Our research activity is classified as top-rated and world-leading according to the latest Research Assessment Exercise.
In the latest RAE 2008 assessment almost all our research activity was judged of international standing and 20 per cent was classed as world-leading. We were ranked 12th in the overall quality of our research power, and we received a high rating for the quality of our research environment.
The Research Assessment Exercise is conducted nationally to assess the quality of research in universities and colleges in the UK. It is conducted jointly by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, and its counterparts in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.