Research Excellence Framework (REF)
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system used by the four UK higher education funding bodies to assess research quality in UK universities. Scores are awarded across three key areas: publications, research impact, and research environment. Our assessment scores indicate the high quality of our research and standing among UK universities.
REF 2021
We are delighted to have retained our place in the top ten universities for English. This result recognises the outstanding expertise and commitment to excellence across the school, and is a measure of the research and engagement partnerships we have developed nationally and internationally.
REF 2021 summary
| UK ranking by ‘research power’ |
9th |
| Percentage of research assessed as being of internationally excellent quality or above |
93% |
| Percentage of research assessed as being of world-leading quality |
63% |
| View the full REF 2021 results |
REF 2014
We are proud to have ranked in the top ten UK universities for research into English. Our assessment scores indicate the strength and depth of research excellence across the school.
REF 2014 summary
| UK ranking by ‘research power’ |
9th |
| Percentage of research assessed as being of internationally excellent quality or above |
82% |
| Percentage of research assessed as being of world-leading quality |
48% |
| View the full REF 2014 results |
RAE 2008
In the 2008 Research Assessment Excercise (RAE), 95% of the School's research was judged to be of international quality and 35% world-leading. The RAE 2008 has now been archived, visit the National Archives for more information. Visit the RAE 2008 website for more information.
RAE 2001
The School of English was rated 5A in RAE 2001.
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