Landscape Architecture M. A.

The Master’s program in Landscape Architecture is dedicated to the sustainable and future-oriented design and development of open spaces and landscapes. At its core lies design as a creative, analytical, and strategic key competence. Design here goes far beyond shaping form — it involves an in-depth engagement with the defining structures of urban and rural landscapes as well as with current social, ecological, economic, and technological requirements.

The program provides advanced knowledge in design and planning theory across a wide range of scales. In addition, topics such as architectural botany and plant use, public spaces and regional open-space systems, and the transformation of industrial landscapes are central areas of focus. Particular emphasis is placed on the complex interplay between creative design and its economic, ecological, and social contexts. Design is always understood in relation to technical and natural conditions.

In this way, the program combines artistic design with scientific reflection — and equips you to contribute responsibly and innovatively to the development of our built environment.

As a graduate of the Master’s program in Landscape Architecture, you will assume responsibility for the planning, design, and development of open spaces in both urban and landscape contexts.

You will be able to:

• holistically analyze complex design tasks in landscape architecture and develop innovative solutions that are relevant to both practice and research
• evaluate and implement design concepts with regard to their technical and structural feasibility
• integrate social, ecological, and economic considerations into comprehensive planning and design processes
• apply scientific knowledge from the natural, cultural, and historical disciplines effectively in professional practice or research

This prepares you exceptionally well to design future-oriented, creative, and sustainable outdoor spaces and to actively shape the built environment.

After completing the Master’s program in Landscape Architecture, you will be qualified to work independently as a landscape architect. Typical fields of employment include:

• landscape architecture and planning offices
• state and municipal authorities, such as planning departments and parks/green space administrations
• research and consultancy in the fields of landscape architecture, open-space planning, urban planning, and environmental planning

With your interdisciplinary profile, you will be in demand for projects that combine creative design with ecological and social responsibility.

1. Entrance Qualification for Master's Degree Programs 

• A Bachelor’s degree comprising at least 180 credits (qualified degrees as defined in the FPSO), or
• If the degree has not yet been awarded: proof of at least 200 credits in an 8‑semester Bachelor’s program at the time of application.

Please note:
To begin the Master’s program, you must provide evidence of:

• 240 credits from a qualified prior degree, and
• A minimum 6‑month professional internship in the field of landscape architecture (equivalent to 30 credits), or
  30 credits earned through study at a foreign university in the field of landscape architecture.

Applicants who do not yet meet the required number of credits and/or lack the required internship or study abroad experience will receive conditions (§35 and §36 FPSO) along with their admission letter. Missing credits and/or the professional internship or foreign study must be completed no later than the beginning of the Master’s thesis. These conditions are fulfilled as part of the Master’s program at TUM. Depending on the conditions, the duration of your program may be extended by one or two semesters.

2. Language Proficiency

• German Language Proficiency, or
• English language skills.
  Applicants whose previous education was not conducted in English must submit proof via a recognized test:
  • TOEFL (minimum 88 points)
  • IELTS (minimum 6.5)
  • Cambridge Main Suite of English Examinations
  • you completed at least 20 credits in English‑language modules, or
  • you completed a minimum six‑month professional internship in an English‑speaking country, or
  • you wrote your Bachelor’s thesis in English.

Adequate English proficiency is also demonstrated if, in your previous degree program:

3. Program-Specific Requirements / Aptitude Criteria

• Ability to work in a scientific, fundamentals-based, and method-oriented manner
• Existing subject-specific knowledge from prior studies in landscape architecture or related disciplines
• Independent experience and solid skills in the design of outdoor spaces and spatial structures

Admission is determined through a two-stage aptitude assessment procedure, which evaluates whether you meet the above-mentioned specific requirements for the Master’s program. Further details on the aptitude assessment and selection process. 

