The dual degree option is a unique opportunity to pursue the Master of Architecture (MArch) and the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) at the same time.
The dual degree program is a very rigorous course of study. Entry to the dual degree program is highly competitive and applications are selectively evaluated. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in and some knowledge of architecture and landscape architecture.
Innovation
We are the first school in Canada to offer you the opportunity to pursue both degrees at the same time.
Tradition of excellence
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, ranked among the top public universities in the world. SALA consistently ranks among the top design schools in Canada in QS World University Rankings of architecture programs.
The place
Vancouver is consistently named as one of the top worldwide cities for liveability and quality of life. With diverse geographic regions and climates, a rich, multi-cultural history and a dynamic arts and culture scene, Vancouver is an amazing place to work and study.
Award-winning faculty
Our faculty are internationally renowned experts in their fields and have chosen to teach here in part because of our school’s reputation for excellence in research. Join us and you will learn from the people who are changing the way we think about design.
Tight-knit community
With low student-faculty ratios, we get to know you by name. We are proud of our small studios, intimate seminars, and personalized learning opportunities. Our support structure ensures that you have a successful experience. From academic guidance to health and wellness, we have an array of services to help you achieve your personal, academic and professional goals.
Mentor program
When entering our program, we pair you with a professional mentor. Our mentor roster includes many of the most prominent pracitioners in Vancouver. Paired with you through to licensure, your mentor will not only contribute to your experience while at SALA, but will help make your transition from school to practice smoother.
International experiences
As a SALA student, you will be able attend summer electives and studios set abroad. In recent years, we have taken students to Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, and the Netherlands. For a more immersive experience, you can also spend up to a year at one of our partner universities.
Employment opportunities
We have a wide variety of employment opportunities. We currently offer 90 annual teaching assistantships and nearly as many research, administrative, and technical positions. Whether it is leading an undergraduate seminar, analysing data in the lab, or assisting in the workshop, you will find a position that is right for you.
Our students get involved
Our students organize lunchtime lectures, host weekly social events, and curate gallery exhibitions of their work. They create public art on campus, organize design builds and attend conferences around the world. They are passionate about what they do, and we hope you will be too.
The four-year dual degree option requires the completion of 147 credits, which includes your graduate project. If you already have a design degree or advanced design education, you may receive advanced placement into a variant of the program, subject to faculty approval.
Typical course of study
Term 1
- LARC 501 Landscape Architecture Design Studio I
- ARCH 511 Architectural Technology I
- LARC 522 Landscape Architectural History
- ARCH 515 Design Media I
Term 2
- ARCH 501 Architectural Design Studio II
- LARC 531 Landscape Technologies I
- LARC 541 Landscape Planning and Management
- ARCH 517 Design Media II
Summer
Electives (3 credits)
Term 1
- LARC 504 Landscape Architecture Design Studio IV
- LARC 540 Site Analysis and Planning
- LARC 316 Trees and Shrubs in Landscape
- LARC 532 Landscape Technologies II
Term 2
- LARC 503 Landscape Architecture Design Studio III
- ARCH 512 Architectural Structures I
- LARC 523 Landscape Architectural Theory
One of:
- ARCH 504 Topics in Architectural History I, Pre-1900
- ARCH 505 Topics in Architectural History II, 1900 – present
Summer
Term 1
- ARCH 520 Architectural Design Studio III
- ARCH 513 Environmental Systems and Controls I
- ARCH 532 Architectural Structures II
One of:
- ARCH 504 Topics in Architectural History I, Pre-1900
- ARCH 505 Topics in Architectural History II, 1900 – present
Term 2
- ARCH 521 Architectural Design Studio IV
- ARCH 523 Contemporary Theories in Architecture
- ARCH 531 Architectural Technology II
- ARCH 533 Environmental Systems and Controls II
Summer
Elective (3 credits)
Term 1
One of:
One of:
Term 2
- LARC 524 Landscape Architectural History II
These courses are cross listed so taken together:
One of:
We accept applications for the Dual Degree program between early-October and mid-January each year. Admissions decisions are sent out in mid- to late March. We receive many outstanding applications, and admission to our programs is competitive. Unfortunately, we cannot offer admission to all qualified applicants. Please note our graduate programs are full-time and in-person.
