The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
REF highlights
The results of REF 2014 confirm the excellence of the research carried out at Bath.
32% 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. 87% was graded 4*/3*, defined as world-leading/internationally excellent.
Our overall grade point average (GPA) is 3.17. Based on these results, we are placed 12th in the research quality ranking of UK universities, excluding specialist institutions.
- 91 members of staff who submitted to REF were early career researchers
- 13 Doctoral Training Centres/Partnerships across all our discipline areas participated in REF
- 57 impact case studies were submitted to REF2014 for assessment
Read more about the REF assessment process and grading system.
REF 2014 results
The results below show the percentage of research in each starred level, 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 | Psychology, Health, Biology & Biochemistry, Pharmacy & Pharmacology | 54.2 | 51 | 40 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 91% |
| Biological Sciences | Biological & Biochemistry | 24.5 | 23 | 62 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 85% |
| Chemistry | Chemistry | 33.1 | 25 | 73 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 98% |
| Physics | Physics | 23 | 25 | 66 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 91% |
| Mathematical Sciences | Mathematical Sciences | 44.4 | 26 | 62 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 88% |
| Computer Science | Computer Science, Psychology, Economics | 24 | 11 | 71 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 82% |
| Aeronautical, Mechanical, Chemical & Manufacturing Engineering | Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Architecture & Civil Engineering | 61 | 19 | 70 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 89% |
| Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Metallurgy & Materials | Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering | 20.5 | 13 | 78 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 91% |
| Architecture, Built Environment & Planning | Architecture & Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering | 28.4 | 50 | 40 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 90% |
| Business & Management | School of Management, Economics, Psychology | 64.9 | 41 | 43 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 84% |
| Social Work & Social Policy | Social & Policy Sciences, Education, Economics, Psychology, Health | 35.6 | 46 | 34 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 80% |
| Sports & Exercise Sciences, Leisure & Tourism | Health, Biology & Biochemistry | 22 | 47 | 43 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 90% |
| Area Studies | Politics, Languages & International Studies, Economics | 26 | 23 | 45 | 23 | 8 | 1 | 68% |