- Degree
- Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.)
- Admission restriction
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No
- Contact
- Application period
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28 April 2026 – 15 July 2026
Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning – what to expect from the course
Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning involves the sustainable planning and design of urban spaces and landscapes. This involves safeguarding and developing habitats for people, animals and plants, and adapting them to meet future needs.
On the Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning programme, you will develop strategies and design approaches to tackle key societal challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, land-use change, loss of biodiversity, increasing sustainability requirements, new forms of mobility, inclusive open spaces, digitalisation and global social change processes.
The course covers the fundamentals of planning and design, natural sciences, engineering and economics. Through practical study projects, you will learn application-oriented methods for solving problems relating to planning, design, building construction and environmental issues. You will work in a team, develop your presentation and communication skills, and discuss ways of putting projects into practice.
Following a broad-based foundation year, you will undertake a work placement semester in a landscape architecture practice, with local authorities, in planning offices, with nature conservation organisations or NGOs. Building on this practical experience, you will choose one of two core subjects:
- Landscape Architecture
- Ecological Planning
You will be awarded the Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) upon completion of a bachelor’s thesis. This fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the Chamber of Architects in all federal states and entitles you to use the professional title ‘Landscape Architect’. At Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, you also have the opportunity to obtain a German-French double degree: in parallel with your Bachelor’s degree, you will earn a French diploma – provided you have the necessary language skills.
Experience Landscape Architecture up close – information sessions & taster sessions
Want to know what to expect from the Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning degree programme? Then come along to one of our information sessions or a taster course! Get to know the campus, chat to students and lecturers, and experience everyday student life first-hand.
What do you learn on a degree course in Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning?
- Planning and designing urban spaces and landscapes
- Developing sustainable solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss and urbanisation
- Protection and development of natural resources to safeguard our environment and quality of life
- Planning and designing ecological compensation areas, replacement habitats and near-natural habitats
- Ecological contexts such as botany and the use of plants
- Design, presentation and planning methods
- Development of public open spaces to ensure social stability
- Design and construction techniques with regard to the conservation of historic gardens
- Management tasks, project organisation and networked thinking
- Communication and participatory processes in planning and society
As a core discipline in the spatial sector, the course combines design, sustainability and environmental planning, and is now more in demand than ever.
Examples of projects from the Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning degree programme
Would you like to find out what to expect from a degree in Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning? Here we present some of the good examples of our students’ project work. Enjoy!
Course structure: a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning in eight semesters
The degree programme in Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning lasts eight semesters and combines creative, ecological, technical and planning elements with a strong practical component.
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1st semester
Module
ECTS
Regional Studies 5 Botany, Landscape Ecology & Climate Change 5 Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 5 Planning, Design & Construction 5
Design & Presentation 5 Surveying & Geoinformation 5 -
2nd semester
Module
ECTS
Introduction to Biodiversity 5 Ecological Site Analysis & Botany 5 Fundamentals of Landscape Architecture 5 Planning & Design in Open Space Planning 10
Methods of Geodesign 5 -
3rd semester
Module
ECTS
Society, Economics & Law 5 Historical Foundations of Landscape Architecture 5 Planning & Design in Landscape Planning 10 Building Construction & Detailed Design 5
Plant Selection & Vegetation Techniques 5 -
4th semester
Module
ECTS
Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning 5 Landscape Planning 5 Planning & Design in Urban Planning 10 Project & Construction Management 5
Use of plants 5 -
5th semester
Module
ECTS
Practical placement in a landscape architecture practice, a public authority, a gardening and landscaping company, etc. 30 -
6th and 7th semesters
Module
ECTS
Core subjects 29 You can choose from the following specialisations:
- Open Space Planning
- Landscape Planning
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8th semester
Module
ECTS
Five subject-specific compulsory elective modules (3 EC each) 15 Bachelor’s thesis 15
For me, solidarity and sustainability are the top priorities at HSWT. On Weihenstephan Hill, projects are developed that inspire.
Key areas of study in Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning
From the 6th semester onwards, you will choose one of two core subjects:
- Landscape Architecture
- Ecological Planning
Both specialisations focus on the sustainable development of urban and rural environments, but have different technical emphases.
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Specialisation in Landscape Architecture – Designing open spaces and creating places worth living in
The Landscape Architecture specialisation focuses on the sustainable design and development of open spaces in urban and rural areas.
You will explore the question: How can we create liveable, climate-adapted and socially functional open spaces?
You will develop design concepts for public spaces and learn how open spaces can contribute to quality of life, climate adaptation and biodiversity.
Typical topics in the Landscape Architecture specialisation:
- Climate-resilient urban development
- Urban design – development of urban neighbourhoods
- Open space planning – sustainable design of public spaces, e.g. parks, squares, play and sports facilities, water spaces, etc.
- Design and presentation methods
- Use of plants and material concepts
- Communication and presentation of design ideas
This specialisation is particularly suitable for anyone who works creatively, designs and wishes to develop public spaces in a sustainable and liveable way.
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Focus on Ecological Planning – Protecting Nature and Steering Sustainable Development
Species extinction and adaptation to climate change are enormous societal challenges. Who takes these issues into account when planning and managing land in the open countryside and in urban areas? Ecological planning!
