What are Subject Benchmark Statements?
Subject Benchmark Statements describe the nature of study and the academic standards expected of graduates in specific subject areas. They show what graduates might reasonably be expected to know, do and understand at the end of their studies.
Subject Benchmark Statements are written by subject specialists and we facilitate this process. They are used as reference points in the design, delivery and review of academic programmes. They provide general guidance but are not intended to prescribe set approaches. Instead, they allow for flexibility and innovation.
Subject Benchmark Statements are available for bachelor's degrees with honours and master's degrees. The full list of Subject Benchmark Statements available on our website can be found here.
An SBS isn't about imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. It's about agreeing a set of parameters which help educators establish thresholds of consistency in relation to the quality, standards, values, aims and expectations of their provision.
Dr Andy Smith, Quality and Standards Manager, QAA
New Subject Benchmark Statements: What’s changed in your discipline?
Our Subject Benchmark Statements for 2025-26 are the product of extensive sector collaboration. Across six subject areas, 103 experts from more than 60 universities, colleges and sector bodies contributed their time, insight and leadership - ensuring these Statements are created with the sector, for the sector.
- Architecture: Introduces 12 flexible literacies that reflect the broader, rapidly evolving scope of architectural education.
- Art and Design: Sets out clearer standards across levels, shaped by new thinking on accessibility, sustainability and artificial intelligence.
- History of Art, Architecture and Design: Brings a renewed emphasis on object focused study within interdisciplinary and digitally informed approaches.
- Social Policy: Provides a refreshed, forward-looking framework centred on inclusion, sustainability and emerging technologies.
- Sociology: Embeds contemporary themes - including employability, sustainability, accessibility and generative artificial intelligence - across the framework.
- Social Work: Strengthens links between research, practice and regulation, and incorporates emerging issues from AI to climate justice.