LBTU Landscape Architecture Specialisation Receives High-Level IFLA Europe Accreditation Once Again
The academic year for the Landscape Architecture specialisation at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) concludes with a significant professional recognition – the academic bachelor's and professional master's study programmes "Landscape Architecture and Planning" have once again received the European accreditation from the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) for a five-year period.
The accreditation process evaluates the structure of the study programmes, the qualifications of involved academic staff, the content and scope of the programmes, as well as their overall effectiveness. LBTU’s programmes meet the international quality criteria set by IFLA for academic and professional education in landscape architecture across Europe, including:
Programme content: an integrated approach to design, ecology, culture, and technology; emphasis on landscape planning, design, and management; must include theory, methods, analysis, and practical design work.
Study duration: at least 4–5 years or 300 ECTS credits; professional competencies should be acquired already at the undergraduate level.
Faculty competence: instructors must be qualified professionals or researchers in landscape architecture; practitioners and guest lecturers from the industry should also be involved.
Teaching methods: must include design studios, fieldwork, group work, and critical thinking; interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration is essential.
Sustainability and ethics: programmes must foster understanding of environmental, social, and cultural sustainability; professional ethics, social responsibility, and awareness of climate change must be addressed.
The criteria for landscape architecture education are defined by the IFLA/UNESCO Charter for Landscape Architectural Education (2017) and the IFLA Guidelines for Recognition or Accreditation (2008).
This is a renewed accreditation for our programmes. It should be noted that we continuously improve our study programmes in line with both the Latvian labour market demand and international standards. This is made possible thanks to the involvement of highly qualified academic staff – practising landscape architects, architects, and environmental specialists.
The accreditation is significant not only for our teaching staff, as it reflects the high quality of our programmes, but also for our students. For graduates, it opens up wider employment opportunities in other European countries.
More information on IFLA EUROPE accreditation: https://iflaeurope.eu/index.php/site/general/srp.