The Ecological Planning specialisation focuses on nature conservation, environmental protection and resource management in urban and rural areas.
You will explore the question: How can landscapes be used sustainably whilst protecting nature and biodiversity?
In doing so, you will develop concepts and strategies for:
- nature and species conservation
- ecological and sustainable land use
- Flood protection and climate adaptation
- Biotope network systems
- Environmental assessments and landscape planning
The focus is on ecological interrelationships, planning assessment procedures and sustainable development strategies.
This specialisation is particularly suitable for anyone interested in environmental planning, nature conservation and sustainable development.
Ecological planners thus give a strong voice to a sustainable future.
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What is the difference between the two specialisations?
Landscape Architecture Ecological planning Focus on designing sustainable living spaces in urban and rural areas Focus on environmental protection and nature conservation Incorporation of relevant topics such as climate adaptation, biodiversity, inclusion, etc. in the design of living spaces Development of ecological concepts and conservation strategies Creative and spatial planning Analytical and strategic planning Work on green and blue infrastructure (parks, squares, green corridors, water bodies, etc.) Work on landscape, nature and environmental projects Focus on sustainable design, use and quality of life Focus on biodiversity, resource conservation and environmental assessment Both specialisations operate on an interdisciplinary basis and make an important contribution to climate-resilient, sustainable and liveable cities and landscapes. You will have sufficient opportunity to familiarise yourself with the differences before choosing your specialisation in the 6th semester.
Studying Landscape Architecture and ecological planning – and then what?
As a landscape architect or ecological planner, you will work in an interdisciplinary manner with specialists from the fields of urban planning, architecture, environmental planning, biology, water management and engineering. Depending on your specialisation and interests, you will take on a wide range of tasks in the design, planning and development of urban and landscape spaces:
- You will design and develop public spaces, parks and open spaces
- You will develop climate-adapted urban neighbourhoods and green infrastructure
- You will develop concepts for sponge cities, rainwater management and heat protection
- You will carry out environmental impact assessments and landscape planning evaluation reports
- You will plan mitigation and compensation measures for interventions in nature and the landscape
- You develop biodiversity and species conservation concepts
- You will advise cities and local authorities on sustainable open space and environmental planning
- You will facilitate planning and participation processes involving citizens, politicians and specialist authorities
- You will apply GIS, CAD and digital planning methods in projects
- You will coordinate construction projects and oversee their implementation on site
Entry requirements for the Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning degree programme
There are no admission restrictions in the form of a numerus clausus (NC) for the Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning programme at HSWT.
A four-week compulsory work placement prior to the start of the course is not mandatory. However, practical experience in gardening and landscaping, in planning offices or in the environmental sector is helpful. A relevant preliminary work placement is therefore strongly recommended.
Your studies in Weihenstephan: Why choosing us is the right decision
Comprehensive training
Your degree programme combines a broad range of disciplinary competences with a significant focus on practical project-based learning, thereby providing you with a well-rounded education.
Environmental & climate awareness
The degree programme in Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning raises awareness of and equips students to deal with the diversity of global climatic and social change processes.
Theory and practice go hand in hand
You will actively apply your theoretical knowledge in a wide range of study projects. You will gain practical experience not only through practical courses, but also during your work placement semester.
Fancy some insider tips and advice? Then ask our course ambassador!
Frequently asked questions about the Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning
We have compiled the most important questions and answers for you here. If you still have any questions, our subject advisory service will be happy to help.
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Is there an admission quota (NC – numerus clausus)?
There are no admission restrictions in the sense of a numerus clausus (NC).
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What specifications should my laptop have?
A powerful laptop is useful, as the course involves using various graphics and CAD programmes, some of which have 3D requirements. In the first semester, there is also a lot of hand-drawing, and the University of applied sciences provides workstations with the necessary equipment. It is therefore perfectly fine to start your studies without a high-performance laptop and, over time, make a good decision on a suitable device.
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Do I need to be good at drawing?
No. You’ll learn how to draw and create art step by step during your degree. What matters most are creativity, spatial awareness and an interest in design.
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How much maths do you need at university?
A basic understanding of technical and mathematical concepts is helpful, for example in structural engineering or area calculations. However, the course does not focus on advanced mathematics.
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How time-consuming is the degree course in Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning?
The Landscape Architecture and Ecological Planning degree programme is very time-consuming and requires a significant weekly workload. In addition to traditional lectures and seminars, you will spend a great deal of time on practical project work, model-making and field trips.
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Is the degree programme also offered as a work-study programme?
No, the degree programme is not offered as a work-study programme.
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I’ve completed a vocational training course in horticulture and landscaping, but I don’t have a sixth-form qualification. Can I still go to university?
Yes, it is possible to study at HSWT even if you have a vocational qualification. You can find all the relevant information under ‘Studying at HSWT without A-levels’.
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Is it possible to switch to other degree programmes within the Department of Landscape Architecture?
As the degree programmes offered by the Department of Landscape Architecture are thematically related, it is generally possible to switch to a different programme. However, as there are certain formal requirements that must be met, it is advisable to seek advice from the subject advisory service and the general student advisory service well in advance of making the switch.
