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REF 2014 results

Cardiff University was 5th in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 based on the quality of our research.

We rose 17 places on the quality measure, making us the fastest rising amongst the leading research universities of the Russell Group.

For the first time in 2014 the funding councils sought to measure the impact of our research, an area in which the university was 2nd in the UK.

87% of our research was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Highlights

Some of our highlights from REF 2014 include:

  • Civil and Construction Engineering - 1st in the UK on quality, 97% of the research submitted was classed as being of a world-leading or internationally excellent quality. Its world-leading research received a 100% measure in terms of impact.
  • Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience - 2nd in the UK on quality, 92% of the research submitted was classed as being of a world-leading or internationally excellent quality. Its world-leading research received a 90% measure in terms of impact.
  • Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management - 2nd in the UK on quality, 89% of the research submitted was classed as being of a world-leading or internationally excellent quality. Its research received a 100% measure in terms of impact.
  • Sociology - 3rd in the UK, 80% of the research submitted was deemed 'outstanding' for its impact in terms of its reach and significance.
  • Education - joint 5th in the UK, 100% of the research environment was rated as conducive to producing research of world-leading quality in terms of its vitality and sustainability.
  • Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy - joint 4th in the UK on quality, 94% of the research submitted was classed as being of a world-leading or internationally excellent quality. Its world-leading research received a 90% measure in terms of impact.
  • Modern Languages and Linguistics - 1st in the UK on impact, 84% of the research submitted was classed as being of a world-leading or internationally excellent quality. Its world-leading research received a 100% measure in terms of impact.
Unit of assessment 4 star % 3 star % 2 star % 1 star % Unclassified %
UoA 1 Clinical Medicine 38.0 51.0 10.0 0.0 1.0
UoA 2 Public Health, Health Services and Primary Care 37.0 39.0 22.0 2.0 0.0
UoA 3 Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy 48.0 46.0 6.0 0.0 0.0
UoA 4 Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience 60.0 32.0 8.0 0.0 0.0
UoA 5 Biological Sciences 42.0 42.0 14.0 1.0 1.0
UoA 7 Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences 24.0 60.0 15.0 1.0 0.0
UoA 8 Chemistry 32.0 65.0 3.0 0.0 0.0
UoA 9 Physics 31.0 68.0 1.0 0.0 0.0
UoA 10 Mathematical Sciences 18.0 72.0 10.0 0.0 0.0
UoA 11 Computer Science and Informatics 26.0 53.0 20.0 1.0 0.0
UoA 14 Civil and Construction Engineering 47.0 50.0 3.0 0.0 0.0
UoA 15 General Engineering 36.0 61.0 2.0 0.0 1.0
UoA 16A Architecture, Built Environment and Planning - Geography and Planning 34.0 51.0 14.0 1.0 0.0
UoA 16B Architecture, Built Environment and Planning - Architecture 45.0 30.0 16.0 9.0 0.0
UoA 17 Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology 28.0 44.0 25.0 3.0 0.0
UoA 19 Business and Management Studies 43.0 43.0 13.0 1.0 0.0
UoA 20 Law 36.0 48.0 16.0 0.0 0.0
UoA 21 Politics and International Studies 26.0 55.0 14.0 5.0 0.0
UoA 23 Sociology 37.0 49.0 13.0 1.0 0.0
UoA 25 Education 48.0 36.0 14.0 2.0 0.0
UoA 28 Modern Languages and Linguistics 37.0 47.0 16.0 0.0 0.0
UoA 29 English Language and Literature 42.0 45.0 11.0 2.0 0.0
UoA 30 History 37.0 46.0 16.0 1.0 0.0
UoA 32 Philosophy 20.0 49.0 27.0 4.0 0.0
UoA 33 Theology and Religious Studies 33.0 43.0 21.0 3.0 0.0
UoA 35 Music, Drama, Dance and Performing Arts 43.0 42.0 15.0 0.0 0.0
UoA 36 Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management 61.0 28.0 10.0 1.0 0.0