ABSTRACT
Benchmark statements define national expectations of graduate understanding and skills in relation to subject disciplines. The benchmark statements for Sociology have been agreed and published by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Units of Sociology will be required to engage with them as they prepare for the new system of academic review. A 'promotional' approach recognises that the great majority of sociology departments share common objectives with respect to the abilities and skills which Sociology students are expected to acquire. Embryonic benchmarks are found in the course documentation and in the self-assessments that were prepared for the round of Teaching Quality Assessments of Sociology in 1995-6. The development of benchmarks for all subject areas in higher education was part of a wish list contained in the Dealing Report and the subsequent ambitious programme of activity announced in 1998 by the newly formed QAA.
