Do you dream of designing gardens, parks, or transforming urban spaces into living landscapes? The profession oflandscape architectcombinescreativity, ecology, spatial awarenessandplanning techniques..
But where to start? Here is anoverview of the best schoolsfor training in Belgium, France, and internationally.
🇧🇪 1. The best schools to become a landscape architect inBelgium
Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech – University of Liège
- Programme: Master's in Landscape Architecture
- Strengths: scientific and ecological approach, strong academic reputation, connection to research.
-
Location: Gembloux (Wallonia)
👉 Official website
La Cambre Higher Institute of Architecture – ULB
- Programme: Courses related to landscape planning through architecture
- Strengths: artistic and contextual vision, strong presence in Brussels.
-
Location: Brussels
👉 La Cambre
HOGENT – School of Arts (formerly Hogeschool Gent)
- Programme: Bachelor/Master in "Landscape and Garden Architecture"
- Strengths: practical orientation and contemporary design
-
Language: Dutch
👉 Official website
Wageningen University (NL)
-
Not Belgian, but close:world referencein agronomy, ecology and landscape.
👉 Official website
2. Best landscape architecture schools inFrance
ENSP Versailles (National School of Landscape)
- Programme: State Diploma in Landscape (master's level)
-
Reputation: the historic school of great French landscape architects
👉 ENSP site
ENSP Marseille
- Mediterranean branch of Versailles, with a sensitivity to dry climates and ecological issues of the South.
Engineering schools + landscape specialisation
- AgroCampus Ouest (Angers) – very technical and scientific
- School of Nature and Landscape in Blois – rooted in territorial projects
3. And internationally?
For those aiming for a global career, these institutions are recognised in the landscape world:
🇬🇧 University of Greenwich (UK)
- BA + MA Landscape Architecture
-
Very design and urbanism oriented
👉 Site
🇺🇸 Harvard Graduate School of Design
- MLA – Master in Landscape Architecture
-
World reference, very selective
👉 Site
🇳🇱 Wageningen University (Netherlands)
- Already mentioned, but essential for its ecological and scientific rigor
How to choose your landscape architecture school?
Some criteria to consider:
- Orientationartistic, scientific or technical
- Languageof instruction (fr/nl/en)
- Career opportunities (design office, design, urban planning, ecology...)
- Location andcost of studies
- Accreditation of the diploma (equivalence in Belgium)
For Belgians: Studying in France or abroad
Good to know:
Recognised French diplomas (such as the State diploma in landscape architecture) can berecognised in Belgiumsubject to arequest for equivalence. Moreover, studentmobility(Erasmus, scholarships) allows you to follow part of your course abroad.
Conclusion
The profession of landscape architect is attracting more and more enthusiasts ofnature, aesthetics and sustainability.Whether you are a student, changing careers or already active, a good education is the starting point for an exciting career, in service of the living.