Circular letter CL05/07

Number	CL05/07
Subject	Publication of 15 revised subject benchmark statements and three new subject benchmark statements
Publication date	Wednesday 28 February 2007
Recipients	UK higher education (HE) institutions; professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs); learned societies; subject associations; organisations representing HE interests and providing academic support; HE funding councils; HE Academy subject centres; student bodies; and sector skills councils
Of interest to	Education officers of PSRBs and learned societies; staff involved in the design, delivery and review of academic programmes; academic support staff; employer organisations
Further information	Dr Laura Bellingham (01452 557015)
Respond to	benchmarking@qaa.ac.uk
Attachments	Revised subject benchmark statements in accounting, archaeology, architectural technology, business and management (undergraduate and postgraduate), classics and ancient history, computing, earth science, environmental sciences and environmental studies, economics, English, geography, history, philosophy, politics and international relations, theology and religious studies available at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark New subject benchmark statements in criminology, finance and housing studies available at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark The subject benchmark statements are not included as an attachment to this letter.

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Dear Colleague

I am writing to inform you of the publication of 15 revised subject benchmark statements,
in the subject areas listed above, and of three new subject benchmark statements in criminology, finance and housing studies. The new and revised statements are available
on the website at www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark

Each subject benchmark statement has been prepared by representatives of the academic subject community for each discipline. Earlier drafts were subject to full consultation – a summary response to the feedback received is also available on the website. We shall
be grateful if you would circulate this letter to the heads of relevant academic schools/departments and those responsible for academic standards in your organisation
so that they are aware of these important new documents.

Subject benchmark statements provide a means for the UK’s academic community to describe the nature of study, and the academic standards expected of graduates, in specific subject areas and in respect of particular qualifications. They provide a picture of what a graduate in a particular discipline might reasonably be expected to know, do and understand at the end of their programme of study.

Revisions to original subject benchmark statements have tended to reflect current developments, including industry changes and occupational standards; changes to, or the introduction of, the requirements of professional, statutory or regulatory bodies; changes to subject curricula, including contemporary issues such as sustainability and ethics; and European perspectives on standards.

The new subject benchmark statements have been developed in accordance with the criteria set out in the Recognition scheme for subject benchmark statements (2004). These criteria are intended to ensure that any proposal to develop a new subject benchmark statement represents the views of the subject community as a whole. The subject area itself should also be sufficiently well-established and distinct from other subject areas for which a subject benchmark statement may already exist.

If you have any feedback on any of the subject benchmark statements or the process followed in their review or development, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Laura Bellingham (01452 557015) or email benchmarking@qaa.ac.uk

Chief Executive

Yours sincerely

Peter Williams

Chief Executive