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date.
• Transcript of Records.
• Optional: If your transcript shows more than 180 credits, please list the best graded modules totaling 180 credits in an additional form provided in the application portal.
• Proof of German Language Proficiency or Proof of English Language Proficiency.
• Optional: Statement of purpose (Letter of Motivation) with a maximum of 500 words.
• Portfolio with work samples; consisting of at least 10 pages in any format showcasing your relevant previous work, including a minimum of two design projects (the Admissions Committee recommends no more than 15 pages, in A4 or A3 format). When assembling a meaningful and convincing portfolio, include work samples (e.g., design drawings, construction plans) that clearly demonstrate your ability to deliver excellent design and planning work specifically in the field of landscape architecture. You may also include outstanding theoretical contributions to contemporary landscape architecture (such as academic essays, specialist articles, internship reports, etc.) to further support your suitability for the Master’s program in Landscape Architecture.
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only
• Declaration confirming that the statement of motivation for choosing the degree program and the submitted design work were prepared independently and without external assistance, and that any ideas taken from other sources as well as design projects created as part of group work are clearly identified as such.
• Optional: Proof of employment and internships as well as any additional certificates documenting subject‑specific qualifications or the completed study abroad semester.

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Please consider the specific requirements for documents for application and enrollment at TUM.

Are you already enrolled at a university and now wish to continue your studies at TUM? A transfer into this degree program is generally possible; however, you should consider the following cases:

Case 1: You are currently studying at a TU9-Universität

• Your examination entitlement at your current university must still be valid.
  • If your examination entitlement at your current university has expired, enrollment in this degree program is not possible.
  • If your examination entitlement is still valid, a transfer is possible. In this case, your study periods at your current university will be officially recognized. You will therefore be assigned to the corresponding higher semester (and you do not need a certificate for semester placement). Please note TUM’s requirements for the number of credits to be completed by the end of each semester (study progress monitoring, APSO §10):
    • After the 3rd semester: at least 30 credits
    • After the 4th semester: at least 60 credits
    • After the 5th semester: at least 90 credits
  • If you are placed into a higher semester at the beginning of your studies despite receiving recognition for only a small number of credits (e.g., because some modules you completed do not exist at TUM or are not considered equivalent), you will have less time to meet the above “benchmarks” (minimum ECTS). In the worst case, this could lead to de-enrollment.
  • It is not possible to make a statement in advance regarding the extent to which credits from your current university can be recognized. The official recognition process begins only after enrollment.

Case 2: You are not studying at a TU9-Universität

We recommend that you apply for the first semester of the program for either the summer or winter term. Depending on the number of credits recognized, you will then be placed into a higher semester. Applications for credit recognition can only be submitted after enrollment at TUM.

In addition to the other application documents, you must submit a semester placement certificate (preliminary process). Please contact the Departmental Student Advising (Examinations) by email for this purpose. Please include the following information in your email:

• Your application number
• The expected number of credits you will bring
• The name of the university at which these credits were earned

• Application for Enrollment (signed).
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (authentic document).
• Transcript of Records (authentic document).
• Most Current Photo (as for ID).
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant).
• For applicants to a higher subject semester: semester placement certificate (see Application to a higher subject semester).

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Please consider the specific requirements for documents for application and enrollment at TUM.

Further information on accepting your study place.

At the beginning of each semester, an introductory event (“Master Welcome Meeting”) is held during the week before the start of lectures for all new Master’s students in Landscape Architecture. Information about this event is published under Current Information.

A general overview of the curriculum for the three-semester degree program can be found in the study plan.

Further details on the structure of the program.

If you have questions regarding confirmations (e.g., credits for BAföG applications, orphan’s pension, program-related documents, standard period of study, etc.), please contact the Departmental Student Advising (Examinations).

Academic and Examination Regulations

All students are subject to the General Examination and Study Regulations (APSO) of TUM, which:

• Regulate the structure of the degree program
• Define how examinations are conducted
• Determine deadlines and procedures

Specific information is provided in the respective program-specific Academic and Examination Regulations (FPSO). Here you can find the current FPSO 2023. For older versions, please click here.

The FPSO is supplemented by the module catalog, which is updated each semester: Current Module Catalog M.A. LA for FPSO 2023.

