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Landscape and Wellbeing MSc

Awards: MSc

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Programme website: Landscape and Wellbeing

This MSc is the first of its kind in the UK to address a 21st century need to better understand relationships between the landscape and human wellbeing in order to plan and design salutogenic landscapes (that support human health and wellbeing). The programme draws on a wide range of expertise from across the University.

In particular, you will benefit from the expertise of OPENspace, internationally recognised as a research centre focused on inclusive access to outdoor environments and the benefits for health and quality of life. You will also have the opportunity to make connections in theory and practice within and across disciplines throughout the arts, humanities and social sciences, and across wider university expertise in science and medicine.

On this programme, you will develop an understanding of aspects of the outdoor environment that support and enhance wellbeing. You will also learn how to make a critical evaluation of existing places and future developments. Ultimately, you will be equipped to research and make recommendations for the planning and design of landscapes which support and enhance human health and wellbeing, and to evaluate their effectiveness.

The programme consists of:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • project work
  • student-led oral and graphic presentations
  • essays
  • a supervised dissertation.

Guest lecturers in OPENspace’s network of professional and expert contacts further augment the programme.

It is structured around four compulsory courses and three optional courses, drawn from architecture, landscape architecture, and from other Schools within the University of Edinburgh.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
MScLandscape and Wellbeing1 YearFull-timeProgramme structure 2024/25
MScLandscape and Wellbeing2 YearsPart-timeProgramme structure 2024/25
  • Critical understanding of both contemporary debates and forefront developments within the field of landscape and wellbeing.
  • In-depth knowledge of a range of specialised theories, concepts and principles behind salutogenic landscape planning and design.
  • Advanced introduction to, and opportunities for training in, the principal research methods available to investigate links between landscape and wellbeing.
  • Acquisition of expertise in the requirements of rigorous research and the ability to demonstrate creativity in the practical application of specialist skills within a real-life research project.
  • Ability to communicate effectively when developing and presenting findings to a range of different audiences.

This degree provides preparation for work in sectors including:

  • public health
  • urban development
  • green infrastructure planning
  • human geography
  • horticulture
  • therapeutic environments.

This programme can also deepen engagement with landscape and wellbeing for established practitioners in:

  • architecture
  • landscape architecture
  • health.

It is also excellent preparation for students wishing to progress to doctoral-level research.

Lauriston campus redevelopment

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston campus | Edinburgh College of Art

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

Normally a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

We may also consider your application if you have equivalent experience.

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
  • Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Additional costs

Normal travel costs for site visits and other expenses associated with compulsory courses are covered within the programme. However, any additional costs, such as may be incurred if you choose dissertation topics that require major travel or materials costs, will need to be covered by the individual student.

Tuition fees

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
MScLandscape and Wellbeing1 YearFull-timeTuition fees
MScLandscape and Wellbeing2 YearsPart-timeTuition fees

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

  • your programme
  • the duration of your studies
  • your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

  • Postgraduate Admissions Office
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • 57 George Square
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH8 9JU
Programme start date Application deadline
8 September 2025 30 June 2025

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

Please note that for an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including references and transcripts. If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements e.g. via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, please upload that evidence as soon as you have it.

(Revised 12 November 2024 to add application deadline information)

You must submit one reference with your application.

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Further information

  • Postgraduate Admissions Office
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • 57 George Square
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH8 9JU