Landscape Architecture specialist to advise on standards in Higher Education

An expert in Landscape Architecture at University of Gloucestershire has been appointed to an influential role by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), an independent charity that reviews standards and quality of course programmes at universities.

David Booth, Senior Lecturer in Landscape Architecture within the University’s School of Arts, is the new Deputy Chair for the QAA’s panel of UK experts advising on the nature of study and academic standards – known as Subject Benchmark Statements (SBS) – expected of graduates from Landscape Architecture programmes.

A strong focus for the group will be setting out how themes of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity, Accessibility, Sustainability, and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, are expected to be integrated with Higher Education courses in Landscape Architecture.

David Booth (pictured left) has previously been a panel member for the QAA’s SBS review in Landscape Architecture, in 2007, and he chaired the panel in 2016.

David Booth, a Chartered Landscape Architect since 1986, said: “As a long-established practitioner and academic in Landscape Architecture, I have always sought to work with the Royal Chartered Landscape Institute and the QAA to promote and enhance the role and standing of the profession.

“I am flattered to have been appointed as Deputy Chair of the review group, which is balanced between academic and professional practice, and I hope that my many years as a practitioner and academic and my experience as a previous chair will provide insight and direction.

“As part of the review process, I look forward to working again with my colleagues at the Landscape Institute, where I served on the Education Committee and chaired the National Course Accreditation Committee for a number of years.”