Studienfortschrittskontrolle

Study progress monitoring is regulated in the APSO and, for program-specific rules, in the FPSO. Please note the deadlines listed in §38 FPSO in conjunction with §10 APSO:

• By the end of the second semester, at least one of the module examinations listed in Annex 1 of the FPSO must be completed from the Project Elective Modules.
• The following minimum credit totals must be achieved on time:
  • After 3rd semester:     at least 30 credits
  • After 4th semester:     at least 60 credits
  • After 5th semester:     at least 90 credits

Notification of Examination Results 

Students receive Notification of Examination Results after each semester from the Graduation Office and Academic Records – either via email informing them that the notice is available for download in TUMonline, or directly by post.
The notice lists all examinations taken so far with grades and credits; it serves as a control document. It also informs students about the resulting legal consequences. For questions regarding examination notices, please contact your Departmental Student Advisor (Examinations). 

Examination Board

The Examination Board is responsible for all matters related to examinations. It oversees the implementation of all examination procedures and makes necessary decisions unless these are assigned to examiners by APSO or required during the examination process. It also decides on requests such as deadline extensions or hardship cases during the course of study. The board meets once per semester.

Composition:

• Prof. Dr. Udo Weilacher (Vorsitz)
• Prof. Dr. Sören Schöbel-Rutschmann (stv. Vorsitz)
• Prof. Regine Keller
• Prof. Ferdinand Ludwig
• Dr. Julian Schäfer

>> Contact: Secretary Julie Strickland

Disadvantage Compensation

A disability or chronic illness can affect your studies. To ensure you receive appropriate support, we consider both the requirements of your program and your individual needs. Please contact the Departmental Student Advisor (Examinations). 

Disadvantage Compensation helps to offset study and examination difficulties caused by impairments:

• They are determined individually and based on the situation, not applied generally.
• The arrangement depends on your impairment and the program.
• Important: Compensation for disadvantages is not a simplification – the performance objectives of the examination and study regulations remain unchanged.
• Please apply for compensation as early as possible!

Further information

Please familiarize yourself with the modules specified in your degree program’s examination regulations. Modules that you have already successfully completed cannot be taken again. This also applies if the module’s course is offered under a different topic or subtitle. If you re-enroll in modules you have already completed, no credits can be awarded.

Please note that in TUMonline you must register separately for participation in a module and for the corresponding examination. Check TUMonline regularly for updates regarding your examinations, especially shortly before the exam dates, as changes may occur.

The exact registration deadlines are published in TUMonline and must be strictly observed. You will receive an email from your Academic Advising (Master, Examinations) at the beginning and shortly before the end of the exam registration period.

Exam Registration

A guide for exam registration can be found in the Wiki for central IT topics and generally for TUMonline at: https://www.it.tum.de/it/tumonline/studieren/

Only if you are properly registered for the examinations in TUMonline will the chair have access to your account and be able to officially record your exam results.

If you encounter issues with exam registration, contact the Departmental Student Advisor (Examinations) promptly via email (within the exam registration period).

Exam Deregistration

Deregistration from examinations is only possible in TUMonline up to seven days before the exam date. Weekdays and weekends are treated the same.

Repeat Examinations

Repeat examinations generally take place in the following semester. However, always consult the responsible chair for accurate information.

You must independently register for repeat or make-up examinations of all modules—both compulsory and elective courses from all semesters—via TUMonline.

Leave of Absence

If you are on a leave of absence for a semester, you may not complete any examinations for the first time. However, you may retake failed examinations.

Exception: If you are on leave due to maternity protection, parental leave, or caring for close relatives, you are permitted to take examinations for the first time.

Further information on taking a leave of absence.

Students usually complete their Master’s thesis in Landscape Architecture individually and may begin working on it once all formal requirements have been met (e.g., conditions according to §§35–36, required number of credits, etc.). Please clarify all formal aspects with the the Departmental Student Advisor (Examinations) in good time. Students generally choose the topic of their thesis independently and develop it in consultation with their supervising professor. Students are free to select a supervisor from the four core professorships:

• Green Technologies in Landscape Architecture
• Landscape Architecture of Regional Open Spaces
• Landscape Architecture and Public Space
• Landscape Architecture and Transformation

Typically, the thesis addresses a current issue in landscape architecture within the framework of a specific design project. In addition to plans and models, the written project report plays a central role, providing a scientific reflection on the theoretical foundations and the design process. All subject‑relevant questions and tasks within the field of landscape architecture may be considered as thesis topics, in consultation with the chosen supervisor. Theoretical papers, scientific analyses, experimental investigations, or field studies are also possible. The core chairs are happy to support you in developing a suitable topic.

