QAA launches suite of revised Subject Benchmark Statements

QAA has published a suite of revised Subject Benchmark Statements in Architecture, Art & Design, History of Art, Architecture & Design, Social Policy, Sociology and Social Work.

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. They are written by subject specialists and 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.

Chair of the Advisory Group for Architecture, the University of Westminster's Kate Cheyne said: "The new 2026 statement comes at a time when there is great change in architectural practice and architecture education. We have used this rewrite as an opportunity to describe both the expanded field of architecture as well as areas of specialisation.  The intention is to capture the essence, dynamics and diversity of architectural education… We hope this revised Subject Benchmark Statement will be a valuable resource and reference point for a range of audiences and will support future enhancement and innovation in response to a fast-changing built environment."

The Royal College of Art's Professor Hua Dong, who chaired the Advisory Group for the Art & Design Statement, said: "I am thankful and proud of the achievements we realised as a team of subject experts, with employer and student representatives, in developing the new Art and Design Subject Benchmark Statement. We have managed to distil the distinctive features that unite various disciplines of Art and Design, resulting in a succinct summary of threshold, typical, and excellent standards at undergraduate and postgraduate levels... I hope the outcome resonates with the community."

Chair of the Advisory Group for the History of Art, Architecture & Design Statement, the University of Plymouth's Dr Péter Bokody said: "Visual and material culture has fundamentally shaped human societies, and in this sense History of Art, Architecture & Design holds a special place in the way the world is experienced. Our new Statement in 2026 provides an opportunity to revisit the fundamentals of our subject in a fast-changing world. Now more than ever, we feel the relevance of object-focused study within interdisciplinary contexts, sensitive to the challenges facing communities and responsive to the advances in digital technologies."

The University of Nottingham's Dr Lee Gregory, who chaired the Advisory Group for the Social Policy Statement, said: "In an era of intersecting social, environmental, and economic challenges, this updated Statement provides timely guidance for shaping Social Policy education. Social Policy sits at the heart of public debate, bridging academic insight with real-world impact. This Statement captures the breadth and dynamism of the discipline, offering a robust foundation for innovative and inclusive programme design [and] reflects a discipline that is continually evolving in response to complex social challenges."

Manchester Metropolitan University's Liz Cain chaired the Advisory Group for Sociology. She said: "Our new Statement is designed to reflect the contemporary landscape of Sociology today... The Statement sets out a clear framework for high quality degree courses that equip students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive post-graduation. We hope this will serve as a valuable resource for colleagues in developing innovative, future focused courses."

Also from Manchester Metropolitan University, Andrea Collins chaired the Advisory Group for Social Work. She said: "Revising the Social Work Statement offered a powerful moment to pause, reflect, and reimagine what social work can and should be in a rapidly changing world. It gave us space to consider contemporary issues in practice and the profession’s contribution across diverse sectors. Through this process, we strengthened the connection between the social work knowledge base, including research and its application in practice, ensuring continued alignment with regulatory expectations across all four nations… We hope it will inspire and support the ongoing development of courses that equip future social workers with the knowledge, skills and values needed to lead meaningful and positive change."

Dr Andy Smith, Quality and Standards Manager at QAA, said: "We are pleased to publish the latest suite of revised Subject Benchmark Statements from our current review cycle. These Statements offer significant value for their respective subject communities and for the wider higher education sector in informing course design and review. I'd like to express my thanks to our Subject Advisory Group Chairs, Deputy Chairs and their members for the considerable contributions they made to this work."