REF 2014

Oxford Brookes’ REF 2014 results

Oxford Brookes’ well-established and growing international reputation for research has been confirmed with the publication of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 results.

The results of the exercise show that 94%* of research is internationally recognised which compares to 78% in 2008. REF 2014 also found that 59% was judged to be of ‘world leading’ quality or ‘internationally excellent’, compared with 36% in 2008.

Research from across Oxford Brookes was shown to have been of significant quality with the results indicating particular strength in the Units of Assessment covering:

  • Architecture, Built Environment and Planning
  • Business and Management Studies
  • English Language and Literature
  • History
  • General Engineering
  • Music, Drama, Dance and Performing Arts.

Professor Alistair Fitt, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, commented: “The REF 2014 results are a reflection of the expertise and confidence of researchers from across Oxford Brookes. We are justly proud of our thriving research community and these results are testament to the hard work of world-leading experts at the University.”

* All stated figures FTE weighted.

Table of 2014 results

Unit of AssessmentFTE4*3*2*1*u/cGPA
3 - Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy10.20186416022.96
4 - Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience14.7084641502.57
5 - Biological Sciences25.60134636502.67
11 - Computer Science and Informatics13.00203925882.55
15 - General Engineering25.9035439402.55
16 - Architecture, Built Environment and Planning32.19234628302.90
17 - Geography, Environmental Studies and Archaeology13.7073253802.39
19 - Business and Management Studies23.50114738402.65
20 - Law9.0003460602.28
21 - Politics and International Relations14.601133391612.37
25 - Education10.501126461612.29
29 - English Language and Literature14.70206515003.05
30 - History28.75255320203.01
32 - Philosophy6.3092161902.30
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory7.90738401502.37
35 - Music, Drama, Dance and Performing Arts11.65263141202.81
36 - Communication, Culture and Media Studies, Library and Information Management7.301143271632.43

FTE = Full Time Equivalent
GPA = Grade Point Average
4* = Quality that is world leading
3* = Quality that is internationally excellent
2* = Quality that is recognised internationally
1* = Quality that is recognised nationally

Research impact

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the new system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions (HEIs). The REF2014 results were announced in December 2014.

REF2014 introduced an assessment of the ‘impact’ arising from excellent research, alongside the ‘outputs’ and environment elements. Examples of how Oxford Brookes research is having an impact can be read on our Research Impact Showcase pages.