The University of Bath’s standing as one of the UK’s leading centres for industry-related research has been further enhanced by a major new national report which classified 87% of its work as world-leading.
The results of the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) place the university 13th in the research quality ranking of UK universities, excluding specialist institutions. 
It is ranked as the UK best university for Architecture, Built Environment and Planning research, is in the top 10 of six of the 13 units of assessment in which it participated and in the top 20 in 11.
The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) provides a robust and thorough assessment of the quality of universities’ research in all disciplines through peer review of the research of 52,061 academic staff from 154 UK universities.
Key findings for Bath include:
- 32% of its submitted research activity achieving the highest possible REF classification of 4, defined as world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
- 87% of submitted research activity being graded 4/3 (defined as world-leading/ internationally excellent).
- An overall GPA (grade point average, which provides a summary measure of the profile above) of 3.17
These results place the University of Bath 13th in the research quality ranking of UK universities (based on GPA), excluding specialist institutions.
Vice-chancellor Prof Dame Glynis Breakwell said: “The university has performed outstandingly well. It is clear that our research is very strong in delivering real-world impact – making a real difference to our world whether that is economic, social or cultural.
“These results put us in a strong position to continue to deliver leading research and attract new funding in a very competitive environment.”
Other areas of excellence include:
- Sports & Exercise Science – ranked fifth;
- Allied Health (Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Psychology, Biology & Biochemistry & Health) – ranked sixth;
- Social Policy and Social Work (which for Bath also includes Health, Economics, Education and Psychology) – ranked sixth;
- Business Studies and Management – ranked eighth;
- Aeronautical, Mechanical, Chemical and Manufacturing Engineering – ranked tenth.
Prof Dame Breakwell added: “Overall our scores for the reach and significance of the impact of our research show this to be a particular area of strength for Bath.
“Changes since the last such exercise took place (RAE 2008) mean these results require very careful interpretation before firm conclusions can be drawn but it is already clear that in several areas we are realising the benefit of investment in our research capabilities and capacity.
“Strategic initiatives such as the launch of the Institute for Policy Research and the development of new facilities for Architecture and Civil Engineering, Psychology and Management will help us to build further on our evident strengths.”
