainable Campus Höxter will remain one of the three locations of the TH OWL. Enrollment in the degree programs offered there will still be possible for the 2025/2026 winter semester. In the future, these will be relocated to the Creative Campus Detmold or the Innovation Campus Lemgo. Planning for this is underway; a concrete timetable will be announced in the course of 2025. TH OWL will ensure that all students are informed several months in advance and can continue to study and complete their programs without disruption.
Information
- Application and enrollment
- Dates and deadlines
- Semester dues
- FAQ about application and enrollment
- Studyplan
- Manual of course modules
Only the details of the currently valid examination regulations of the degree program as published in the promulgation gazette are authoritative and legally binding. You can find the announcement sheets here.
Contact and Counseling
- Our Central Student Advisory Service answers questions about studying at the university
- Offers for study orientation
- Get to know your department!
- Click here to go to the subject-specific student advisory service of the department
- Apply via our KIS portal!
- Information on the enrollment procedure is available from the Enrollment Office
- Studying abroad? Our International Office is there for you!
Still unanswered questions?
Our Student Service Center will answer all your questions about studying at TH OWL as well as about application and enrollment:
Phone: +49 5261 702 2534
E-mail: studierendenservice(at)th-owl.de
Service hours: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.