The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
REF highlights
40% of our submitted research activity has achieved the highest possible REF classification of 4*, defined as world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
92% was graded 4*/3*, defined as world-leading/internationally excellent.
- 21% of staff who we submitted to REF 2021 were early career researchers
- 13 Doctoral Training Centres/Partnerships across all our discipline areas participated in REF
- 62 impact case studies were submitted to REF 2021 for assessment
Read more about the鈥�REF assessment process and grading system.
REF 2021 results
The results below show the percentage of research in each鈥�, ranging from the highest rating of 4* to Unclassified (0*).
| REF Unit of Assessment | Departments involved | FTE of Category A staff submitted | 4* | 3* | 2* | 1* | 0* | Percentage of research rated 4* or 3* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing & Pharmacy | Pharmacy & Pharmacology | 34.5 | 52 | 47 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 99 |
| Psychology, Psychiatry & Neuroscience | Psychology,鈥�Health, School of Management | 61.45 | 22 | 61 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 83 |
| Biological Sciences | Biological & Biochemistry | 46.2 | 38 | 45 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 83 |
| Chemistry | Chemistry | 41.6 | 53 | 46 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 99 |
| Physics | Physics, Electronic & Electrical Engineering | 38.8 | 42 | 54 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 96 |
| Mathematical Sciences | Mathematical Sciences | 64.9 | 50 | 46 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 96 |
| Computer Science | Computer Science | 29.0 | 37 | 61 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 98 |
| Engineering | Architecture & Civil Engineering,鈥�Chemical Engineering,鈥�Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering | 157.1 | 34 | 62 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 96 |
| Economics & Econometrics | Economics, School of Management | 40.2 | 6 | 77 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 83 |
| Business & Management | School of Management | 94.7 | 56 | 37 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 93 |
| Politics & International Studies | Politics, Languages & International Studies, Institute of Policy Research | 34.9 | 15 | 67 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 82 |
| Social Work & Social Policy | Social & Policy Sciences,鈥�Health, School of Management, Institute of Policy Research | 46.82 | 49 | 42 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 91 |
| Education | Education, Economics, School of Management, Institute of Policy Research | 34.8 | 37 | 43 | 17 | 3 | 0 | 80 |
| Sports & Exercise Sciences, Leisure & Tourism | Health | 37.7 | 65 | 33 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 98 |