Landscape as agency for planetary health and human well-being
Vision
Uniquely positioned within the Faculty of Social Science, the CUHK Master of Science in Landscape Architecture (MLA) addresses the urgent global challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Our programme is founded on the principle that effective environmental solutions require a deep integration of ecological science and human dynamics. This principle redefines landscape architecture as a critical form of agency—a discipline of intervention that acts creatively and responsibly to shape resilient societies where nature and people thrive.
This two-year program cultivates a new generation of landscape architects: skilled designers, critical thinkers, proactive doers, and visionary leaders. Integrating design innovation with an entrepreneurial mindset, the program empowers students to create sustainable solutions, drive climate action, and launch new initiatives in the emerging green economy. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in landscape architecture, ecological consultancy, urban planning, and green entrepreneurship.
Nature, Ecology and People
Our holistic and interdisciplinary approach is built on three interconnected pillars:
Nature: Grounding designs in local ecosystems by focusing on core ecological components—Air, Water, Soil, Carbon, and Biodiversity—to build resilient habitats and pioneer nature-based solutions.
Ecology: Championing evidence-based ecological design by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and data to create landscapes with measurable, high-performance outcomes.
People: Designing with empathy and social responsibility to create resilient, inclusive cities that prioritize human well-being and community needs.
Immersive Project-Based Learning
At the core of the curriculum is an innovative project-based model that moves beyond traditional studios. Learning is centered on two year-long, interdisciplinary projects that bridge theory with practice:
Global Project: Addresses international environmental challenges through collaboration with overseas partners, preparing students to work effectively across diverse geographic and cultural contexts.
Hong Kong Project: Focuses on Hong Kong as a living laboratory for dense urbanism and rich coastal ecosystems, allowing students to tackle transformative regional developments, such as the Northern Metropolis.
This hands-on method fosters deep collaboration with stakeholders—from government agencies to local communities—equipping students with the leadership skills to solve complex challenges locally and globally.
Professional Development
Your professional growth is central to the MLA experience, driven by personalised mentorship, career advising, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Members of the founding cohorts will have a unique opportunity to shape the culture and legacy of this forward-thinking program.
The programme is pursuing formal accreditation from the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA). The curriculum is structured to meet these rigorous standards, and once granted, accreditation is intended to apply retroactively to the first graduating class.
Admissions
Application for admission to the MLA programme in the academic year 2026-27 should be submitted via the Graduate School Online Application System and upload their supporting materials to our Application Materials Collection Platform no later than 16 January 2026 (Main Round) or 10 April 2026 (Clearing Round). Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
In addition to the Entry Requirements set by the University, applicants should have an undergraduate degree in Landscape Studies or a related area recognised by the country where the school is located, normally achieving an average grade of not lower than "B".
Candidates will be invited for an interview, and details will be announced in due course.
For more information on application procedures and other supporting documents required by the University, please visit the Graduate School website.
