The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality and impact of research in higher education institutions.
REF measures:
- Quality of research outputs (e.g. publications, performances)
- Impact of research beyond academia
- The strength of the research environment
Further information is available at the REF website.
Rose Bruford College’s REF 2021 submission
In March 2021, we submitted our first institutional entry to the REF, joining over 150 institutions across the UK.
Our submission included:
- 11 staff with significant responsibility for research
- 22 published research outputs (including books, book chapters, journal articles, and practice-based outputs)
- 2 impact case studies showing how our research had measurable influence beyond academia
- A detailed statement outlining the research environment at the College
REF 2021 results and highlights
We are pleased that our REF 2021 results show meaningful progress since 2014, including:
- All preparations followed a formal Code of Practice that ensured fairness and addressed equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- A doubling of 4* quality-rated work:
- 14% in 2021, up from 7% in 2014
- An increase in the overall Grade Point Average (based on the distribution of research quality ratings)
- 87% of the submission rated as internationally recognised or above
- Over 20% of publications classified as world-class (4*)
Impact and future REFs
These results reflect a positive trajectory for a teaching-intensive institution with a growing research portfolio. Our engagement with REF is part of a broader ambition to strengthen research alongside our performance and teaching innovation.
We continue to support a diverse and sustainable research culture as a cornerstone of our Strategic Plan.
Questions or further information
If you have any questions regarding Rose Bruford’s research submission or plans for the 2029 REF exercise, please contact:
Research Office – [email protected]