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REF 2021

Our research spans seven subject-based REF units of assessment, with REF 2021 highlights for our Faculty including:

  • 58.1% of our environment is world leading (4*) and five of our seven units are in the top quartile in the sector for world leading (4*) environment
  • 47% of our outputs are world leading (4*)
  • 42.7% of our impact is outstanding (4*).

You can view a full summary of REF 2021 results for each unit of assessment below.

Definitions of metrics quoted can be found here.

An environmental scientist working on a clean air lab

Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences

Ranked 9th in the UK for 4* and 3* research overall. 100% of our impact and environment is 4* and 3*.

Three scientists working in a chemistry lab

Chemistry

3rd in the UK for outstanding (4*) research impact, 7th for research overall, joint 9th for research outputs and joint 10th for research environments.

The inner workings of a machine in a physics lab

Physics

Top 10 in the UK for research outputs, based of GPA, and joint 7th in the UK for research environment, based on GPA.

Students and a maths teacher writing calculations on a white board

Mathematical Sciences

95% of our research outputs are rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) and 90% of our research impact is rated as outstanding (4*) or very considerable (3*)

Several rows of servers

Computer Science and Informatics

5th in the UK for world leading (4*) research outputs, and 100% of research environment rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).

A researcher using lab machinery

Engineering

6th in the UK for outstanding (4*) impact and 17th in the UK for world leading (4*) overall quality.

A icy landscape depicting mountains and large chunks of ice floating in the sea

Geography and Environmental Studies

Joint 8th in the UK for world leading (4*) research environment and 14th in the UK for research power.