Landscape Architecture BA(Hons): What our students say

"I'd describe this course as interactive, sensory, contemporary and forward thinking. It has great tutors, available at all times, who are always there to assist, guide and criticise. I'd recommend that you utilise them, absorb all of their knowledge and experience, and don't take their time for granted!

"The flexibility and 'self directed' approach on each brief/project allowed me to experience many different elements of design and relate them to landscape architecture. I feel that the vast amount of experiences we've had over the three-year course will make us particularly employable.

"The course has allowed me to grow into a mature designer. The self-direction and flexibility on each of the projects has given me the opportunity to blossom and experience a variety of disciplines. It's a great course for people who don't want to stick a specific niche."

"The course is really good. It allows you explore ideas and designs in a structured way. We have live projects so can actually go on site rather than make up surroundings and the impacts our design will have on them.

"The tutors are really helpful and supportive, and will go out of their way to help you progress through projects, both in and out of term time.

"The course has opened my eyes to the landscape world and other related areas, such as urban design, which has without doubt raised my career aspirations."

"I come from an art design background and saw this course as an opportunity to further an area I am interested in. Also, landscape architecture is an under-subscribed profession so there are good opportunities in the workplace.

"I chose Kingston University because I had heard of its good reputation for teaching architecture and landscape architecture. The degree is solely coursework-based, which is great for me as I have never liked taking exams. Another good thing is that it has a joint first year with the Architecture BA(Hons) so I had the flexibility to change if I found that side more enjoyable. I also like the Kingston area as there is plenty of entertainment within the town and it is great for shopping. 

"In the first year the teaching was very different from how I had previously been taught. The majority of classes are now tutorials with very few lectures. I find this useful because the teachers can easily help when you have a problem. The course offers a lot of variety. You could be in a tutorial, a model-making session or doing a whole project in one day. At university you have the freedom to find your own style and the opportunity to explore your interests.  

"One of the best things about Kingston University is the diversity and number of people you meet. I have made some really good friends, especially through my first year living in halls, which I would recommend to anybody. We have been on quite a few overseas field trips, working on projects associated with the North Sea. These are an opportunity for the class to come together really well, not only to do the work, but also to have fun."

"I come from Slovenia, a small country on the sunny side of the Alps. I came to the UK for life experience not knowing that, seven years later, I would be doing a degree in Landscape Architecture and have a real aim in my personal and working life. 

"I chose to study at Kingston because I love the River Thames and the history of the town, plus it has good connections to London and the countryside. Since being here I have enjoyed the open spaces like Bushy Park, Hampton Court Park and Richmond Park as well as Kingston market. 

"On the course so far, the fieldtrips have been the greatest thing. They are an opportunity to share the cultural experience of landscape whilst applying forward-thinking design solutions to real sites.

"The course leaders are great. They make studying at Kingston University a life-changing experience, and the lectures on sustainability in architecture and landscape architecture have really helped me to develop my designs. 

"In the second and third year we worked on live projects around the North Sea. These are great fun and an excellent way of studying. I have been involved in four projects - two of them in Colchester. The first was the regeneration of Hythe area, which is an old part of Colchester Port on the River Colne. The second project was assessing the River Colne area.

"The other two projects were in Europe. In the Netherlands I worked with the Board of Industrial Heritage Park De Hoop in Uitgeest on integrated spatial planning, with a focus on seafaring heritage in the region. In Germany we went to Emden - a port on the North Sea, rich in maritime history. Here we developed a proposal for one of four sites, which included the design for a new fish market in the town centre.

"Highlights of my visits to Uitgeest and Emden were writing newspaper articles recognising the importance of our work. Also riding a bicycle for four days in Emden is a great way of exploring!"