Purpose
The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) is conducted nationally to assess the quality of research in universities and colleges in the UK. Results determine how higher education funding bodies distribute public funds for research selectively on the basis of quality. The most recent RAEs were carried out in 1996 and 2001, and the next is scheduled for 2008.
Ratings
The results of the RAE are rated on a scale as follows: 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 5*. A rating of 5* represents 'quality (that equates to attainable levels) of international excellence in more than half of the research activity submitted and (attainable levels) of national excellence in the remainder'. A rating of 1 represents 'quality (that equates to attainable levels) of national excellence in none, (or virtually none,) of the research activity submitted.'
'Best 5*'
In 2003 the 'best 5*' rating was created. This was awarded to units of assessment that had received the 5* rating in both the 1996 and 2001 RAEs or that were awarded a 5* in the 2001 exercise whilst maintaining the number of research staff they had submitted. These departments have been identified by the government as "best of the 5* departments which have a critical mass of researchers." (Department for Education and Skills (2003) The future of Higher Education. Cm 5735. London, Stationary Office).
Read about how Southampton's research compares with other UK universities.
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2001
| School | Unit of Assessment | Rating |
| Art |
History of Art, Architecture and Design |
|
| Biological Sciences | Biological Sciences | 5 |
| Chemistry | Chemistry | 5 |
| Civil Engineering and the Environment |
Civil Engineering | 5* |
| Electronics and Computer Science |
Computer Science Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
5* (best 5*) 5* (best 5*) |
| Education | Education | 4 |
| Engineering Sciences | Mechanical, Aero and Manufacturing Engineering | 5* (best 5*) |
| Geography | Geography | 5 |
| Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences |
Other Studies Allied to Medicine | 3a |
| Humanities | Archaeology English Language and Literature European Studies (Modern Languages) History Music Philosophy |
5 5 5* (best 5*) 5 5* (best 5*) 4 |
| Institute of Sound and Vibration Research |
Mechanical, Aero and Manufacturing Engineering | 5* (best 5*) |
| Law | Law | 5* (best 5*) |
| Management | Business and Management Studies | 4 |
| Mathematics | Applied Mathematics Pure Mathematics Statistics Operational Research |
5 5 5 5 |
| Medicine | Clinical Laboratory Sciences Community Based Clinical Subjects Hospital Based Clinical Subjects |
5 3a 5 |
| Nursing and Midwifery | Nursing | 3b |
| Ocean and Earth Science | Environmental Sciences | 5 |
| Optoelectronics Research Centre |
Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
5* (best 5*) 5* |
| Physics | Physics | 5* |
| Psychology | Psychology | 5 |
| Social Sciences | Economics and Econometrics Politics and International Studies Social Policy and Administration Social Work Statistics |
5 4 5 3a 5 |