Applying to Master of Landscape Architecture

Application to the Master of Landscape Architecture program requires candidates to apply online through the Office of Graduate Studies Web site [1].  Admission is based on previous academic performance, references, evidence of creative work, statement of interest, and background information provided through a questionnaire. All applications must be accompanied by a portfolio, statement of research, cv/resume, references and the completed background questionnaire.

Application Requirements

Eligibility requirements for application to the MLA program are that you hold an honours (four-year) undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from a recognized institution with a minimum of B- average (70%) over the last two years of full-time equivalent study.  Students who meet our alternate admission standards may also be considered.

Scholarships are available to students with strong entrance marks, but it is vital that you are prepared to cover the full cost of the program.

International Students

If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test.  Please refer to the Office of Graduate Studies Web site for required language scores at: https://www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/future/international [2].

Application Procedures

Applicants are to apply on-line through the Office of Graduate Studies Web site at https://www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/apply [3]. All application material is submitted online except for the portfolio requirement which is to be sent in hard copy format.  

Applicants should note that the online application system can take up to 5 working days to process your account.  Once your account is processed, you will receive an email with your login information and instructions on how to upload your documents. Please plan the submission of your application in accordance with admission deadline.

After a careful review of all submitted materials, the strongest candidates are selected for admission from the pool of qualified applicants.

Required Online Documents for MLA Application:

Statement of Research

Prepare a one-page summary of your interests as they pertain to the study of landscape architecture. This statement might include a description of your background and why you feel it is a good fit with landscape architecture; summary of what interests you most with respect to the study of landscape architecture, including any specialized areas you would like to explore; and finally, a discussion of how you would like to use your education once you have completed your degree.

CV / Resume

Provide a current cv or resume that gives a profile of your background and experience.

Supplemental Document - MLA Background Questionnaire

Answers to the MLA Background questionnaire is intended to give the Admissions Committee an understanding of whether your interests and abilities will fit with our faculty and program.

Instructions:
Respond to each of the 7 questions listed below in as complete and succinct a manner as possible.
Type your responses using no more than two pages in total.
Submit your responses by uploading the document as the "Supplemental Document" via your WebAdvisor account.

1. Outline your background and explain why you want to study towards a Master of Landscape Architecture degree.

2. Describe one or more pieces of your creative work and explain how they demonstrate that you are a creative person.

3. Describe one or more problems that you have resolved in a creative manner. Describe your approach and what you learned from the situation.

4. Relate an example of a time when you have worked in a group.  What role did you play?

5. What particular skills and/or knowledge do you have that could be valuable to other landscape architecture students?  How could you share this information?

6. What do you plan to do after completing your MLA degree?

• What area(s) of expertise do you hope to develop?
• How or in what setting will you use the knowledge and skills you acquire?
• How do you see your future in relation to the profession and its practitioners?

7.  What is the role of landscape architecture in the world today?

Required Hard Copy Document for MLA Application:

MLA Portfolio Submission

To aid the Admissions Committee in evaluating your potential as a design student, you are asked to submit a hard copy portfolio that represents evidence of your creative ability.  The term 'creative' should be interpreted in its broadest definition.

Instructions: Send or deliver your portfolio on or before January 9th to:

Chair - MLA Admissions Committee
Landscape Architecture Program
School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario   N1G 2W1  Canada

Approximately ten to twenty items should be included in your portfolio submission.  The dimensions of the portfolio must not exceed 8½ x 11" format.  DVD’s and larger portfolios not conforming to the requirements will not be reviewed.  Include anything that will allow us to evaluate your creative ability, e.g. drawings, art work, design work including visual arts, graphic arts, digital media etc., musical compositions, woodworking, written work, photographs, construction projects or engineering designs.  If pieces are too large for the required size, photograph them and submit the pictures.  There is no set format for the portfolio but it should be easy to review and clearly organized with a table of contents and brief text that explains the individual pieces.  Exercise your creativity in the design and organization of your portfolio. Applicants are encouraged to be selective in the work they submit.  It is preferable to send examples of a range of work rather than provide a comprehensive selection of one type of activity.  Be sure to clearly label the portfolio and package it to prevent damage. 

Domestic applicants:  please include an address sticker and sufficient postage to facilitate return of your work after it is reviewed.  Please indicate on the portfolio if you wish to pick it up in person.  Portfolios that do not include shipping documentation will not be returned.

International applicants:  please note that international applicant portfolios will not be returned.

MLA Application Summary

In order to assure that you have completed all the necessary requirements for your application to the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Guelph, please take a brief moment to check the following list to ensure your application is complete.   

The following information is submitted electronically to your online application - WebAdvisor Checklist:

• All University-level Transcripts
• Two References
• CV / Resume
• Statement of Research
• Supplemental Document – MLA Background Questionnaire
• English Language Test Score (if applicable)

The following document is required in the hard copy format and sent directly to the MLA Admissions Committee:

• MLA Portfolio Submission
   

In order to serve you better, the Office of Graduate Studies has created a Frequently Asked Questions [4] (FAQ) section to assist you with the admissions process.

MLA Application Deadline

Completed applications are due by JANUARY 9th each year.  Later applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  If you cannot meet this deadline, please contact us to find out if additional applications are being accepted.  Applicants are accepted for entry into the fall semester annually. Course sequencing and space limitations make the winter semester entry point impossible for most MLA degree students.
 

Update:  The MLA program is still accepting applications for Fall 2016 entry for DOMESTIC students only.  Please contact Diana Foolen for more information before applying.