Please note that tuition fees are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors and are subject to change each year. Tuition fees for international students are expected to rise for the 2024-25 academic year. For information about current tuition fees for domestic, international, and continuing students please see the UBC Academic calendar.
Admission requirements
You must hold a degree that is academically equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree at UBC. There is no requirement for the discipline of your previous degree. We accept students from a wide variety of academic fields.
If you have completed your degree at a Canadian or American university, you must have a B+ average in your third- and fourth-year-level coursework. If you completed your degree at an international university, you must have a B+ average in all coursework.
Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.
The minimum scores are:
TOEFL – 100 iBT or 600 paper based
IELTS – Overall band score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component of the academic (not general) test.
While not required, you may submit GRE results as additional evidence of scholastic promise and aptitude.
Application materials
All application materials should be submitted through the online application.
You must submit an online application form, complete application materials and the non-refundable application fee by the deadline of January 15.
A summary of your experiences in education, work, travel, volunteering, and other relevant areas. The maximum length is two pages, double spaced.
A written statement outlining your interest in the program and your motivation to pursue this degree at UBC. The maximum length is two pages, double spaced.
Your portfolio is submitted digitally in your online application. The PDF can be a maximum of 20 letter-sized (8.5″ x 11″) pages (or 10 spreads) and must be under 10MB in size. These 20 pages do not include your cover page or table of contents.
Tip: Use 150 pixels-per-inch or even 72 ppi images, or try saving the file as a Reduced Size PDF (“Save as Other”) in Adobe Acrobat, to bring down the file size.
The intent of the portfolio is to highlight design potential. You should use the portfolio to showcase your interests and accomplishments, and to show how you could contribute to a demanding professional program.
Your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to conceptualize projects in two and three dimensions through a variety of media. The portfolio may contain drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, installation, printmaking, ceramics, fashion design, and woodworking, as well as other media. Showing your creative process and ability to think conceptually will also provide context for your work.
You should organize your portfolio into a clear, well-crafted document. The portfolio should have concise, descriptive text on each page to adequately explain the work. If working in collaboration with others, please clearly indicate your contribution to the submitted work.
For tips on putting together your portfolio, please watch our graduate portfolio information session:
You must upload scans of official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended, including transcripts from universities attended on exchange. Uploads of unofficial transcripts will not be accepted. If you are currently completing a degree, submit your transcripts to date. In that case, UBC will not grant final confirmation of acceptance until you have submitted the final transcripts after the degree is conferred. If offered admission, you will be asked to send official transcripts in hardcopy.
If the academic records are in a language other than English or French, you must submit scans of the official transcripts in their original language and accompany them with scans of official translations.
You must arrange for three letters of reference, two of which should be academic and speak to your past performance and ability to succeed in a graduate program. Referees submit their letters through the online application system.
Please note that you will pay a non-refundable application fee through the online application system.
Our dual degree option puts you in the unique position of training you to practice both architecture and landscape architecture.
Your two professional degrees open doors into a design industry on the rise. As cities continue to grow, an interdisciplinary view is invaluable in new developments. The public and private sectors alike need both architects and landscape architects to lead projects in both the built and natural environment.
Athena Leong
Student Services Coordinator, Landscape Architecture, Dual Degree + Urban Design
dual-degree@sala.ubc.ca
604.822.3445
Fionn Byrne
Faculty Coordinator, Dual Degree program
droehr@sala.ubc.ca
Architecture
The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is the sole agency authorized by the Regulatory Organization of Architecture in Canada (ROAC) to accredit Canadian professional degree programs in architecture for the purposes of architectural licensure. In SALA this is our Master of Architecture program.
The eight other signatories of the Canberra Accord (excluding CACB-CCCA Canada) are: ANPADEH (Mexico), HKIA (Hong Kong SAR), IEET-AAC (Chinese Taipei), JABEE (Japan), KAAB (Korea), NAAB (USA), NBAA (China), and SACAP (South Africa) – recognize SALA’s MArch degree.
Landscape Architecture
The Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects accredits the Master of Landscape Architecture professional degree through its Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council. The council evaluates, advocates for, advances, and maintains the quality of education in Canadian landscape architectural programs. It typically evaluates university programs every five years to determine compliance with its published minimum standards and the programs’ own stated goals.
The American Society of Landscape Architecture recognizes programs accredited by the LAAC as equivalent to American accredited programs under a reciprocity agreement.