Introduction to Degree Programs

Landscape architecture is precisely such a leading discipline in the design of human homes and the ecological reconstruction of the planet, as well as a practical discipline and art of survival that enables humanity to settle permanently on Earth.——Kongjian Yu

Peking University is one of the earliest universities in China that, as early as 2000, advocated for the establishment of a landscape architecture program with Chinese characteristics, following the internationally accepted "troika" discipline group model for human settlements development, which consists of architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture. The goal is to cultivate talents urgently needed by the country in the fields of land ecological protection, territorial spatial planning, urban design, and landscape design. Focusing on land as its object of study, landscape architecture conducts comprehensive planning and design, aiming to coordinate the relationship between humans and nature. While protecting the ecology, it advocates for resource conservation, efficient land use, and support for the development of human settlements, making it a foundational discipline for advancing China's ecological civilization.

The curriculum design and teaching of landscape architecture at Peking University are guided by exploring solutions to land ecological and environmental issues. Emphasis is placed on fostering knowledge and skills across different scales and disciplines. Teaching and research activities are closely centered on key areas such as territorial spatial planning, regional ecological and nature conservation planning, urban design, ecological restoration, and ecological engineering design, while promoting the principles of land ethics and ecological aesthetics.

Degree education related to landscape architecture at Peking University originated in 1997, established by Professor Yu Kongjian upon his return to China. The main types of degrees offered include:

• Master of Science in      Human Geography (1997-2014)

• Master of Science in      Geography (Landscape Architecture) (2005-2025)

• Master of Landscape      Architecture (Professional Degree) (2006-present)

• Doctor of Philosophy in      Human Geography (2000-present)

Main Degree Programs

1. Master of Landscape Architecture in Science (MSLA)

Master of Landscape Architecture in Science (MSLA) at Peking University is a self-established secondary discipline under the first-level discipline of Geography, relying on the university’s strong comprehensive foundation in liberal arts and sciences. The program officially began enrolling postgraduate students in 2005, and as of now, it has cultivated a total of 324 Master of Science (MSLA) graduates. Starting from 2026, in response to the adjustment of Peking University’s positioning for academic degree programs, the enrollment of MSLA will be suspended, and the enrollment quota will be merged into the Master of Landscape Architecture (professional degree) program.

2. Master of Landscape Architecture (Professional Degree)

In 2006, based on the distinctive Landscape Architecture discipline at Peking University, the university launched the enrollment of part-time postgraduate students for the Master of Landscape Architecture (professional degree). In 2009, in response to the Ministry of Education’s call to vigorously develop professional degree education, it officially began enrolling full-time postgraduate students for the Master of Landscape Architecture (professional degree).

Currently, the School of Architecture and Landscape Design at Peking University offers two training modes for the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program: full-time (referred to as "FMLA" hereinafter) and part-time (referred to as "MLA" hereinafter).

• FMLA: The School of      Architecture and Landscape Design officially launched independent      enrollment for FMLA in 2013. From 2009 to 2011, the enrollment and student      management of this program were undertaken by the School of Urban and Environmental Sciences of Peking University, while the School of      Architecture and Landscape Design was responsible for student training and      teaching organization. Starting from 2026, the annual enrollment scale      will be 22 students. For specific enrollment numbers and methods, please refer      to the annual enrollment brochure.

• MLA: The School of      Architecture and Landscape Design officially launched independent      enrollment for MLA in 2012. From 2006 to 2011, the enrollment and student      management of this program were undertaken by the School of Urban and Environmental Sciences of Peking University, while the School of      Architecture and Landscape Design was responsible for student training and      teaching organization. Starting from 2026, the annual enrollment scale      will be 20 students. For specific enrollment numbers and methods, please      refer to the annual enrollment brochure.

3. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Geography

Relying on the Geography degree program of the School of Urban and Environmental Sciences at Peking University, the School of Architecture and Landscape Design enrolls PhD students in Human Geography. Since 2000, the program has enrolled nearly 50 PhD students, and more than 80% of them now hold positions in universities worldwide, dedicated to promoting the teaching concepts and practical methods of contemporary Landscape Architecture.