In Estonia, landscape architecture can be studied at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Currently, this can only be done at the Estonian University of Life Sciences (EMÜ). However, starting from the new academic year, it will also be possible to study it at the Estonian Academy of Arts. The master's program is two years long and free of charge. Six to eight students will be admitted.
Lecturer and architect Katrin Koov says the goal is to increase the number of landscape architects in the job market. "The Landscape Architects' Union said that more workers are needed in the job market. Since technical universities do not teach this either, more opportunities are needed," said Koov.
EKA also offered a master's program in landscape architecture about 10 years ago, but at that time it was fee-based. All applicants with a bachelor's degree in landscape architecture can apply for the new master's program.
EKA and EMÜ have collaborated. Their master's programs should complement each other, not compete. EMÜ's chief specialist Toomas Muru said there is a shortage of landscape architects in the Estonian job market. "That's why we saw that an additional study opportunity in Tallinn would be beneficial," said Muru.
EMÜ will continue teaching classical landscape architecture. EKA's master's program will focus more on urban environment design. "Urban space, street space, parks, and other urban constructions. Planning projects will be done together with architecture students," explained Koov.