REF 2021

REF 2021 results

The latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) found that 97% of research at Oxford Brookes was internationally recognised or higher. It also found that 70% was judged to be of ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ quality.

The REF 2021 had an increased focus on 'impact' - research that demonstrates wider benefits beyond academia, including how it brings tangible changes to aspects of society and life, and the public value it delivers. Research carried out by 416 academics across Oxford Brookes was reviewed, nearly 40% up on the number of academics who submitted research to the Research Excellence Framework 2014. You can view the full national results on the REF website.

REF 2021 logo

Our research impact


Professor Tina Miller, University Research Impact Lead gives us her reaction to the REF2021 results.

Table of 2021 results

Unit of AssessmentProfileFTE of submitted staff4*3*2*1*UnclassifiedGPA
3 - Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and PharmacyOverall22.40216712003.09
4 - Psychology, Psychiatry and NeuroscienceOverall15.90303631302.93
5 - Biological SciencesOverall43.06265416313.01
11 - Computer Science and InformaticsOverall17.30105728502.72
12 - EngineeringOverall27.9064842402.56
13 - Architecture, Built Environment and PlanningOverall41.41186120102.96
14 - Geography and Environmental StudiesOverall19.98234722802.85
17 - Business and Management StudiesOverall46.35144837102.75
18 - LawOverall15.30214631202.86
19 - Politics and International StudiesOverall26.00145432002.82
23 - EducationOverall16.60273633402.86
27 - English Language and LiteratureOverall21.6066277003.59
28 - HistoryOverall32.61164930502.76
32 - Art and Design: History, Practice and TheoryOverall9.60125427432.68
33 - Music, Drama, Dance, Performing Arts, Film and Screen StudiesOverall21.15104641302.63

FTE = Full Time Equivalent
GPA = Grade Point Average

4* = Quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour
3* = Quality that is internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour but which falls short of the highest standards of excellence
2* = Quality that is recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour
1* = Quality that is recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour
U = Quality that falls below the standard of nationally recognised work, or which does not meet the published definition of research for the purposes of this assessment