The thesis process usually consists of the following steps:

1. Topic discussion: Contact your intended supervisor early to clarify whether your proposed topic is suitable for a Master’s thesis and whether supervision is possible.

2. Check formal requirements: To register your Master’s thesis, the prerequisites defined in the examination regulations must be fulfilled (§§35–36, required credits, etc.).

3. Prepare a proposal (Exposé): Before registering your thesis, you must prepare a proposal outlining the research question, objectives, site analysis, hypotheses, schedule, and literature. Once the supervising chair approves the exposé, you may officially register your thesis.

4. Working period and submission: After official registration, you have six months to complete your thesis. You submit your work to the supervising chair at the agreed deadline.

5. Presentation: The thesis typically includes design plans, models, and a written report. Specific requirements vary depending on the chair and the project topic. The Master’s thesis is presented and discussed in a public academic setting.

Further information can be found on the websites of the core professorships (see above).

Credits earned outside the degree program (modules, workshops, competition achievements, etc.) can be recognized if they correspond to the competencies required in the TUM degree program. The evaluation is carried out by the respective module coordinator. Recognition is only possible for modules/examinations for which no examination process has yet begun at TUM in the current degree program (i.e., no exam registration has taken place). According to the Enrollment Regulations (§ 4 (5), dated 06.02.2023), the semester level increases by one semester for every 30 credits recognized; if more than 22 additional credits are recognized, the student is placed one further semester higher.

Recognition of credits earned at another university before beginning studies at TUM

• After enrollment, please contact the Departmental Student Advisor (Examinations) and submit the transcript of records from your previous degree program. The transcript will be reviewed, and you will receive further instructions on how to complete the recognition process.
  • Additional modules (credits) from your Bachelor’s studies can only be recognized if they are listed as additional coursework ("Zusatzleistungen") on your Bachelor’s transcript.
  • A prerequisite for the recognition of credits earned outside TUM is their equivalence. This means that the acquired knowledge, skills, and credits must not substantially differ from the content of the corresponding modules at TUM (§16 APSO). The evaluation is carried out by the respective module coordinator.
  • To submit your recognition request, please use the following form: Recognition Form.
  • Important: Applications for recognition of credits earned before starting the current program can only be submitted once, and only within the first academic year.

Recognition of credits earned during a study-abroad period while enrolled at TUM

• Subject‑related credits earned during a study-abroad period can be recognized by the Examination Board.
  • Only graded courses will be recognized. These must be relevant to landscape architecture or related disciplines, offered at Master’s level, and clearly connected to the curriculum of the Master’s program in Landscape Architecture at TUM.
  • You must contact the Departmental Student Advisor (Examinations) to clarify your eligibility for recognition.
  • To submit your recognition request to Departmental Student Advising, please use the following form: Recognition Form.
    For approval, a copy of the following documents is required: Transcript, Module description, Proof of completed coursework

We would like to encourage you to think globally already during your studies. International experiences for Master’s students in Landscape Architecture are organized by the School of Life Sciences and its networks:
https://www.ls.tum.de/ls/internationales/

In the Master’s program in Landscape Architecture, a study-abroad period is not mandatory. The only exception is a potential admission requirement (condition) if you did not complete either a professional internship or a one‑semester (subject‑related) study period at a foreign university during your Bachelor’s degree. In this case, you must make up for this requirement.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Departmental Student Advisor ‚Studies & Application‘ under ma_landschaft.ad@ed.tum.de.

Statutes & Regulations

• General Examination and Study Regulations (APSO)
• Program-Specific Academic and Examination Regulations (FPSO 2023)
• Current Module Catalog M.A. AR for FPSO 2023
• Current Aptitude Assessment Procedure M.A. AR (Appendix 2, FPSO 2023)
• Older Regulations

Program Structure

• Study Plan  
• Program Documentation

Additional Information

• Recognition Form