Birmingham Newman University Lecturer co-authors QAA Subject Benchmarks

10/04/2025 by Newman Staff
Education Staff - Steve Dixon

Dr Stephen Dixon, Senior Lecturer in Education, Childhood and Professional Studies at Birmingham Newman University, has co-authored the newly published QAA Subject Benchmarks Statements for Education Studies.

The QAA (The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) is the independent expert quality body for higher education across the UK and is trusted by higher education providers and regulatory bodies to maintain and enhance quality and standards.

The QAA Subject Benchmark Statements describe the nature of study and the academic standards expected of graduates in specific subject areas. They also show what graduates might reasonably be expected to know, do, and understand at the end of their studies. The Subject Benchmark Statements are written by subject specialists and are used as reference points in the design, delivery, and review of academic programmes and are reviewed every 5-7 years.

The Education Studies Benchmark Statements are used on both Education Studies degree courses, postgraduate courses, and a range of Initial Teacher Education programmes. Stephen Dixon was part of the panel formed to re-draft the Education Studies Benchmark Statements at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Dr. Stephen Dixon reflected on the 18 month undertaking of re-drafting the statements: “It was a privilege to represent both the Faculty and University in helping to shape the discipline for the coming years. It was a long, but collegiate process, involving a range of wonderful colleagues from institutions around the UK”.

Chosen from a large number of applicants, all panel members were appointed according to both their range of experience and strength of their research. In Stephen’s case, his research in Education and Technology was cited as being invaluable in helping shape the discipline to meet the challenges of the future, such as AI.

Dr Stephen Dixon is a Senior Lecturer in Education, Childhood, and Professional Studies, and teaches on a range of programmes. Previously a Senior Lecturer in ICT, Stephen specialises in E-learning, and the use of multimedia in learning and teaching, with a particular focus on web-based materials and web design, as well as filmmaking (he is an Apple Certified Pro). He also acts as an external consultant and external examiner for other universities. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a member of the Executive Committee of TIESA (The International Education Studies Association), for which he acts as Managing Editor for their journals. He is on the Board of Reviewers for the journals: Pastoral Care in Education, Educational Futures, Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies, and Transformations, and is currently co-editor of Educational Futures.

Related Articles