Landscape architect

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

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:

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

College

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:

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

Apprenticeship

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:

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

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• 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
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• business management skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• leadership skills
• operations analysis skills
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Landscape architects plan, design and manage the landscapes we live and work in.

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

Location : You could work in an office, at a client's business or visit sites.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends occasionally

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• become a landscape architect supervisor or manager
• become a partner in a private practice
• set up your own landscape practice
• do a teaching qualification and become a higher education lecturer  of landscape architecture at a university