PhD in Landscape Architecture

The doctoral program in Landscape Architecture at Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), located in Jongno-gu, South Korea, prepares researchers to study the planning, design, and management of outdoor spaces, from parks and public plazas to larger regional landscapes. Doctoral coursework addresses landscape design theory, ecological planning, site engineering, and the social and cultural dimensions of public space, giving candidates a broad foundation before they pursue a focused dissertation topic. Research within the program commonly examines subjects such as urban green infrastructure, ecological restoration, climate-responsive landscape design, the use of digital tools in landscape planning, and the role of public space in urban quality of life. Instruction is conducted in English, which allows the program to bring together doctoral students from different design and planning traditions who are interested in landscape architecture as a research field rather than professional practice alone. Graduates typically pursue academic careers teaching landscape architecture and urban design, research positions at planning and environmental institutes, or advanced technical roles within landscape architecture and urban design firms and government agencies. South Korea's ongoing urban park and green infrastructure projects give doctoral candidates practical cases to study as part of their research. The program is structured for completion in four years, with Sungkyunkwan University admitting new doctoral students in both March and September of every year. By the end of the doctorate, students have developed the research methods, design analysis skills, and academic writing ability, honed in English, needed to contribute original scholarship on landscape and public space and to lead research or teaching in the field afterward.