REF 2021 Results
Our exceptional results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 confirm our global academic status.
REF 2021 scoring
- 4* Quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
- 3* Quality that is internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour but which falls short of the highest standards of excellence.
- 2* Quality that is recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
- 1* Quality that is recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
- U (unclassified) Quality that falls below the standard of nationally recognised work or work which does not meet the published definition of research for the purposes of this assessment.
Our REF 2021 results
Our REF results for each unit of assessment:
|
Overall scores (%) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit of Assessment | 4* | 3* | 2* | 1* | U |
| Clinical Medicine UoA 1 | 38 | 51 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care UoA 2 | 39 | 53 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy UoA 3 | 56 | 39 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience UoA 4 | 48 | 29 | 21 | 0 | 2 |
| Biological Sciences UoA 5 | 48 | 43 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences UoA 6 | 27 | 63 | 9 | 0 | 1 |
| Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences UoA 7 | 48 | 42 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Chemistry UoA 8 | 52 | 43 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Mathematical Sciences UoA 10 | 34 | 56 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
| Computer Science and Informatics UoA 11 | 49 | 46 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Engineering UoA 12 | 46 | 50 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Architecture, Built Environment and Planning UoA 13 | 44 | 48 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Geography and Environmental Studies UoA 14 | 40 | 55 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Archaeology UoA 15 | 34 | 55 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Business and Management Studies UoA 17 | 27 | 54 | 17 | 2 | 0 |
| Law UoA 18 | 30 | 47 | 21 | 2 | 0 |
| Politics and International Studies UoA 19 | 27 | 50 | 22 | 1 | 0 |
| Social Work and Social Policy UoA 20 | 41 | 51 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Sociology UoA 21 | 30 | 50 | 18 | 2 | 0 |
| Education UoA 23 | 23 | 55 | 20 | 2 | 0 |
| Modern Languages and Linguistics UoA 26 | 53 | 35 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| English Language and Literature UoA 27 | 79 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| History UoA 28 | 24 | 38 | 34 | 4 | 0 |
| Classics UoA 29 | 32 | 40 | 26 | 2 | 0 |
| Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory UoA 32 | 49 | 48 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen Studies UoA 33 | 51 | 33 | 14 | 2 | 0 |
| Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management UoA 34 | 50 | 43 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
Submissions
The REF is a process driven by external review. Each research-active University in the UK submits a return to relevant Units of Assessment. These submissions are reviewed by expert panels appointed by Research England.
Our submissions are overseen by the University Research and Innovation Committee under the authority of Executive Board and Senate. The REF Steering Group, through the University Faculties, ensures its delivery.
The Research Strategy and Development Service under the directorship of David Hill and the oversight of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Strategy and Resources, manage the process.