School of English

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 The RAE 2008 has now been archived, visit the National Archives for more information.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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School of English

Trent Building
The University of Nottingham
University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD

telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 5900
email: english-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk