REF 2021 results
The University achieved great results in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, with more than 61 percent of our research being rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).
Why is REF significant?
Liverpool Hope places a strong emphasis on research-informed teaching. The research done by our academics informs the teaching that our students receive, ensuring that our courses are innovative, current and stimulating.
The four UK higher education funding bodies also allocate about £2 billion per year of research funding to UK universities, based on the quality and volume of each university’s research. REF results give an indication of the research culture at an institution and the impact that research has on society.
REF 2021 highlights
- More than 61 percent of research outputs rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*)
- 96 percent of eligible academic staff submitted work in 13 Units of Assessment
- Top 3 in the North West and in the Top third of universities in the UK for Research Intensity (RI) - Complete University Guide 2023*
*RI is based on the proportion of academic staff submitted to REF out of the total eligible.
Departmental results
| Department | Result |
|---|---|
| Dance, Drama and Performing Arts | - 61% of research submitted rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) - 100% of Research Impact rated as internationally excellent (3*). |
| Education | - 65% of Research Output rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) - 83% of Research Impact rated as internationally excellent or recognised. |
| English Language and Literature |
- 25% of research submitted rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) |
| Fine Art and Design | - 38% of Research Output rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). |
| Geography and Environmental Sciences | - 38% of Research Output rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). |
| History | - 61% of Research Output rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) - 100% of Research Impact rated as internationally excellent or recognised. |
| Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering | - 100% of staff submitted research - 70% of Research Output rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). |
| Nutrition and Biosciences | - 65% of Research Output rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) - 39% of research submitted rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). |
| Politics and International Relations | - 22% of Research Output rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). |
| Psychology | - 100% of Research Impact rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) - 74% of research submitted rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) - 68% of Research Output rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). |
| Social Work and Social Policy | - A third of Research Impact rated as world leading (4*) - 67% of Research Output rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). |
| Sport and Exercise Sciences | - Two thirds of Research Output rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). |
| Theology and Religious Studies | - 100% of Research Impact rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) - 56% of research submitted rated as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) - 90% of Research Environment rated as internationally excellent or recognised. |
Useful links
Contact us
Professor Atulya K. Nagar Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and institutional lead for REF.
0151 291 3930