Opportunities in other countries with a BLA from the U.S.?

[Emily Struthers]

I am considering exploring job opportunities in the U.K. and wanted to better understand the expectations and opportunities for someone (me) who has earned their undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture. I graduated magna cum laude from the 5 year degree and obtained a minor in environmental science as well. I have internship experience at both a small Landscape Architecture Company and at a City Urban Design Center. I am also LEED Green Associate certified. 

My question is, how do my qualifications compare with what is expected to gain employment in the UK? What additional steps would you advise I pursue in order to be competitive in the UK market?

If you have experience with any other countries, I would aslo love to hear your answers!

[Stephen Lovering]

Hello, In the UK you study for a 3 yr batchelors degree, then you have a year out (in theory, if you manage to get a job) and then go back for your post grad. Once you have done the 4 yrs of study you work for 2 yrs in an office and then you can become chartered LA after passing an exam (LARE possibly). There is no work there right now i dont believe but i believe the London area to be the best for work generally. The Landscape institute website has all the info you need, its the uk’s professional website. Good luck mate, if i were you i would look at going to one of the “new countries” Australia, NZ for example as the uk has no money right now.

[Matthew Cool]

The UK government is aggressively trying to reduce the number of international workers in the UK, and while there are jobs in London, it would be very difficult to get a visa. Basically UK firms (even the big ones) will take a less experienced brit because right now it is too expensive and time consuming to get a higher qualified foreigner. But that being said I would still give it a shot! Good luck.

[Emily Struthers]

Thanks for the response! So it sounds like my BLA would be the same as the 3year degree? And therefore, I wouldn’t qualify for a job requiring post grad. The reason I was looking at the U.K. was because I saw a posting through a large international firm that had an opening in the U.K. but not in the U.S. A few months ago I looked up jobs in Australia but did not have any luck finding openings. Do you know of any good resources for finding LA/ Urban Design entry level jobs in Australia or NZ? That would be awesome.

[Emily Struthers]

Thanks for the info! Really, I’m just starting to consider working abroad and figuring out what sort of opportunities might exist for me. At this point, I’m open to anything.

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