Anna Green is a final year BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture and Design student, due to graduate in summer 2024 with a first class degree. In this blog, she explains why she chose to study Landscape Architecture, what she’s enjoyed about the course and what her plans are for the future.

Course: BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture and Design

Tell us about yourself and what made you want to study Landscape Architecture at Leeds Beckett? 

As a child I was a crafty individual, who enjoyed playing outdoors. Throughout school, I tended to gravitate toward the artistic and humanitarian subjects and Landscape Architecture turned out to be the perfect mix of both. As soon as I discovered Landscape Architecture, I knew it was the course for me. 

When visiting the different universities that offered the course, Leeds Beckett University stood out considerably, due to the enthusiasm the staff showed towards my portfolio and the supportive atmosphere that was apparent within the studio. 

How has the course lived up to your expectations? 

The course has been a great experience and has thoroughly introduced me to all elements involved in Landscape Architecture, including ecology, geography and the art principles. All the tutors are friendly and supportive yet are not afraid to give constructive criticism to help develop your designs.

What opportunities has the course provided you with? 

There have been many opportunities throughout the course, from working with live clients to meeting external lecturers. Many of the projects are flexible too to allow you to develop your skills in the subject area you are most interested in. 

For example, in the final year project, we were asked to choose a site within the Shipley Canal Road Corridor, and we had to create our own individual brief to make a healthier greener city. For my project, I created a series of doorstep landscapes in Shipley Town Centre that gave people opportunities to interact more with others as well as nature, in turn making a healthier, more cohesive community.

How have you been supported throughout your course? 

Along with the designated attentive tutorials and studio time, the tutors are always willing to organise further support if needed and it is clear they want to see all their students thrive. In addition, they have put a lot of time into organising networking events, which have allowed me to introduce myself and discuss my work with many professionals, including my future employers. 

What are your plans going forward? 

Once I have graduated, I am going to be working as a Graduate Landscape Architect at Golby & Luck, a friendly company that specialises in residential designs. Once settled into the company, I am going to be studying my postgraduate degree at Leeds Beckett University alongside working in practice, to become a chartered member of their team.

What would you say to someone looking to study BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture and Design at Leeds Beckett University? 

If you are wanting a course that provides you with a thorough insight of Landscape Architecture, gets you involved in a multitude of project types and a supportive environment, Leeds Beckett University is the one for you!

Anna was awarded Highly Commended for the BA Landscape Architecture Award at the Architects for Health Student Design Awards 2024.