Undergraduate programmes

Integrated awards

480 credits with at least 120 credits at Level 7 (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) or equivalent and to include a year in practice prior to such level 7 study. Flexibility regarding the nature of the year in practice will be adopted when required e.g. periods of recession

Non-integrated awards

360 credits with an agreed progression path to at least 180 credits at the same school or via a partnership with another school.  To ensure comparability due to the year in practice requirement for integrated programmes, for non-integrated programmes the progression should be to 180 credits at Level 7 (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) or equivalent.

Postgraduate programmes

Cognate graduates* 180 credits at Level 7 (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) or equivalent

*A cognate graduate, in relation to entry to LI accredited post-graduate programmes, is a graduate from a course or programme that develops:

1. Foundation knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to all of the core Landscape Competencies in the LI’s Competency Framework
2. The key transferable knowledge, skills and understanding underpinning professional practice and working life in general and reflected in the Professional Competencies in the LI’s Competency Framework’

Non cognate graduates Conversion programmes to be 300 credits – 120 credit

The Landscape Institute’s five criteria for accreditation of higher education programmes are:

1. Schools must demonstrate that they have the staffing, expertise, resources and quality assurance mechanisms to deliver and maintain a high-quality programme of learning.
2. Programmes must:

• focus on a clear and defined area of professional landscape skills and expertise
• deliver appropriate underpinning skills, knowledge and understanding to provide a foundation for entering the profession

1. Programmes must deliver the key generic skills which underpin professional life and lifelong learning
2. Programmes must provide a foundation for progression to the workplace and professional practice
3. Schools must demonstrate a commitment to working in partnership with the Landscape Institute and the profession

All of our accredited Universities are supported by Professional Review Groups who work closely with the University and acting as a critical friend and sounding board but more importantly ensuring that as practitioners, they consider that graduates from their programmes have received initial professional education such that they have the foundation knowledge and understanding to take up their first employment in an area of the profession relevant to the focus of the programme.

If you are member and are interested in finding out about the role of the PRG and to find out about potential vacancies please contact education@landscapeinstitute.org (Please note PRG’s are appointed by each University with approval from the LI but we can assist in facilitating opportunities.

See the full list of LI accredited undergraduate and postgraduate courses here.

We welcome enquiries from UK universities and international educational institutions interested in seeking professional accreditation for their courses.

Please refer to the criteria and procedures and guidelines document in the first instance:

To arrange an initial discussion or if you wish to submit an expression of interest please email education@landscapeinstitute.org