An honours undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8) with a minimum upper second class honours or international equivalence in a relevant programme including Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Urban Design, Interior Design or any other Creative Studies in a cognate discipline may apply.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Portfolio submission is essential (We ask that you submit a portfolio of your own creative work. We are interested in any form of creative work, but also in any type of independent project work that could inspire others. File size maximum 100 MB. The format must be PDF.)

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information at: https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/ Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Online Application.

Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

T407: Master of Science in Global Change Landscape Design Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Careers & Employability
Graduates of the program literally have the world at their feet. Global change creates needs and opportunities that are only now fully unfolding. Medium and large offices and global consulting firms are looking for landscape specialists who can understand, assess and design the future landscape. This is not just limited to the world’s land masses, but also includes the oceans, where large offshore industries (e.g. wind power) are emerging.

Specifically, graduates will have a skill set affording opportunities to work in a variety of industries and companies, including:
• Landscape Architecture/Urban Planning firms SWA Group, ARUP, AECOM, Hargreaves Associates
• Environmental Consultancy firms MKO, ERM, Tetra Tech, Jacobs
• Real Estate Development companies Remcoll, LDA, Lendlease
• Government agencies European Environment Agency (EEA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National -Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
• Non-Profit Organizations European Landscape Convention (ELC), Irish Environmental Network, Heritage Council of Ireland