Architecture Subject Benchmark Statement Review
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) safeguards standards and improves the quality of UK higher education (HE) wherever it is delivered around the world.

As part of their role, the QAA has responsibility for developing Subject Benchmark Statements. These 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.

The current Architecture Subject Benchmark Statement incorporates ARB’s Criteria for the Prescription of Qualifications, which are also held in common with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The Criteria at Part 1 and Part 2 levels form the core of the Statement and the Criteria at Part 3 are appended to the Statement.

The QAA has recently embarked on a review of all Subject Benchmark Statements and the Architecture Statement will be one of the first to be reviewed. The QAA, in conjunction with the subject community, is in the process of establishing an expert review team to carry out this work. ARB will be represented on the team.

We have also been keeping the QAA informed of developments in our current business as usual review of the Criteria. The intention is to include the revised Criteria at Part 1 and Part 2 levels within the updated Subject Benchmark Statement and append the revised Part 3 Criteria as is currently the case.

The work to review the remainder of the Statement will commence in May, drafting will occur during the summer and the QAA hope to publish a revised Statement further to a consultation in the autumn. The QAA anticipates that the revised Statement will be completed and published by the end of this year.

Click here to find out more about the QAA’s Subject Benchmark Statements.
Click here to find out more about the progress of our Criteria and Procedures Review.