Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture – Land Landscape Heritage

The master's degree in Landscape Architecture - Land Landscape Heritage is an interdisciplinary programme that trains landscape professionals. The curriculum integrates architecture, urban and regional planning, agronomy, forest sciences, hydraulic engineering, ecology, social sciences, history, archaeology, law and economics. The central themes include urban and rural landscape design, natural landscape management, soil conservation, the enhancement of tangible and intangible heritage and the sustainable management of the territory. The intention is to train professionals able to respond to contemporary landscape transformations with a critical spirit, cultural knowledge and technical skills. The interdisciplinary approach reflects the very nature of the landscape, which is the result of the interaction between natural, historical, social and economic factors, and therefore requires designers able to engage with specialists from very different disciplines, from water management to soil conservation, from ecology to the protection of archaeological and cultural heritage.

The programme lasts two years, is held in person at the Piacenza campus and is delivered in English. Teaching is organised in design labs, workshops and optional courses, with an internship linked to the thesis. Admission requires an assessment of the curriculum and portfolio. For Italian candidates, a bachelor's degree in Architecture (class L-17) or in Territorial, Urban and Environmental Planning (L-21) is required, while for international candidates a degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Planning or related disciplines is required. The credits, the total teaching hours and the class size are not stated. The Piacenza campus offers a study environment of modest size and a direct link with agricultural, river and historic landscapes, which can become the subject of labs and applied experiences, and the English language encourages the participation of international students and the comparison with cases from other countries.

The aim is to train professionals with skills in soil care, the design of new landscapes and heritage enhancement. Career opportunities include landscape design firms, engineering companies, architecture firms and public administrations, in Italy and abroad. Related professions include the sustainable landscape architect, the restoration specialist, the urban planner, the landscape designer and the environmental technician. After graduation it is possible to continue with a second-level master, a doctorate or specialisation schools. The internship linked to the thesis helps students come into contact with professional firms, bodies and companies, and makes it possible to develop a research or design project on a real case, demonstrating the skills acquired and easing entry into a labour market that requires qualified, sustainability-oriented profiles.