Previous REF results

Our REF 2014 results demonstrate the public benefit of our research to society and the economy, with almost 90% deemed to have either 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' impact.

REF 2014 Impact case studies >>

All REF 2014 results >>

Watch our video to find out more about the wider benefits of our research.

REF 2014 Highlights

Overall research quality rating (grade point average) increased to 2.64, from 2.31 in 2008
Almost 90% of research with either 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' impact
60% of research at 4* and 3* quality, up from 40% in the Research Assessment Exercise 2008

Birmingham City University’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) results demonstrate the significant and wide reaching impact of our research and a marked improvement in overall quality.

Our REF submission was more ambitious than ever before, with more staff submitted in more subjects. We now have 11 subjects where the quality of our research has been assessed as ‘world leading’ (4*), ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) or ‘recognised internationally’ (2*), with an increase in our 4* and 3* research from 40% in 2008 to 60% in 2014.

More about the REF 2014 performance in individual Units of Assessment (UoAs)

Find out more 

Prior to 2014, REF was the Research Assessment Excercise (RAE 2008). View our RAE results here.